10/14/2026
Bargain Hunting With Rates Above 7% | Everyone needs a little "Beach Therapy!"
With mortgage rates holding steady above 7%, it’s no wonder many buyers are feeling the squeeze as borrowing costs climb and affordability remains a real concern. Drawing on my time navigating tight quarters as a US Navy Submarine sailor, I know the value of preparation — and a recent study confirms it pays off here, too: planning for a potential half-point rate change within 3 months, three-quarters within 6 months, and a full point within a year could help you stay ahead. Interestingly, buyers who wait until later in the year often find better deals: homes in early Q4 typically list for about 5% less than they did in late Q2, plus there’s less competition and more room to negotiate. With a roughly 5-month supply on the market recently, buyers have had more leverage on price, closing costs, and even options like discount points or temporary rate buydowns. While the market still expects more Fed tightening, the long game is all about cooler inflation—and that could mean some relief on those mortgage costs down the line.
