09/26/2026
Stevenson Ranch buyers, don’t sleep on this market shift. 👀
The 2026 housing market has changed — and that can create opportunities for buyers who are prepared.
Earlier forecasts expected mortgage rates to move closer to 6% this year. Instead, inflation and changing economic conditions have pushed rates higher, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage recently moving above 7%.
That may sound like bad news, but there’s another side to the story.
Higher rates can reduce buyer competition. In some cases, that means fewer bidding wars, more time to evaluate homes, and potentially more negotiating leverage with sellers than buyers had during the ultra-competitive years.
Housing supply has also improved from the extremely tight inventory levels we experienced in previous years, giving buyers more choices and making pricing strategy increasingly important for sellers.
The key is not trying to perfectly predict where mortgage rates will go next.
It’s finding the right Stevenson Ranch home at a price and monthly payment that makes sense today — while understanding that refinancing could become an option later if rates eventually decline.
Buyer tip: Get fully underwritten before you start seriously shopping. When a well-priced Stevenson Ranch home hits the market, being ready to act can give you an advantage over buyers who are still working through financing.
And don’t focus only on the interest rate. We can also evaluate seller credits, rate buydowns, negotiating opportunities and different financing strategies that may substantially change your actual monthly payment.
If Stevenson Ranch is on your 2026 move list, this is a good time to understand what your buying power really looks like.
Reach out to our team to learn about our Buyer Advantage Program that is helping buyers save money when buying!
