2026 Homebuyers: Buy Early or Wait Until Later?

Rates could dip to high-5% by Dec '26… while prices creep up 1-4%.
Wait for a 5.9% rate? Price may rise to ~$423K, making your payment ~$2,354.
That’s an $85/month saving… but rent averages $2K & could keep rising.
Inventory jumped 12.6%, but 38% of sellers pulled listings—good houses go FAST.
Check if you qualify: mortgage ≤ 28% of your monthly income.