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After a few years where buying or selling a home felt out of reach, 2026 could be the year the market finally gains traction. Industry experts are forecasting more movement ahead, and that could open the door for you to make your next move with confidence.
More People Are Expected To Move
Over the past couple of years, high rates and limited affordability put many homeowners’ plans on hold. But that pause won’t last forever. People will always need to move—to relocate for work, find more space, or downsize, and experts anticipate more of those moves happening in 2026.
What’s driving the shift? Two key factors: mortgage rates and home prices. Let’s look at what’s expected in both areas.
Mortgage Rates Could Continue To Ease
It’s no secret that rates have played a big role in keeping buyers and sellers on the sidelines. The good news: after peaking near 7% earlier this year, rates have started to come down—and experts predict they’ll continue trending lower throughout 2026.
It may not be a straight path down, but even small declines can make a meaningful difference in affordability. Compared to when rates were at their highest, many buyers are already saving hundreds on potential monthly payments. That’s progress worth celebrating.
As rates gradually move toward the low 6s—or possibly even the high 5s—more buyers will regain confidence and purchasing power, helping the market pick up speed.
Home Prices Will Rise at a More Moderate Pace
At the same time, home prices are expected to grow at a steadier, more sustainable rate. Experts agree prices aren’t headed for a crash. In most markets, demand will remain strong enough to keep values stable or rising modestly.
That’s good news for both buyers and sellers: buyers get more predictability when budgeting, and sellers benefit from continued equity growth. While each market will vary, the national forecast points toward moderate, healthy appreciation, setting the stage for a more balanced market overall.
How Evergreen Helps You Move With Confidence
At Evergreen Home Loans™, we believe peace of mind should come standard with every mortgage. That’s why we offer the Security Plus Seller Guarantee™, a program designed to give your offer the strength and certainty it needs to stand out in any market.
With Security Plus, buyers can shop with confidence knowing their loan has already been through a full credit underwrite. Sellers gain the assurance that the offer is backed by Evergreen’s proven track record, and if the loan doesn’t close due to Evergreen, we’ll pay the seller $10,000.*
It’s a program that’s been tested, trusted, and proven to help buyers compete successfully in tight markets, and it’s one of the many ways Evergreen continues to make homeownership easier.
After a quieter stretch in housing, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of opportunity. With mortgage rates trending lower, price growth stabilizing, and more people ready to make a move, the market’s momentum is building again.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling next year, now’s the time to prepare. An Evergreen Home Loans™ Loan Officer can help you understand your options, secure financing with confidence, and make your offer stand out with Security Plus—so you can move forward On Time and As Promised®.
Ready to make 2026 your year to move?
Contact your local Evergreen Home Loans™ Loan Officer today to get started.
Source: KCM
