Happy Friday! I hope you had a wonderful time celebrating our nation’s historic 250th birthday last week. Reaching the halfway point of 2026 makes it the perfect time for a quick “Halftime Report” on where the housing market stands and how it impacts your financial goals.
Lately, mortgage rates have been drifting sideways in a narrow range near 10-month highs as the market searches for direction. Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen some minor volatility; rates edged slightly upward last week, but managed a friendly, modest recovery yesterday. These daily shifts are heavily tied to fluctuating oil prices. Because lower energy costs ease overall inflation pressures, a recent dip in oil has helped keep financing costs below the peaks we saw last year.
This environment is creating a surprisingly balanced and stable summer market. According to a new Zillow report, June home sales actually climbed nearly 6% year-over-year. Why? Because even with home values remaining near record highs, lower financing costs compared to last summer dropped the typical monthly mortgage payment by 2.5%, boosting buyer purchasing power. Interestingly, lower-priced entry-level homes are seeing the strongest surge in activity. Meanwhile, inventory growth is leveling off, keeping the market beautifully balanced rather than heavily tilted toward buyers or sellers.
Outside of market data, a recent FICO survey caught my eye. It revealed that 74% of prospective buyers feel held back by financial obstacles, and nearly 60% admit they do not fully understand the homebuying process. Even more surprising: more than one in five are unsure how much their credit score influences their interest rate.
You do not have to wait until you find a house to build a strong financial foundation. Whether you are a buyer trying to navigate credit preparation, a past client wondering about your current equity, or a professional partner guiding a client, education is your best tool.
