A separate survey found most US adults still saw homeownership as part of the American Dream, showing ownership goals remained strong despite higher buying costs.
For new buyers, the guidance stressed that taxes, insurance, interest rates and other ownership costs can meaningfully change total housing expenses overall.
Buyers were urged to focus on the full monthly payment, not just the purchase price, when deciding what fits their budget best.
Buyers were also encouraged to build a downpayment strategy, including researching assistance programs before shopping, while balancing upfront cash with reserves for surprises.
For 2026 planning, buyers were advised that a bigger downpayment can lower the mortgage, but keeping cash reserves still matters for unexpected expenses.

Mortgage rates stayed above ~6% through most of the current year, hovering near ~6.5% recently. On a median-priced home, payments ran nearly $2.6K.
A rate cut at the central bank's Early-Q3 meeting looked unlikely, and one housing forecast expected mortgage rates to finish the year around low-6%.
Shopping multiple lenders mattered: comparing two quotes could save ~$600 yearly in interest, while four quotes could save >$1.2K. Check APR and fees too.
Experts said stronger finances can improve terms: aim for ~740 credit, debt-to-income near or below mid-30%, and enough down payment to avoid PMI.
Buyers could compare title and insurance providers, seek seller credits, and remember the lowest rate often goes to the buyer who did more homework.

A broker said many buyers need a readiness check, including savings, reserves, budget clarity, and a practical plan if buying does not make sense yet.
He said broad headlines can push people toward hesitation, but homeownership still fits buyers who are financially prepared and clear on their goals.
His optimism for the rest of 2026 was not tied to rate forecasts. Instead, he sees more clients reaching a point where waiting feels less obvious.
He said buyers and professionals gradually acclimate when rates stay in a similar range, rather than continuing to expect a return to ultra-low borrowing costs.
He said brokers who kept working through difficult files and stayed positive are best positioned to earn trust from clients and referral partners.
That approach also supports agents, he said, because they need lending partners who can solve tougher cases now and remain top of mind later.

As of current month, the US had 2.7K homeownership assistance programs nationwide, with 2.1K active and funded, giving buyers more usable options.
Grants stood at 234 programs, 9% of tracked options; 62% allowed income limits above $100K, and 291 programs had no income restrictions.
First-time buyers could access 1.7K programs, while 35 programs served first-generation buyers. Coverage also reached 962 two- to four-unit options and 1.1K manufactured-home options.
Most programs supported existing homes, and 2.2K also covered new construction. Second mortgages remained the most common structure, totaling 1.5K programs nationwide.
Availability still varied: 77% were active and funded, while municipalities administered the biggest share. Assistance can reduce cash needed at closing and support rate buydowns.

As we move through 2026, it’s encouraging to see that while mortgage rates are higher than earlier this year, they’re still below 2025 levels. For many families I work with, this means more options and improved pathways to homeownership, especially for those who may have felt sidelined by previous rate hikes. Lower rates are making it possible for more buyers to qualify for financing, whether you’re planning that first purchase or considering an investment property.

The condo market is also showing signs of stabilization, with improved affordability bringing buyers back—condos have even outperformed single-family homes on price gains in several metros recently. This is a great reminder that building equity and growing your housing wealth is still within reach, particularly in the Midwest, where affordability remains a key advantage in planning conversations.

If you’re exploring the possibility of homeownership or looking to refinance, these shifting conditions could open up more workable mortgage solutions for you. My focus has always been on guiding families through every step of the process, with a special emphasis on first-time homebuyer programs and down payment assistance. It’s a privilege to support you as you turn your homeownership goals into reality.

Down payment hurdles are still the biggest challenge for many first-time buyers—even when their monthly budgets are ready for homeownership. This is something I see daily in my work helping families navigate the path to their first home. With federal support shifting away from several key loan programs this year, it’s more important than ever for mortgage professionals to stay current on all the assistance options available. I’m committed to keeping up-to-date on new resources and programs, including those highlighted by recent industry partnerships focused on broker education and shared guidance for eligible buyers. Nearly 200 brokers recently came together in Washington to advocate for credit reform, mortgage insurance, compensation clarity, and condo reserve priorities, all with the goal of expanding access for buyers. Looking ahead, major events like the upcoming 2026 national broker conference in Las Vegas will continue to provide valuable training and networking that directly benefit my clients. My focus remains on making the process as smooth and supportive as possible—especially for those taking their first steps toward building generational wealth through homeownership.