Is the Market Really That Bad? Debunking the Fear Based Headlines

Blog posted On January 22, 2026

Is the Market Really That Bad? Debunking the Fear Based Headlines

You’ve probably seen the headlines:
“Housing affordability is the worst in decades”
“Rates are squeezing buyers out”
“Is the housing market headed for a correction?”

It’s easy to feel like buying a home right now is a terrible idea. Real estate headlines are usually written to scare you, not to help you make smart decisions.

Are rates higher than they were a few years ago? Yes.

Are home prices different than they were in 2020? Of course.

But none of that automatically means it's a bad time to buy. It just means the market has shifted. And the buyers who understand that shift are the ones moving forward with a plan.

In this market, buyers who block out the noise and focus on the facts are finding real opportunities.

Let’s Look at the Bigger Picture

Step back from the headlines and take a look at where things actually stand:

• Rates aren’t crazy

They’re higher than they were in 2020, but still in a normal historical range. People bought homes in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s at rates much higher than today

• Prices aren’t crashing

Most markets are holding steady or growing modestly. Inventory is still tight, and demand hasn’t disappeared.

• The market is more balanced

Buyers actually have time to think. Sellers are negotiating. You’re not one of 20 offers anymore.

• This isn’t 2008

No wave of bad loans. No massive oversupply. Equity is strong, and lending guidelines are solid. It’s a totally different situation.

Why This Market Still Works (For the Right Buyer)

Plenty of people are still buying homes right now, and here’s why:

• Buyers can negotiate
• Some sellers are offering rate buydowns, closing cost help, or credits
• Buyers can refinance later if rates drop
• Rent is still climbing, and owning locks in your monthly payment
• Long term wealth is still built through ownership, not by waiting for perfect timing

If you’re in it for the long haul, this market can absolutely work in your favor.

Ask Yourself

If you're planning to stay in a home for at least a few years, your income is stable, and you're tired of rent going up every year, what are you really waiting for?

You don’t need to be reckless, but you also don’t need to sit out just because the news is loud.

The best time to buy isn’t when everything is perfect. It’s when you’re ready and the math makes sense.

Counterpoints Buyers Might Raise (And How to Think About Them)

“Rates are high. Why not just wait until they drop?”

Fair question. But when rates drop, demand usually spikes. That means more buyers, more bidding wars, and higher prices. Today’s buyers have more leverage. You can always refinance a rate but you can’t rewind and buy the house someone else just locked down.

“What if home values drop after I buy?”

If you’re planning to stay for a few years or more, short term price swings don’t matter. Real estate has always rewarded time and consistency. This is a long game asset.

“It’s just not affordable right now.”

No question. It’s tight. But rent isn’t getting cheaper either. If you’re not ready yet, use this time to build a plan. Save, improve credit, talk through creative options. Getting prepared now puts you in control later.

Wrap Up: Clear Heads Win in Markets Like This

Yes, the market looks different than it did a couple years ago. But different doesn’t mean bad. It means you have to think differently, plan better, and move with intention.

We’ll walk through your numbers, look at what’s possible in your market, and lay out your options.

That’s how buyers are winning right now. They’re not hoping. They’re preparing.