Why This Market Still Works (For the Right Buyer)

Blog posted On January 27, 2026

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

• Buyers can actually negotiate again
• 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.

If you’re trying to figure out if buying now makes sense, talk to your HMA mortgage professional.

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

No pressure. Just straight answers and a plan that fits you.

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