Should You Buy, Sell, or Wait in 2026?
The real estate market in early 2026 is shaping up to be the comeback story we've all been waiting for! Mortgage rates are expected to ease down, and a wave of pent-up buyer demand is finally ready to break through, bringing healthier activity after a few sluggish years. Home prices should rise moderately, not excessively, but rather steadily and sustainably, avoiding sticker shock for anyone. If you're a homeowner thinking about selling, this could be your golden window as buyers come out of hibernation and multiple offers make a return. For buyers who've been sitting on the sidelines waiting for rates to magically drop to pre-pandemic levels, here's the reality check: buying now with modest appreciation beats watching from the bleachers while prices keep climbing. Here in Southern California, our market remains strong with steady demand, though we might see more balanced conditions compared to the frenzy of recent years, which actually means better opportunities for savvy buyers and realistic sellers alike. Whether you're buying or selling, the smart move is to start preparing now rather than waiting until everyone floods the market in spring; early birds really do get the best deals. Call us to discuss!
- When you need to work on your credit. Maybe your credit score is just starting to recover, but you need more time to pay down debts for a couple of years. With rent-to-own, you could start investing in a home while you bring up your score.
- You’re close, but not quite ready to secure a mortgage. You might have a good job with a significantly bigger salary, but you haven’t been there long enough for a lender to consider it a stable source of income. Or maybe you’re self-employed and you’re still building a reliable track record. Rent-to-own allows time to build personal wealth and financial credibility while working toward your homeownership goals.
- When you know you’re going to buy when the lease expires. If you’re not ready to buy when the lease expires, then you will lose any rent credit, i.e. investment, you’ve put into the home.
