For the past few years, mortgage rates have felt like the monster under the bed. Every time they creep up, buyers jump back and say, “Maybe I’ll wait…”
But here’s the plot twist: waiting for the “perfect” 5-point-something rate may not actually save you the money you think it will—and it could even cost you more in the long run.

The Magic Number, According to NAR

The National Association of Realtors recently explained that when mortgage rates dip to 6%, affordability instantly improves for millions of Americans. Their data shows:

A 30-year fixed rate mortgage of 6% would make the median-priced home affordable for about 5.5 million more households—including 1.6 million renters. If rates hit that magic number, it’s likely that about 10%—or 550,000—of those additional households would buy a home within 12–18 months.

In other words: once rates start with a “5” again, the market won’t just get busier—it could get swarmed.

Pent-Up Demand = Higher Prices

Many would-be buyers are sitting on the sidelines waiting for that magic number. And experts are predicting that 2026 could be the year rates dip into the high-5s again.

But here’s the catch:
When rates fall, buyer psychology shifts instantly. People who’ve been waiting will all start jumping back in at once. That wave of demand increases competition…which puts upward pressure on home prices.

The Real Math: 6.2% vs. 5.99%

Let’s talk numbers—because the numbers tell the truth.

On a $400,000 mortgage, the difference between today’s average rate (around 6.2%) and 5.99% is roughly:

👉 About $50 a month.

That’s less than many people spend on weekly coffee, a couple of takeout orders, or a spontaneous Target run.

Now compare that to what could happen if home prices rise—say 2%, 3%, or more—when thousands of new buyers flood the market at 5.99%. Just a small bump in home prices can easily wipe out that $50/month savings…and then some.

The Hidden Advantage of Buying Before Everyone Else Jumps In

Buying now—before rates dip below 6%—can actually give you meaningful advantages:

✔ More homes to choose from
✔ Better negotiating leverage with today’s sellers
✔ Less competition for the same property
✔ Less chance of bidding wars
✔ Ability to refinance later if rates drop

Those benefits shrink fast once rates start with a “5.”

Bottom Line

If you’ve been waiting for 5.99% to “make your move,” the truth is:
The difference may not be worth missing out on today’s opportunities.

Mortgage rates aren’t something to fear—and if you’re ready, this could be the perfect window to act before the market wakes up again.

Don’t wait for the crowd to return to the market—get ahead of it.
📞 Call us at: 770-318-1387 / 770-318-1425
📧 Email: Christy Rivero at christy@riveroandcorealestate.com | Andy Rivero at andy@riveroandcorealestate.com

Let’s talk strategy and take advantage of today’s opportunities.