Mortgage rates are up….bad time to buy?

Mortgage Rates Are Climbing Again. Is This a Bad Time to Buy a Home?

By Bruce McQuiston | Your Personal Real Estate Coach

If you’ve been watching the news, you’ve probably seen another headline about mortgage rates moving higher. It’s enough to make many buyers wonder if they should keep waiting or move forward now.

The latest housing data shows mortgage applications declined last week as the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed to 6.76%, the highest level since August 2025. Not surprisingly, fewer homeowners are refinancing, and some buyers have temporarily stepped back while they evaluate their options.

But here’s the interesting part…

Even with higher interest rates, more people are applying to buy homes than they were at this time last year.

That tells us something important.

Buyers Haven’t Disappeared

For the past few years, many buyers have been waiting for the “perfect” market.

Some hoped mortgage rates would fall dramatically.

Others expected home prices to decline significantly.

Neither has happened in most markets.

Instead, we’re seeing something different.

More homes are becoming available, giving buyers more choices than they’ve had in several years. That increased inventory is encouraging many people who were waiting on the sidelines to begin their home search again.

In other words, buyers still want to own a home. They’re simply being more selective.

Why Inventory Matters More Than Ever

When inventory was extremely limited, buyers often had to make quick decisions and compete against multiple offers.

Today’s market feels different.

Many buyers now have the opportunity to:

• Compare more homes before making a decision.
• Negotiate repairs or seller concessions.
• Take a little more time without feeling rushed.
• Find a home that better fits their lifestyle and budget.

That’s a healthier market for many buyers.

Bruce’s Perspective

Higher mortgage rates certainly affect affordability, but they don’t tell the whole story.

After more than 25 years helping buyers and sellers throughout South Denver Metro, one thing has become very clear:

The best time to buy isn’t determined by national headlines. It’s determined by your personal circumstances.

I’ve worked with clients who purchased when rates were above 7% and later refinanced when rates declined.

I’ve also seen buyers wait for lower rates only to face higher home prices and more competition when those rates finally came down.

Every situation is different.

That’s why buying a home should never be based on headlines alone.

What This Means for Sellers

If you’re planning to sell your home, higher mortgage rates don’t mean buyers have disappeared.

Well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods continue to attract serious interest.

Today’s buyers are simply more informed and more selective.

Homes that are priced correctly, professionally marketed, and presented well are still selling successfully.

What This Means for Buyers

If you’re financially ready to purchase a home, don’t assume you need to wait for dramatically lower interest rates.

Instead, focus on finding the right home at the right price.

Remember, you can refinance a mortgage later, but you can’t go back and buy today’s home at yesterday’s price.

The Bottom Line

Mortgage rates continue to influence the housing market, but they are only one part of the equation.

More available homes are creating opportunities many buyers haven’t seen in years.

For some families, today’s market may offer more negotiating power and more choices than they’ve had in a long time.

The key is understanding your options and building a strategy based on your goals—not the latest headline.

If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to buy or sell in Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Englewood, Centennial, Castle Rock, Parker, or anywhere in South Denver Metro, I’d be happy to help you evaluate your specific situation.

After all, every market is local, and every move should be based on facts—not fear.