If you've been holding off on buying a home in Central Ohio because of rate headlines, here's something worth knowing: more buyers are moving forward right now, not less. A growing number of homes for sale is giving buyers more to choose from, even with mortgage rates parked at their highest point of the year. Here's what's behind the shift, and what it could mean for your own search.

The Gist

• Mortgage applications bumped up 1.9% last week, mostly thanks to a 6% jump in purchase applications
• Rates are near their highest weekly average all year, but more homes for sale are giving buyers something to work with
• The advice from the experts? Stop obsessing over timing the rates perfectly, and start focusing on whether a home actually fits your life

Okay, So What's Going On Here

Here's the plot twist: mortgage applications went up last week, even though rates just hit their highest weekly average of the year. Not exactly what you'd expect, right?

The Mortgage Bankers Association says applications climbed 1.9% for the week ending Friday. And it wasn't refinancing driving that — purchase applications (aka people actually buying homes) jumped 6% from the week before. Refis actually dipped a little, down 2%.

Zoom out and it gets even better. Purchase activity is now running 0.2% ahead of this time last year, which is a real flip from the week before, when things were actually lagging behind 2025. Refinancing is having an even better year, up 7% compared to last year.

So Why Are People Buying Right Now?

It's definitely not because rates got friendlier. The 30-year fixed rate averaged 6.55% last Thursday, and by Tuesday it had crept up to 6.75% on a daily basis.

The real reason people are moving is inventory. There are just more homes to choose from than there were a year ago — up 4.2% in June, per Homes.com data. And that's a pattern showing up here in Central Ohio too, with more listings giving local buyers more to choose from. More options means more chances buyers find something that actually clicks for them, even if the monthly payment stings a bit more than they'd like.

Mike Fratantoni, chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association, thinks this has some staying power. Growing inventory is helping drive purchase activity across a lot of markets. He also pointed out a wrinkle to keep an eye on: inflation eased up in June, but oil prices spiked again, so don't be surprised if that progress stalls out in July — which probably means rates stick around at these higher levels for a bit longer.

The Advice Worth Actually Listening To

If you're holding out for the "perfect" moment to buy, Jeff DerGurahian, chief investment officer at loanDepot, has some blunt advice: stop waiting for it.

His take? The bigger picture hasn't really changed. If you find a place that fits your budget and your long-term plans, it's worth moving on it now — and hey, if rates drop later, refinancing is always there as a backup plan.

Bottom line: Rates are annoying, sure, but they're not the whole story. If you've been sitting on the sidelines because of scary rate headlines, just know there are more homes out there to choose from right now — and that might matter a lot more for your search than the rate itself.

Ready to See What's Out There?

More inventory means more homes that might fit what you're looking for — including some you won't find with a basic online search. Contact Kendra today for a personalized list of available homes in Central Ohio, plus access to listings not yet on the open market.

The latest Columbus MLS data paints a picture of a housing market that continues to gain value while becoming more balanced for both buyers and sellers.

Home values remain strong, with the median sales price climbing to $346,500—an 8.3% increase compared to April of last year. At the same time, inventory has grown by 13.4%, giving buyers more options than they've seen in recent years and creating a healthier overall market.

Although closed sales were down year-over-year, buyer demand remains steady. Year-to-date contracts are up 1.5%, indicating that many buyers are still actively pursuing homeownership despite higher interest rates and evolving market conditions.

We're also seeing homes spend a little longer on the market, with average days on market increasing from 32 to 39 days. While that's a notable shift from the fast-paced market of recent years, well-prepared and properly priced homes are still attracting strong interest.

What the Numbers Mean

A few key highlights from the latest report:

• Median home price increased to $346,500 (+8.3%)
• Inventory grew 13.4%, creating more choices for buyers
• New listings increased 7.8%
• Average days on market rose from 32 to 39 days
• Sellers are still receiving nearly 98% of their original list price

What Sellers Should Know

For homeowners considering a sale, today's market continues to offer strong pricing opportunities. However, buyers have become more selective, and the days of simply listing a home and expecting multiple offers immediately are becoming less common.

Success in today's market depends on thoughtful pricing, strong presentation, and a strategic marketing plan. Sellers who prepare their homes well and price them appropriately are still achieving excellent results.

What Buyers Should Know

For buyers, the market is becoming more favorable. Increased inventory means more homes to choose from, while longer market times can provide additional opportunities to negotiate and make informed decisions.

While competition hasn't disappeared, many buyers are finding they have more breathing room than they did during the peak of the seller's market.

Looking Ahead

The Columbus housing market remains healthy and resilient. Rising home values continue to benefit homeowners, while growing inventory is helping create a more balanced environment for buyers.

Whether you're considering buying, selling, or simply keeping an eye on the market, understanding these trends can help you make confident decisions in the months ahead.

If you're curious about how these market trends affect your home's value or your plans for buying this year, feel free to reach out. Our team is always happy to help you make sense of the numbers and develop a strategy that aligns with your goals.

Just as many Americans were hoping for a friendlier housing market in 2026, mortgage rates have moved sharply higher again.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate recently climbed to its highest level in nine months, adding fresh pressure to affordability and creating new challenges for buyers and sellers alike. The rise comes amid growing inflation concerns tied to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have pushed Treasury yields—and ultimately mortgage rates—higher. 

Why Are Mortgage Rates Rising?

Mortgage rates don't move directly with Federal Reserve decisions. Instead, they tend to track the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note.

In recent months, investors have grown increasingly concerned that higher energy prices and renewed inflation pressures could keep interest rates elevated for longer. The conflict involving Iran has contributed to those concerns by driving volatility in oil markets and increasing inflation expectations. 

As a result, mortgage rates have steadily climbed from below 6% earlier this year to roughly the mid-6% range today. Freddie Mac data cited by multiple housing reports shows rates reaching their highest level since last summer. 

The Impact on Homebuyers

For buyers, even a modest increase in mortgage rates can significantly affect monthly payments.

A higher rate means:

• Larger monthly mortgage payments
• Reduced purchasing power
• More difficulty qualifying for loans
• Increased caution among first-time buyers

Many buyers who were waiting for rates to fall below 6% are now finding themselves facing a more expensive borrowing environment than expected. Mortgage application activity has already shown signs of slowing as rates move higher. 

The affordability challenge remains especially difficult in markets where home prices have stayed elevated despite slower sales activity.

Why Sellers Are Feeling the Effects Too

Higher mortgage rates don't just affect buyers.

Many homeowners remain locked into mortgages below 5%, making them reluctant to sell and take on a much higher rate for their next home. This phenomenon, often called the "lock-in effect," continues to limit housing inventory in many markets. 

For sellers, that creates a mixed picture:

The good news: Limited inventory means less competition.

The challenge: Higher borrowing costs shrink the pool of qualified buyers.

Homes that are overpriced or need significant work may sit on the market longer than they would have when financing was cheaper.

Is the Housing Market Still Resilient?

Despite the rate increases, the housing market has shown surprising resilience.

Inventory levels have improved compared with recent years, giving buyers more options. In many markets, sellers have become more willing to negotiate on price, concessions, or closing costs. Some analysts argue that these improvements are helping offset part of the affordability challenge created by higher mortgage rates. 

However, the market remains highly sensitive to future economic developments. If inflation stays elevated and rates continue rising, housing activity could slow further.

What Happens Next?

The outlook for mortgage rates largely depends on inflation, economic growth, and geopolitical developments.

If energy prices stabilize and inflation pressures ease, mortgage rates could retreat later in the year. On the other hand, prolonged market uncertainty could keep borrowing costs elevated and continue weighing on affordability. 

For buyers, the key takeaway is that waiting for dramatically lower rates may not be a guaranteed strategy. For sellers, realistic pricing and flexibility may become increasingly important as financing costs remain a major obstacle for prospective buyers.

Final Thoughts

The housing market entered 2026 with hopes of a sustained recovery, but rising mortgage rates have complicated that narrative. With rates now at a nine-month high, affordability remains the biggest challenge facing the market.

While buyers may benefit from growing inventory and greater negotiating power, higher borrowing costs continue to limit what many households can afford. Until inflation cools and mortgage rates begin moving lower, both buyers and sellers will need to navigate a housing market that remains caught between improving fundamentals and persistent financial headwinds. 

Adapted from reporting by Realtor.com

The spring 2026 housing market is starting to shift. According to Realtor.com, nearly 17% of homes nationwide saw price reductions this spring as inventory grows and buyers become more cautious.

The biggest slowdowns are happening in:

• Phoenix
• Tampa
• San Antonio
• Denver
• Portland

These markets exploded during the pandemic housing boom, but higher mortgage rates and affordability challenges are now cooling demand. Homes are sitting longer, buyers are negotiating harder, and sellers are increasingly cutting prices to stay competitive.

But Columbus is in a different position.

Unlike Phoenix or Tampa, Columbus never experienced the same level of overheated price growth. The market has appreciated more steadily, supported by long-term fundamentals like job growth, healthcare, education, and major investments such as Intel’s semiconductor expansion in Central Ohio.

Columbus also remains far more affordable than many of the cities seeing major corrections. That affordability continues attracting both local buyers and people relocating from more expensive housing markets.

Inventory has increased across Central Ohio, giving buyers more choices and slightly more negotiating power than they had over the last few years. However, demand remains healthy, homes are still selling relatively quickly, and the market hasn’t experienced the sharp price reductions happening in many Sun Belt and West Coast cities.

Compared to the five cooling markets, Columbus looks more balanced than distressed. Sellers still need to price homes correctly, but the region’s stable economy and affordability are helping it avoid the dramatic slowdown seen elsewhere.

The bigger picture: while many former pandemic boomtowns are correcting, Columbus continues to look like a steady long-term growth market rather than a boom-and-bust housing cycle.

Global events often feel far removed from the real estate market, but major geopolitical conflicts can quickly affect inflation, interest rates, and buyer confidence. A recent article from Inman highlighted how the ongoing conflict involving Iran is creating new uncertainty for the Federal Reserve and raising concerns about future mortgage rates.

As oil prices rise and inflation pressures increase, the Fed appears more divided than ever on whether rate cuts are still realistic in 2026. 

Why the Fed Is Concerned

The biggest issue is energy prices. Disruptions tied to the conflict have pushed oil and gasoline costs higher, contributing to rising inflation. Recent inflation reports showed consumer prices increasing faster than expected, with energy costs playing a major role. 

Normally, the Federal Reserve lowers rates when inflation cools and the economy slows. However, if inflation remains elevated because of global energy shocks, the Fed may decide to hold rates steady—or even consider additional hikes. Several policymakers have warned that prolonged disruptions could force tighter monetary policy. 

What This Means for Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are heavily influenced by inflation expectations and bond markets. Even if the Fed does not officially raise rates, uncertainty surrounding inflation can still push borrowing costs higher.

Recent reports already show Treasury yields and long-term borrowing costs increasing as investors react to inflation fears and geopolitical instability. 

For homebuyers, this means mortgage rates could remain volatile throughout 2026.

Impact on Buyers

Higher mortgage rates reduce affordability by increasing monthly payments. Buyers who were waiting for lower rates may face a more complicated environment if inflation remains elevated.

However, many housing markets are also seeing:

• More inventory
• Longer days on market
• Increased negotiation opportunities

This means buyers may still benefit from less competition compared to the intense seller’s markets of recent years.

Impact on Sellers

For sellers, pricing strategy becomes even more important in uncertain rate environments. Buyers tend to become more cautious when rates rise, which can slow demand and extend selling timelines.

Homes that are properly priced, marketed well, and move-in ready are more likely to stand out.

Why This Matters Beyond Real Estate

The housing market does not operate independently from the broader economy. Global conflicts can influence:

• Inflation
• Consumer confidence
• Fuel costs
• Mortgage rates
• Construction costs

All of these factors eventually impact housing activity.

Final Thoughts

The Fed’s response to inflation and global instability will likely shape the housing market for the rest of 2026. While many buyers hoped for significant rate cuts this year, rising energy prices and inflation concerns may delay those expectations.

For both buyers and sellers, staying informed and flexible will be essential in a market that continues to shift quickly.

This blog was inspired by reporting from Inman discussing the Federal Reserve, inflation concerns, and the economic impact of the Iran conflict.

The U.S. housing market is showing new signs of strain as foreclosure activity rises in early 2026. According to recent data, foreclosure filings increased significantly in the first quarter of the year, suggesting that some homeowners may be feeling growing financial pressure.

In Q1 2026, more than 118,000 properties across the United States had foreclosure filings. That marks a noticeable increase compared to both the previous quarter and the same time last year. These filings include default notices, scheduled auctions, and bank repossessions—all indicators that homeowners are struggling to keep up with mortgage payments.

One of the most important warning signs is the rise in foreclosure starts, which jumped by about 20% year-over-year. This suggests that more homeowners are entering the early stages of foreclosure, often due to missed payments or financial hardship. At the same time, bank repossessions surged even more dramatically—up 45% from last year, indicating that more cases are reaching completion. 

What’s Driving the Increase?

While foreclosure levels are still below the peaks seen during past housing crises, the upward trend points to broader economic pressures. Rising living costs, higher mortgage rates, and overall affordability challenges are making it harder for some homeowners to stay current on their loans. 

This doesn’t necessarily mean a housing crash is imminent. In fact, many experts view this increase as part of a “normalization” process following historically low foreclosure activity in recent years. However, the steady rise does suggest that financial stress is building for certain segments of the population.

Where Are Foreclosures Happening Most?

Foreclosure activity is not evenly distributed across the country. States like Florida, Texas, California, and Illinois are seeing some of the highest numbers of foreclosure starts. Additionally, certain metro areas—including large cities—are experiencing higher concentrations of filings, reflecting local economic conditions and housing affordability challenges.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, rising foreclosures could eventually create more opportunities in the housing market, potentially increasing inventory and offering lower-priced options. For sellers and homeowners, however, the trend is a reminder of the importance of financial planning and staying ahead of mortgage obligations.

The Bottom Line

The increase in foreclosure activity in 2026 is worth paying attention to, but it doesn’t necessarily signal a crisis. Instead, it reflects a shifting market where economic pressures are beginning to impact some homeowners. As the year continues, watching foreclosure trends will be key to understanding where the housing market is headed next.

Source: Adapted from reporting by Realtor.com