Buying
Is Now a Good Time to Buy a House?
By David Golovin · September 18, 2026 · 2 min read
Rates are near 7% and the market is shifting in buyers' favor. More inventory, more seller concessions, and less competition from other buyers than at any point in over a decade.
Sources: Freddie Mac PMMS, Scripps News
58%
Sellers outnumber buyers by
Largest gap in over a decade
6.95%
30-year mortgage rate
Near a 16-month high
-19%
Buyer competition drop
Mortgage apps vs. a year ago
What high rates mean in practice
Rates near 7% mean fewer buyers can afford the same home. That reduces bidding wars and gives serious buyers more room to negotiate price, repairs, and concessions.
One way to get a lower rate now
Homes with assumable FHA or VA loans let you take over the seller rate instead of financing at 6.95%. Roots lists 17,000+ of these with the estimated rate and downpayment shown upfront.
FAQ
Is it a good time to buy a house with rates near 7%?
More homes are on the market and sellers are more willing to negotiate than at any point in the last decade. Rates are high, but assumable FHA and VA listings let some buyers lock in rates well below the current market.
Should I wait for mortgage rates to drop before buying?
Rates have surprised forecasters repeatedly. Waiting for lower rates while renting means paying rent without building equity. If you find a home that works financially at today rates, waiting carries its own cost.
How do assumable mortgages help buyers right now?
An assumable FHA or VA loan lets you take over the seller existing rate instead of financing at 6.95%. The average estimated assumable rate on Roots is 4.53%. On a $350k balance, that saves an estimated $600 or more per month.