In today’s housing market, one concern rises above all others: monthly payments. In fact, 78% of buyers say their biggest hesitation isn’t the home price — it’s whether they can comfortably afford the payment. That mindset makes sense. Borrowing costs remain higher than the ultra-low rates of the past, and buyers are more cautious about … Continue reading Payment-Focused, Not Price-Focused: How to Budget for a Home in 2026 →

Market Comment Mortgage bond prices finished the week near unchanged which held rates steady. Trading was very quiet the beginning of the week, but volatility picked up Thursday and Friday as an anticipated Supreme Court ruling on tariffs was delayed and the Fed’s 2026 rate path remained murky. The economic data was mixed. ISM Index … Continue reading MIG Market Watch, January 12th, 2026 →

Affordability challenges are expected to remain a key issue for homebuyers in 2026. While home prices and mortgage rates may stabilize compared to recent years, many buyers will still face higher monthly payments than they anticipated. The good news? A more balanced housing market is opening the door to creative financing strategies that can significantly … Continue reading Creative Financing in 2026: How Seller Concessions and 2/1 Buydowns Can Improve Affordability →