Have mortgage interest rates already bottomed for 2026? In this episode of The Educated Homebuyer, we break down the recent jump in mortgage rates, why global conflict, oil prices, inflation, and Treasury yields are all putting upward pressure on the market, and what that means for buyers planning to purchase a home this year. We also explain whether waiting for lower rates is a smart strategy, what would need to change for rates to fall again, and how homebuyers should think about timing the market in 2026. If you want to make a confident, informed homebuying decision in today’s market, this episode is a must-watch. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Timestamps:
00:00 – Have mortgage rates bottomed for 2026?
00:45 – Why rates spiked (global conflict & oil impact)
02:30 – How much rates have actually increased
03:30 – Comparing past rate spikes vs. today
04:30 – Why this time may be different
05:30 – Inflation, oil, and economic ripple effects
07:30 – Government spending, debt, and rate pressure
09:30 – What needs to happen for rates to fall again
11:00 – Jobs data, inflation, and Fed outlook
13:00 – Can we see lower rates later in 2026?
14:30 – What this means for homebuyers right now
16:00 – Final take: Have we seen the lowest rates of the year?

➡️ FREE Online Workshop - Your Guide to Buying A Home In 2026

✅ Ready to become a homeowner? Start your stress-free journey today

Waiting to buy a home could be costing you more than you think. While most buyers focus on mortgage rates, home prices, and monthly payments, very few stop to consider the true financial cost of waiting—and in many cases, it’s significant.

In this episode of The Educated Homebuyer, we break down the real math behind the “buy now vs wait” decision. From steady home price appreciation to competitive market dynamics, even modest increases in value can add up to thousands of dollars over time. And while many buyers are holding out for lower interest rates, the reality is you don’t control both price and rate at the same time.

If you're a first-time homebuyer or planning to purchase in today’s housing market, this episode will help you better understand affordability, timing, and how to make a confident decision based on your personal situation—not headlines.

In this episode, we cover:

• The hidden cost of waiting to buy a home
• How home price appreciation impacts your buying power
• Why timing the market is nearly impossible
• The relationship between mortgage rates and home prices
• How to decide if now is the right time for you to buy

Whether you're debating buying your first home or making your next move, this episode gives you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

✅ Ready to become a homeowner? Start your stress-free journey today:
theeducatedhomebuyer.com/start

📩 Have questions about your situation? Connect with our team:
theeducatedhomebuyer.com/start

The FED just sent a warning that most people are completely missing and it could have a direct impact on the housing market. With inflation not cooling as fast as expected, rates staying higher for longer, and uncertainty rising from global events, the path forward just got a lot more complicated for homebuyers. In this video, we break down exactly what the FED said, what it really means for mortgage rates, and whether you should be buying now or waiting as the housing market shifts.

• Start your stress-free loan journey today
• FREE Home Buying Workshop
• Join Rate Watch – we’ll watch rates for you
• Email: info@theeducatedhomebuyer.com

• 
  

Connect with Us 👇

Jeb SmithHuntington Beach Realtor / Orange County Real Estate
DRE #01407449
Real Broker

Josh Lewis
Huntington Beach Certified Mortgage Expert
DRE #01209148
Buywise Mortgage
Mobile: 714-916-5727

If you're thinking about buying a home and want to learn the smartest way to get started, visit https://www.theeducatedhomebuyer.com/start.

Mortgage rates might not fall anytime soon — and oil prices could be the reason why.

In this episode of The Educated Homebuyer, Jeb Smith and Josh Lewis break down the surprising connection between oil prices, inflation, and mortgage rates. While many buyers focus on the Federal Reserve, global energy markets may actually play a bigger role in where interest rates go next.

With rising tensions in the Middle East pushing oil prices higher, the ripple effects could impact inflation expectations and keep mortgage rates elevated longer than many buyers expect.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why oil prices can influence mortgage rates
• How global conflicts affect inflation and financial markets
• The connection between energy prices and interest rates
• Why uncertainty in global markets can keep rates higher
• What homebuyers should actually be watching right now

If you're waiting for mortgage rates to drop before buying a home, understanding these macro forces can help you make smarter decisions instead of reacting to headlines.

Thinking about buying soon?
Start here → https://www.theeducatedhomebuyer.com/start

Subscribe to The Educated Homebuyer for weekly insights on buying right, borrowing smart, and building long-term wealth through real estate.

Mortgage interest rates are moving higher due to uncertainy in the Middle East and how it will impact oil prices and inflation going forward. In this LIVE episode, we’re breaking down what’s really driving mortgage rates, how the latest inflation and jobs data impact the housing market, and what it all means for buyers and homeowners heading into 2026 so you can make smart decisions and become The Educated HomeBuyer.

• Start your stress-free loan journey today
• Join Rate Watch – we’ll watch rates for you
• Email: info@theeducatedhomebuyer.com

• 
  

Connect with Us 👇

Jeb SmithHuntington Beach Realtor / Orange County Real Estate
DRE #01407449
Real Broker

Josh Lewis
Huntington Beach Certified Mortgage Expert
DRE #01209148
Buywise Mortgage
Mobile: 714-916-5727

Is the housing market finally starting to improve? In this episode of The Educated Homebuyer, Jeb Smith and mortgage expert Josh Lewis break down Zillow’s latest housing market forecast and what it means for home prices, affordability, and mortgage rates heading into 2026.

Recent data suggests that housing affordability has improved, with the average buyer potentially able to afford about $30,000 more home compared to this time last year. But what’s actually driving that shift? Is it falling mortgage rates, slowing home price growth, rising incomes, or something else entirely? In this episode, we dive into the three key factors that impact affordability: interest rates, home prices, and wages, and explain how each one could shape the housing market over the next 12 months.

We also discuss Zillow’s projection for home price growth, why housing market forecasts can change quickly, and what homebuyers and homeowners should really be paying attention to as the market evolves. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to buy a home, wait for lower mortgage rates, or prepare for a changing real estate market, this episode will help you cut through the headlines and focus on what matters most.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, repeat buyer, homeowner, or real estate investor, this episode offers practical insight into where the housing market may be headed and how to make smarter decisions in today’s environment.

If you're thinking about buying a home and want to learn the smartest way to get started, visit www.theeducatedhomebuyer.com/start.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Zillow’s latest housing market predictions
• Why housing affordability may be improving
• Mortgage rate trends and what could happen next
• Home price forecasts for the next 12 months
• The three factors that drive housing affordability
• Should you buy a home now or wait for better conditions?

The Educated Homebuyer Podcast is designed to help you buy right, borrow smart, and build wealth through real estate with expert insights on mortgages, housing trends, and smart homebuying strategies.

Housing affordability may finally be improving in 2026 — but what does that actually mean for homebuyers?

In this episode of The Educated HomeBuyer, Jeb Smith and mortgage expert Josh break down new data suggesting that affordability is beginning to improve thanks to lower mortgage rates and rising incomes. They discuss what Zillow’s latest analysis means for buyers, whether the improvement is meaningful in today’s market, and what buyers should be watching as we move further into the year.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, this conversation will help you understand how affordability works, how mortgage rates impact your buying power, and why small shifts in rates can make a bigger difference than most people realize.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Why housing affordability may improve in 2026
• How mortgage rates impact buying power
• What Zillow’s housing forecast means for buyers
• Why more homes may be entering buyers’ budgets
• What to watch heading into the spring housing market

If you’re planning to buy a home and want expert guidance on the process, our team can help you build a strategy before you start shopping.

Start here:
www.theeducatedhomebuyer.com/start

The Educated HomeBuyer podcast focuses on helping buyers make smarter decisions when purchasing a home by understanding mortgages, market trends, and the strategies that experienced professionals use every day.

Interest Rates just hit a 3.5 year low. Should you refinance now or wait? Are you considering refinancing your current mortgage to pay off debt, lower your mortgage payment, get rid of PMI or just get better loan terms? How do you know when is the right time? In this episode, we discuss the current mortgage interest rate environment and when it makes sense to refinance your mortage.

• Ready To Refinance? Start Here

• Join Rate Watch – we’ll watch rates for you
• Email: info@theeducatedhomebuyer.com

• 
  

Connect with Us 👇

Jeb SmithHuntington Beach Realtor / Orange County Real Estate
DRE #01407449
Real Broker

Josh Lewis
Huntington Beach Certified Mortgage Expert
DRE #01209148
Buywise Mortgage
Mobile: 714-916-5727