A Calm Start to 2026 May Be the Opportunity Most Buyers Miss

February 2, 2026 | Kevin Brierton Team | ,

Inside Lending For the week of February 2, 2026

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”—George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright and critic

NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE

The housing market is finding a comfortable early-year pace. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, Existing Home Sales closed out the year on firmer footing, supported by growing inventory and steady buyer interest. More listings continue to give buyers added flexibility and help transactions move forward more smoothly. On the new-construction side, data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows New Home Sales remained resilient, with builders benefiting from improved affordability and an increased supply of completed homes. These conditions are helping meet demand from buyers looking for move-in-ready options.

Meanwhile, weekly data from Realtor.com indicates active inventory remains well above year-ago levels, reinforcing the shift toward a more balanced market. Analysts note that this environment — more options, steadier pricing, and consistent demand — supports a healthy start to 2026.

REVIEW OF LAST WEEK

STEADY START TO THE YEAR… Markets closed January on solid footing as investors grew more confident the Federal Reserve is nearing the end of its tightening cycle. Stocks responded positively to signs of cooling inflation and a gradually softening labor market. Consumer spending data also pointed to resilience, helping reinforce confidence in the broader economic outlook.

Despite some day-to-day volatility, the overall takeaway from last week was stability, with investors increasingly focused on longer-term fundamentals rather than short-term swings.

Bonds held their ground, with the 30-Year UMBS 5.0% ending the week little changed. Freddie Mac reported minimal movement in the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in its Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Remember, mortgage rates can be extremely volatile, so check with your mortgage professional for up-to-the-minute information. DID YOU KNOW…Industry research shows that buyers who start their home search early in the year often face less competition and have more room to negotiate — one reason the first quarter is traditionally a strong planning period for serious buyers.

THIS WEEK’S FORECAST

JOBS, SERVICES SECTOR, CONSUMER SENTIMENT…This week features several closely watched indicators, including Nonfarm Payrolls, ISM Services, and Consumer Sentiment. Economists expect labor conditions to remain steady and service-sector activity to continue expanding, reinforcing confidence as the housing market moves deeper into the first quarter.

FEDERAL RESERVE WATCH

Forecasting Federal Reserve policy changes in coming months. Markets continue to expect the Fed to hold steady in the near term while monitoring inflation and employment trends. Futures pricing suggests growing confidence that policy support could come later in the year if progress continues. Current rate is 3.50%–3.75%.

Article content

BUSINESS TIP OF THE WEEK

February is a great month to refine your systems. Take time to tighten follow-up plans, refresh marketing touchpoints, and reconnect with referral partners. Small process improvements now can make the rest of the year run smoother — and more profitably.

A more balanced market rewards preparation, not speed.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or refinancing in 2026, now is the ideal time to slow down and plan intelligently—before competition heats up later in the year.

In a Mortgage Strategy Call, we’ll:

  • Review how current inventory and affordability trends affect your options
  • Identify smart timing strategies based on your goals, not headlines
  • Build a clear plan so you’re positioned to act confidently when the moment is right

📅 Schedule your Mortgage Strategy Call today and move forward with clarity and purpose.