Want to buy a house in the first half of 2026? Follow these crucial steps.

Mortgage rates in early 2026 have dropped to a three-year low, with 30-year fixed rates around 6.06% and 15-year rates near 5.38%, improving affordability despite limited inventory and steady home prices. New underwriting standards reduce emphasis on credit scores, considering broader financial behavior. Buyers should prepare financially, explore low down payment options, and focus on personal readiness rather than market timing.