With all the economic headlines, global events, and nonstop talk about affordability, it’s completely normal to question whether now is the right time to move. If you’ve been feeling unsure, you’re not alone. But here’s the part that really matters.

Recent events are definitely influencing the housing market, but they don’t mean buying a home is off the table. It just means you may need to approach it with a different strategy.

Mortgage Rates Have Been Up Slightly – Here's Why

Mortgage rates were trending down for most of 2025, but over the past month or so, they’ve started to climb again. Experts say that shift is tied to what’s happening overseas and in the broader economy. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains:

““Mortgage rates have recently moved higher, driven by geopolitical uncertainty and rising energy costs that are contributing to inflation concerns.”
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— Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American

But what does that actually mean for you? Should you hold off on buying a home until things settle down?

No, you don’t need to wait.

Your Window To Buy Didn’t Close

It’s true that about a month ago, when rates were just under 6 percent, buying felt a little more affordable. Now that rates are hovering in the mid sixes, monthly payments are higher.

But take a step back for a moment.

Let’s say you’re taking out a $500K loan. Even with rates in the mid sixes, you’d still be saving about $300 a month on your payment compared to buyers who purchased earlier last year.

That means the recent rise in rates hasn’t wiped out the progress we’ve made. Buying is still more affordable than it was just a year ago, as you can see below.

Sure, your monthly payment would’ve been a bit lower a few weeks ago, but it’s always easier to see that in hindsight.

The goal moving forward shouldn’t be trying to perfectly time the market since things change too quickly for that. Instead, it’s about making the best decision you can based on today’s conditions. And the most important advice is to be prepared for some volatility.

When It Comes To Rates, Expect the Unexpected

Mortgage rates will keep shifting in the coming weeks and months as new economic reports and information are released.

Try to remember that you can’t control global events or where rates will be next week or even next month, but you can control how you prepare. When you focus on preparation, it becomes less about the headlines and more about your own situation.

If You Want or Need To Move, You Still Can

The simple truth is if you want or need to move, you still can.

And for buyers who choose to move forward, there are still ways to make it work.

For example, you might look into options like adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs, to secure a lower rate at the start. It may or may not be the right choice for you, but it shows an important point that there are still strategies that can help you move forward, even in today’s market.

What matters most is having a plan.

And working with the right agent and lender plays a big role in making that happen. With expert help, you’ll be able to:

Understand your budget and see what the numbers look like with today’s rates.
Explore your financing options, including ARMs and different assistance programs.
Get trusted guidance from professionals who will keep you informed throughout the entire process.