EP212 - The Housing Market Is IMPROVING!
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.