If there is one question we hear every day at Aspyre Realty Group, it’s this: "Will interest rates ever go back to 3%?"

As we look ahead to 2026, the answer from nearly every major financial institution is a resounding no. But the good news is that we are entering a period of stability—and for buyers and sellers in Southeastern North Carolina, stability is arguably more valuable than a rock-bottom rate.

Here is what the top economists are forecasting for 2026 and, more importantly, what it means for your purchasing power in New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, and Brunswick counties.

The Consensus: The "New Normal" is 6%

The days of the "pandemic low" rates are in the rearview mirror. For 2026, the major players have aligned on a forecast that puts the 30-year fixed mortgage rate in the high 5% to mid-6% range.

Fannie Mae: One of the more optimistic voices, they project rates could drift down to 5.9% by the end of 2026.

Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA): Taking a more conservative stance, they forecast rates remaining steady between 6.2% and 6.4%.

National Association of Realtors (NAR): Chief Economist Lawrence Yun predicts rates will stabilize near 6%, and he forecasts a 14% jump in home sales.

What this means for you: The "wait and see" strategy is expiring. If rates are projected to stay flat, waiting another year won't save you money—but it might cost you in home appreciation.

The "Lock-In" Thaw

For the last two years, the market has been stuck because sellers with 3% rates refused to move. In 2026, we expect this ice to finally break.

Life Goes On: Families have grown, jobs have changed, and retirees are ready to downsize. The "pain" of trading a 3% rate for a 6% rate is lessening as homeowners realize this is the long-term reality.

More Inventory: As these sellers come off the sidelines, we expect inventory to rise in neighborhoods like Northchase, Porters Neck, and Leland. More inventory means you aren't fighting five other offers for the only decent house on the block.

The Local Advantage: Why Our Coast Wins

While national averages tell one story, real estate is hyper-local. Our region has a distinct advantage that insulates us from national fluctuations: Inbound Migration.

Retirees are Rate-Resilient: A significant portion of buyers in St. James and Brunswick Forest are cash or large-down-payment buyers. They are less sensitive to interest rates, which keeps property values stable even when other parts of the country soften.

The Rental Math: For investors in Surf City or Oak Island, a 6% interest rate is still viable when paired with the strong rental revenue our coastal season generates.

Strategic Moves for 2026 Buyers

If you are planning to buy in 2026, your strategy needs to shift from "timing the market" to "mathing the market."

Date the Rate, Marry the Price: You can always refinance if rates drop to 5%, but you can never go back and pay the 2025 price for a home.

Ask for the Buydown: In this balanced market, we are negotiating for sellers to pay for a "2-1 Buydown." This gives you a roughly 4% rate for your first year—easing you into the payment while you settle in.

Let’s Run Your Personal Numbers

Headlines are general; your budget is specific. A 6.2% rate looks very different on a townhome in Jacksonville than it does on a waterfront estate in Hampstead.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we don't just show houses; we help you build a financial strategy that works. We can connect you with local lenders who understand the 2026 landscape and can show you exactly what your monthly payment looks like at today's rates versus next year's projections. Let’s sit down and turn the "what ifs" into a plan.