At QRL Financial Services, we want our business partners to have the latest market insights—and to know how we can support your continued success. The landscape for homebuyers has shifted: Home affordability is now the best it’s been in the past four years.  (Source: ICE Mortgage Monitor, February 2026) This isn’t just good news for buyers; it’s a valuable opportunity for real estate professionals, builders, and fellow financial advisors looking to help more clients achieve their goals.

In an evolving housing market, every shift in mortgage rates carries significant implications—not just for homebuyers, but for the entire real estate and lending ecosystem. With mortgage rates recently revisiting territory in the low 6% (and, briefly, the high 5% range) for the first time in three years, now is a key moment for industry professionals to regroup, recalibrate, and engage their client base.

Wondering what to expect from the housing market in 2026? You’re not the only one. For the past few years, affordability has been the biggest barrier standing between most people and their next move. And a lot of buyers and sellers have been holding their breath waiting for things to get better. The good news? It’s finally happening.

As mortgage professionals, we often see the spring and summer buying seasons get all the attention—but winter can be a powerful window for both our clients and our businesses.

If you’ve worked with military members, or Veterans, you know their service comes with unique challenges—and unique benefits. Yet, despite robust resources, many Veterans are still missing out on one of their most powerful tools for homeownership: the VA loan.

QRL Financial Services, a subsidiary of First Federal Bank, is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary this November. Over two decades, QRL has built a reputation for empowering community banks and credit unions to offer expanded lending solutions—without the burden of additional staff, technology, or operational complexity.

There’s a lot to digest about why mortgage rates move. If you watch just one indicator, make it the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield. It’s a widely followed benchmark for long-term borrowing costs, and mortgage rates typically trend in the same direction over time.

If your clients have tried to sell a home this year, but couldn’t get the price they were hoping for, they’re not alone. Today’s market can feel slow and discouraging. History tells a different story, though: the housing market always bounces back. In the ’80s, during the 2008 financial crisis, and even through 2020, sales fell—and then recovered.  Some industry analysis suggest that conditions may improve as mortgage rates change over time. While slowdowns are common, history shows that housing markets often recover.

The home price forecasts presented are based on data from third-party sources and reflect projections as of the time of publication. These forecasts are not guarantees of future performances and are subject to change due to evolving market conditions. Real estate trends vary significantly by location and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

With constant headlines and shifting economic signals, it’s only natural to wonder: What’s next for home prices? Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or a real estate agent guiding your clients, understanding the latest market trends is key to making smart decisions in today’s market.

Helping a client purchase their very first home is both exciting and a big responsibility. For many first-time buyers, the process can feel overwhelming and confusing. As a mortgage lender, your expert guidance can make all the difference. Here are five actionable ways you can confidently lead your buyers through every step: