πŸ“‰ Will Mortgage Rates Drop in 2026?
Buyer & Builder Forecasts for Myrtle Beach

How Rates Work
2026 Expert Forecasts
Impact on Buyers
Impact on Builders
Should You Wait?
2026 Game Plan
Quick Reality Check: What Drives Mortgage Rates?
  • Federal funds rate (set indirectly by the Fed)
  • Inflation expectations
  • Bond market & 10-year Treasury yields
  • Risk & investor demand

The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, but the 2025–2026 outlook shows gradual rate easing as inflation aims toward 2%.

What Experts Predict for 2026

MBA: Rates easing into mid-6% range by late 2026.

Fannie Mae: High-5% to low-6% range as inflation cools.

Freddie Mac: Elevated compared to history, but off 2023–2024 highs.

Plain English

  • Expect mid-5% to mid-6% averages
  • No return to pandemic-era 3% rates
  • Volatile month to month
Impact on Myrtle Beach Buyers

Affordability Shift

Dropping from high-6s to mid-6s saves $150–$300/month for typical Myrtle Beach homes.

Inventory & Competition

  • More sellers listing as they release their ultra-low pandemic rates
  • Out-of-state buyers re-entering the market

Smart 2026 Buyer Moves

  • Choose the right home, refinance later
  • Use buydowns & seller credits
  • Strategic locking with float-down options
What Lower-but-Not-Low Rates Mean for Builders

Expect More Incentives

  • 2-1 & 3-2-1 buydowns
  • Permanent rate buydowns
  • Closing-cost help

Product Shifts in 2026

  • Smarter square footage
  • Energy-efficient features
  • Flexible multipurpose spaces

Builders like Carolina Crafted Homes can create real affordability through design + incentives rather than price cuts.

Should You Wait or Move in 2026?

When Waiting Helps

  • Credit score needs improving
  • Locked into a 3–4% mortgage already
  • Need time to save for down payment

When Moving Makes Sense

  • Your life stage demands it
  • You find the right home or homesite
  • Builder incentives make payments workable

Most forecasts expect rate cuts into 2027, meaning refinance opportunities will exist.

2026 Game Plan (Buyers & Builders)

For Buyers

  • Know your comfort payment
  • Compare today vs. possible 2027 refinance
  • Consider new construction with structured buydowns
  • Look just outside hot zones for value

For Builders

  • Lead with transparent pricing
  • Use meaningful buydowns
  • Highlight lifestyle value: beach, golf, marsh views
  • Partner with local lenders

⚑ Your 2026 Prep Checklist

Schedule Your 2026 Consultation