Is 2026 the Year You Finally Stop Dating Your Landlord? 💍🏡

If you spent 2025 waiting for the “perfect” market, you weren’t alone. A lot of buyers were sitting on the sidelines… basically waiting for the market to text them back like an ex who “just needs time.”

Meanwhile, life kept moving.

Here in Burbank and Glendale, March 2026 is feeling a lot less chaotic and a lot more… manageable. Not perfect. But workable. And in real estate, that’s usually when things start to make sense again.

The Interest Rate Reality Check ☕

Let’s just say it out loud so we can all move on: interest rates are not going back to 2021 levels unless someone digs up a DeLorean.

That said, things are improving in a way that actually matters.

The “Less Painful” Shift

We’ve moved off those mid-to-high 6% rates that had everyone clutching their calculators and reconsidering their life choices. I'm sure you've heard of the 2/1 buydown.  If not, hit me up to discuss.

High 5s Were Looking Pretty Good

No, it’s not free money. But even a 1% drop in rate can make a noticeable difference in your monthly payment. That’s real buying power, not just wishful thinking.  Which takes us back to the 2/1 buydown.

Marry the House, Date the Rate

And yes, I'm tired of that phrase too.  But it doesn't change it from being correct. You can refinance a rate. You can’t refinance the price you paid. Waiting for the “perfect” rate has a funny way of turning into higher prices and more competition later.

 

Creative Deals Are Back

Seller credits, rate buydowns, help with closing costs… all the things we didn’t see much of during the frenzy are making a comeback. It’s not quite a clearance sale, but at least now there’s some negotiation happening. It is now, and always has been a balence sheet issue.  Buyer has budget, Seller has targeted amount required to sell. My job? Is to assist my clients in fullfilling their needs to the best of my ability. 

 

Why 2026 Feels Different (In a Good Way)

• More Options, Finally
• There are actually more homes on the market compared to last year. You might even get the wild luxury of seeing a property twice before making a decision.
• Bidding Wars Have Calmed Down
• The great homes still move quickly, but we’re no longer in full “throw everything and hope you win” mode. Buyers can breathe a little.
• Sellers Are Getting Real
• Prices have leveled out, and sellers are adjusting expectations. Deals are starting to make sense again, which is a refreshing change from the chaos.
• The Bottom Line
• Trying to perfectly time the market is like trying to predict Los Angeles traffic. Technically possible… but mostly an exercise in frustration.
• The smarter move is buying when it fits your life, your budget, and your long-term goals.
• And if you’re still “just looking,” that’s fine too. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just real information about what’s actually happening out there, so when you’re ready, you’re making a smart move—not an emotional one.

We are starting to see an uptick in "Distressed" Properties.  No, don't even think it, it's not 2008 all over again.  I will be eleborating on this next week with a possible series of Blogs to come.  As with all parties, some people are having the times of their lives, while others might not be.

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