2026 Housing Market Predictions: Mortgage Rates, Home Prices & Florida Taxes

Where will mortgage rates and home prices be by the end of 2026? In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, we put our names on real housing market predictions for 2026. No crystal ball. Just data, trends, and what we’re seeing in the mortgage and real estate markets. Here’s what we predict for December 2026: 📉 Mortgage Rates Will 30-year fixed rates fall back to 5%? Or stabilize closer to 5.5%? 📈 Home Prices Will national appreciation continue? What about Florida specifically? 🏘 Inventory & Competition Will we finally see a true buyer’s market? Or will inventory remain tight due to the “lock-in effect”? 💰 Florida Property Taxes Will we see homestead expansion, tax reform, or new exemptions? 🏢 Institutional Investors Will large investors face restrictions in single-family housing? 🏠 First-Time Buyers Will confidence return as rates stabilize? We also cover rapid-fire predictions including: Days on market Refinance activity New construction trends If you're planning to buy, refinance, or invest in 2026, this episode will help you think strategically instead of emotionally.