Should You Buy or Refinance Your Columbia Home in 2026?

Are you a buyer watching mortgage rates and wondering whether now is the right time to buy, or a homeowner considering refinancing to save money? With rates coming down and lenders offering new options, understanding the current mortgage market is critical for making smart decisions.

Over the past few years, mortgage rates climbed dramatically, peaking near 8%, making homeownership more expensive for many. Now that rates are easing back into the high fives, buyers and homeowners have a real opportunity to improve affordability, take advantage of a still-strong housing market, and potentially save on monthly payments.

I spoke with John Morgan, a mortgage expert from the Blue Sky Mortgage Saver, to break down what’s happening in January 2026 and what the next six months could hold for interest rates, refinancing, and first-time homebuyers. Here’s what you need to know.

Watch the full video for detailed insights, or use the timestamps to jump to what matters most to you:

00:00 — Introduction
00:43 — Mortgage market update
01:36 — Rate outlook
03:36 — Prepare your credit
05:30 — Contact John for guidance
06:10 — Rates: Past 3 to 4 years
07:00 — Refinancing tips
07:53 — Cost vs. savings
09:04 — Reach out to the expert

Rates remain historically favorable compared to recent highs, and lenders are offering more flexible options for buyers. Whether purchasing your first home or refinancing an existing mortgage, now is the time to explore what’s possible and make informed decisions before rates shift again.

If you’d like guidance on how refinancing or buying right now could impact your finances, John Morgan is ready to walk you through the process. You can reach him anytime at (704) 898-3557, (839) 238-8379 or email John@BlueSkyMortgageSaver.com.

For real estate advice, feel free to contact me at brentd@thedowningteam.com.