If you’re thinking about buying a home in Wilmington, NC in 2026, you’ve probably seen a lot of mixed messages about mortgage rates, home prices, and inventory.
But what’s actually happening in today’s market?
Let’s break down the biggest myths—and what they really mean for you as a buyer.

Myth #1: Mortgage Rates Are About To Drop Dramatically
Many buyers are waiting for rates to fall before making a move.
While rates have improved slightly, most forecasts show they’re expected to stay around the low 6% range throughout 2026.

What this means for you:
Waiting for a big drop could cost you more if home prices continue to rise.
Want to see what you can afford in today’s market?
https://hmbt.co/Ka3XZP

Myth #2: There Are Too Many Homes for Sale
You may be hearing that inventory is rising—and it is.
But inventory is still below pre-pandemic levels, even here in Wilmington.

 
What this means for you:


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You may have seen headlines on social saying the number of buyers backing out of their contracts is on the rise – and has recently reached a high not seen since 2017. That can sound intimidating. But it varies a lot by market.
And here’s the key thing to understand if you want to sell. A lot of the time, there’s one common cause. And it’s something you can actually control.
Here’s what you can do to get ahead of the biggest dealbreaker before it ever becomes a problem.
The Top Dealbreaker: Issues That Pop Up During the Inspection
A Redfin survey shows over 70% of recently cancelled contracts happened because of issues during the home inspection (see graph below): 
And that makes sense. Because today’s buyers have something they didn’t have a couple of years ago: options.
Why Fixing Things Before You List Matters More Today
A few years back, when buyers felt rushed or boxed in due to the limited number ...

What if you didn’t have a mortgage payment on your next house? It may sound a little unrealistic. But for a number of homeowners, it’s actually doable.
Nearly 3 in 10 homes purchased today are bought in cash, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). That’s far more than the pre-pandemic norm (see graph below):

So, how are so many buyers pulling that off? The answer is simple: home equity.
Back in 2020-2021, mortgage rates and the number of homes for sale were both at all-time lows. And that combination pushed home prices up, fast.
If you owned a home during that time, it likely gained significant value – maybe even enough to buy your next house in cash. NAR explains:


“. . . rising home equity has armed many existing homeowners with the financial leverage to make cash offers, allowing them to convert years of price appreciation into immediate purchasing power.”

Here’s why yo ...

For a lot of parents or grandparents, watching a family member struggle to buy their first home right now is hard. That’s because you saw firsthand how homeownership gave your life more stability and helped grow your net worth – and you want your loved ones to have those same opportunities.
But with all the affordability challenges in recent years, that can feel like an uphill battle – even though it’s slowly improving lately. Here’s what you may not realize. You may be in a unique position to help (thanks to the equity in your current house).
The Equity Advantage You May Not Be Thinking About
You’ve likely owned your home for years, maybe even decades. And during that time, two things happened:

Home values rose
Your mortgage balance shrank (or you paid it off entirely)

That combination has created substantial equity for many homeowners like you.
And while you may think of that equity as something you want to hav ...

If a move is on your radar for 2026, there’s a lot more working in your favor than there has been in a while.
After a stretch where may people felt stuck, 2026 is shaping up to be a year with more balance, more options, and more clarity for people who want to make a move. Not because the market is suddenly “easy,” but because several key conditions are shifting.
Here’s what the experts are saying you have to look forward to.
Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com:

“After a challenging period for buyers, sellers and renters, 2026 should offer a welcome, if modest, step toward a healthier housing market.”

The National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Top economists have one word to sum up the housing market for 2026: opportunity. Lower mortgage rates and a rising supply of homes are expected to open up the housing market . . . something the real estate industry and potential home buyers and sellers have bee ...