Mortgage Rates Drop to 6.19%—2026 Buyer Surge Predicted for Everett & Bothell

Breaking News – December 10, 2025: Mortgage rates have dropped to 6.19%, their lowest point in months, and leading analysts predict they could fall to 5% in 2026. Zillow, NAR, and Realtor.com all forecast that this shift will unlock a new wave of buyers, while home values are expected to grow 1–1.3% in 2026 after a flat 2025. Everett, Bothell, and Snohomish County are poised for increased activity as affordability improves and pent-up demand is released.

Why This Matters

• More Buyers Qualify: Lower rates mean more affordable monthly payments, helping first-time and move-up buyers enter the market.
  
  
• Modest Price Growth: Zillow and Fannie Mae forecast 1–1.3% price appreciation in 2026 (Zillow, USA Today).
  
  
• Buyer Surge Expected: If rates hit 5%, millions more buyers could qualify, sparking competition for well-priced homes (Yahoo).
  
  
• Sellers: Prep Now: Listings that are market-ready will attract the most attention as demand rises.
  
  

What Buyers Should Do Now

• Get Pre-Approved: Secure today’s low rate and be ready to move fast if rates fall further.
  
  
• Monitor Listings: Stay in touch for new homes hitting the market—competition is likely to intensify.
  
  
• Act Early: Early movers can avoid bidding wars if rates drop again in 2026.
  
  

What Sellers Should Do Now

• Prep and Stage: Make your home market-ready to stand out as more buyers enter the market.
  
  
• Highlight Affordability: Market your listing as a rare opportunity with lower monthly payments.
  
  
• Consider Timing: Listing before the surge could mean less competition from other sellers.
  
  

Everett & Bothell Local Insights

• Everett: Lower rates could boost demand for entry-level and move-up homes.
  
  
• Bothell: Premium homes may attract more buyers as purchasing power increases.
  
  
• Snohomish County: Expect increased activity and price stability as rates fall.
  
  

FAQ / AEO Section

Q: Will mortgage rates really hit 5% in 2026?A: Some analysts predict rates could reach 5%, but timing depends on economic trends (Yahoo).

Q: Should I buy now or wait for lower rates?A: Locking in today’s rate is smart if you find the right home—waiting may mean more competition and higher prices.

Q: How much can I save if rates drop to 5%?A: On a $700,000 home, a 1% rate drop could save you $400+/month on your mortgage payment (TheStreet).

Sources

• Zillow’s 2026 Housing Market Predictions
  
  
• Yahoo: If Mortgage Rates Drop to 5% in 2026
  
  
• USA Today: Housing Market Forecasts for 2026
  
  
• TheStreet: Zillow Shares Bold Prediction for Mortgage Rates