Lender Insights & Predictions Q3 2026

Find out what loan officers from 57 top lending companies across the country are seeing in the market right now—from the starter home shortage and rising auto loan debt to deal-killing property issues and the growing buy-before-you-sell movement. Featuring insights from American Pacific Mortgage, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, loanDepot, and more.

 

What’s covered in the Q3 2026 Lender Insights & Predictions Report?

  • Starter homes — not lower rates — are the key to improving affordability
  • Car payments are keeping more first-time buyers out than student debt
  • Property problems derail more deals than financing issues
  • Why more homeowners are unlocking equity before they move
  • Homeowners remain locked in by pandemic-era rates
  • 5 underreported homebuying realities
LIP Q3 Summer 2026 cover booklet

HomeLight's Lender Insights & Predictions for Q3 2026 was fielded between June 10 and June 23, 2026, through an online poll of loan officers from 57 top lending companies across the United States.

In a housing market still defined by affordability challenges, a nationwide survey of loan officers points to a clear solution: more starter homes — not lower mortgage rates. Auto loans are now blocking more first-time buyers than student debt, property problems are derailing more deals than financing issues, and pandemic-era rates continue to keep homeowners on the sidelines. Meanwhile, more move-up buyers are unlocking their equity to buy before they sell, and lenders expect economic uncertainty — not mortgage rates — to be the housing market's defining story through year-end. Here's what loan officers across the country are seeing right now.

Access our Q3 2026 Lender Insights & Predictions Report

Are you a lender? If so, are you interested in bringing the power of Buy Before You Sell to your clients?

In our latest survey, more than one-third of loan officers (35%) named Buy Before You Sell programs the most effective way for clients to buy and sell at the same time — ahead of contingent offers, bridge loans, and HELOCs. Trusted by the nation’s leading lenders, we help you eliminate home sale contingencies and omit departing residence debt from your client’s DTI. Get started today!

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