Key takeaways:

• If you have the means, now may be a good time to buy a house.
• It’s a buyer’s market—there are 51% more home sellers than buyers—giving homebuyers leverage.
• Mortgage rates are elevated and volatile due to the conflict with Iran and its effects on oil prices and inflation.
• Consumers are wary due to near-record-high housing costs, a difficult job market, and economic uncertainty.

Summer is well underway, but the housing market is still thawing from its yearslong freeze. After a very slow 2025, the same sluggish trends are persisting well into 2026: few home sales, limited listings, and near-record monthly costs.

Adding to the difficulty, mortgage rates remain elevated and volatile due to prolonged conflicts in the Middle East and their effect on oil prices. Even if a long-term peace deal were to be struck, economists don’t expect major improvements until economic pressures ease. Global economic volatility, AI fears, tariff uncertainty, and a difficult job market are all weighing on investors and consumers, keeping rates elevated. 

A lot is changing, so it’s no surprise that buyers are wondering if now is the right time to take the leap.

In short, whether or not it’s a good time to buy a house boils down to if it’s a good time for you to buy a house. Let’s dive a bit deeper into today’s market trends to help you answer: “Should I buy a house now or wait?”

From Redfin’s Chief Economist

“Now is a good time to buy a home, if you can afford it. Prices keep climbing, which is pushing some buyers out of the market but giving those who remain an upper hand in negotiations. The conflict in the Middle East, elevated mortgage rates, and a volatile economy are making everyone wary, though, and local housing markets vary widely. Buyers serious about making offers should consult a local agent and be confident in their finances and future income.” – Daryl Fairweather, Redfin Chief Economist.

What buyers need to know about the housing market

Here are some key market trends to keep an eye on and help you make an informed homebuying choice. We’ll cover house prices, mortgage rates, supply, and demand, and inflation.

House prices are high and rising

The median U.S. sale price is $407,730—up 3.2% from a year ago. House prices are nearly 20% higher than they were five years ago.

Because affordability has been so strained, many buyers and sellers have been holding out for better deals and higher offers, causing inventory to build up as they wait for the market to thaw. This push-pull dynamic has kept prices elevated, giving more affluent buyers a window of opportunity—especially the ultra-wealthy. 

But in the last year, price growth has slowed as the market undergoes a prolonged and uneven reset. Home prices have grown by around 1.2% year-over-year since 2025, compared to ~7% growth from 2012 to early 2020. Prices have been growing more quickly in recent months, but Redfin predicts that affordability will still improve as wages outpace home price growth and inflation.

>> Read: Redfin’s Weekly Economic Breakdown

Mortgage rates remain elevated and volatile

As of August 31st, the weekly average 30-year fixed mortgage rate sits at 6.87%—the highest level in 14 months. 

“Mortgage rates have continued to climb since March almost entirely because of the war in Iran and its effects on global energy prices, stock markets, and bond yields,” said Chen Zhao, Head of Economics Research at Redfin. “Markets are hoping for a peace deal to be struck, but optimism is thin as tensions flare and economic uncertainty weighs on everyone. Time will tell how the conflict will impact the U.S. economy and housing market, but so far it has put upward pressure on inflation and mortgage rates.”

Previously, rates had been trading between 6.1%-6.3% since late 2025. Redfin predicts that mortgage rates will average 6.3% for 2026. 

There is some uncertainty surrounding mortgage rates, though. Because both inflation and the labor market have remained strong despite broader headwinds, many economists believe that the Fed will raise interest rates sometime this year, which will push up mortgage rates further.

>> Read: New Listings Hit 4-Month High While Demand Slips, Giving Serious Buyers Chance to Get a Deal Done

How mortgage rates affect housing costs

Mortgage rates are important for buyers because they directly translate to monthly housing costs. The higher the rate, the more you pay every month. If rates drop, you can save tens of thousands over the lifetime of your mortgage. 

Let’s see how your monthly payments change with different rates, using data from our Mortgage Calculator.

Buyers have the upper hand

The housing market strongly favors buyers. Housing inventory has risen from its post-pandemic low—particularly in the Sun Belt—giving buyers more negotiating power. However, supply is still limited in small parts of the Midwest and East Coast, putting sellers in charge and pushing up prices. 

In general, high costs are sidelining buyers and putting a lid on home sales.

Inventory is stalling

There are nearly 1.5 million homes for sale today—historically low but the highest monthly level since the pandemic. This is the primary driver behind today’s buyer’s market, giving homebuyers more leverage for concessions.

Housing inventory is high because a larger share of sellers are listing their homes than buyers are buying them, with the biggest imbalances in disaster-prone areas in Florida.

Listings were slowly rising to start the year, as homeowners looked to get a jump on the spring buying season. But since buyers have been harder to come by this spring and summer, some sellers are getting cold feet.

Demand is low

Homebuyers have been stuck on the sidelines for years waiting for affordability to improve, helping sellers far outnumber buyers in most parts of the country. As a result, demand continues to plummet: Touring activity is down, sales are dropping, more deals are falling through, and a majority of listings have been sitting on the market for nearly two months. 

However, there is a bright spot: The typical asking price for a home recently dropped to its lowest level in a year, suggesting that sellers are adjusting their expectations and no longer pricing like it’s 2021. For buyers with the budget, this could still be a good time to enter the market.

Buyers have the most leverage in Sun Belt metros, where inventory has surged thanks to new construction—especially Austin, which is now the slowest major housing market in America. But there are still pockets of competition. In New York metros like Rochester and Buffalo, strong demand for affordable homes continues to push up prices and put sellers in charge. The Bay Area has also seen a surge in popularity, along with parts of the Midwest.

>> Read: NYC Suburbs and the Bay Area Are the Most Competitive Housing Markets

How to buy in an uncertain economy

With tariffs, economic whiplash, and volatile mortgage rates, many buyers are wary of getting into the market. Here are a few tips from our economists about navigating this shifting landscape. 

• Stick to your budget: This isn’t the time to stretch financially. Recession odds are lower than they have been, but the economy is still unstable. Make sure you have enough in savings to cover mortgage payments if your income changes.
• Negotiate, negotiate: The market favors buyers, so use your leverage. There’s more inventory, and offers are increasingly coming in below asking.
• Be smart about rates: Mortgage rates are elevated and unstable. Shop around, compare lenders, and ask about “float down” options if rates drop significantly after you lock in.
• Sell before you buy: If you own a home, consider selling it first. It will give you a clearer budget and help you avoid the risk of carrying two mortgages.

>> Read: How to Buy, Sell, or Rent a Home Amid Economic Uncertainty

Are you ready to buy and own a house?

When deciding whether to buy a home in today’s climate, you’ll want to think beyond market conditions and focus on your individual circumstances. Here are some personal considerations to keep in mind.

Financial health

Take stock of your current savings, credit score, and debt levels. Can you afford a house? Or does renting make more sense? 

Housing is a long-term commitment, so you’ll want a solid emergency fund—ideally covering 3 to 6 months of expenses—for maintenance and unexpected costs.

Monthly budget

Determine how a mortgage payment at today’s rates might impact your lifestyle. Make sure you can comfortably handle monthly payments, property taxes, insurance, and other homeownership expenses.

Job and location stability

Buying a house makes sense if you plan to stay put for several years. A stable job or reliable income is crucial to avoid financial strain, especially if home prices or interest rates rise further.

Choosing your location is also essential. Is your potential home prone to flooding, wildfires, or other climate risks? This is especially important today, as insurers continue dropping homeowners at alarming rates. 

Personal goals and timelines

Think about life events, like starting a family, retiring, or relocating. These factors can make owning a home either more appealing or potentially riskier if you need to move soon.

Lifestyle preferences

Homeownership comes with ongoing responsibilities, like maintenance, repairs, and property taxes. Ask yourself if you have the time, resources, and a desire to handle them.

>> Read: Am I Ready to Buy a House?

So, is now a good time to buy a house? 

If you have the means and are ready to own a home, now is a good time to buy a house. Rates are volatile, and with today’s high prices and uncertain economy, it’s hard to know what affordability will look like down the line. But waiting for rates to fall leaves you at risk of competition among buyers and subsequent price hikes from sellers.

In a market this unpredictable, the best approach is to be prepared. Know your budget, connect with a local agent, get preapproved for a mortgage, and move quickly when the right home comes along. The longer you wait, the more competition you could see.

The last few years seem have seen the market falling and many cautious homeowners have seemingly been put off selling their properties, waiting until the market picks up again so they can secure a higher sale price.

But waiting for the market may not always be the best option. If your property is a little run down and needs work, then keeping it in the condition it’s in and waiting to sell could do more harm than good, especially in a developing, up and coming suburb.

Is it worth waiting?

If your home’s getting too difficult to maintain, or is seemingly too expensive to renovate, it might be time to consider selling sooner, rather than later.

RPData reports have been showing modest gains in most capital cities, so the worst, it seems, is behind us. There are some gains to be had as prices recover and there are certainly still some bargains to be had for those looking to buy away from CBD across the nation.

Aside from financial gains and avoided losses, there are personal perspectives which come into play when you’re looking to sell which can be key to your decision; to quote US blogger and realtor Rodney Camren, these are “your living needs; the condition of the home; your neighbourhood; and your community.”

Although speaking about the American property market, Mr Camren has some good points.

Your living needs

This  is about assessing whether the home is fit for purpose.

You may want a bigger space now the kids have come along or perhaps even downsize if they have moved out and you’re heading into your retirement years. It is also possible you need to consider a granny flat for an older parent, or now have a dog and need a yard. In some sadder instances a family breakup might necessitate the need to downsize.

“We thought our home was absolutely fine when we moved in with little kids,” says Peta Jones from the North Western Sydney, NSW.

“We were careful to plan for a rumpus room and their own rooms. But now they have hobbies, and we have a full sized piano taking up half the rumpus room; their wardrobes are overflowing and there’s only one toilet and bathroom in the house resulting in a queue at peak times.”

Conversely Pamela Matheson from Mudgee, NSW is finding her space more difficult to manage, “We still love the open space and have room for our animals, but as we approach our seventies, maintaining 75 acres is becoming more of a chore than a pleasure.”

Condition of the home

Pamela goes on to say, “There was a time we thought nothing of carrying out maintenance ourselves, but now we have retired and income is limited, and physically it has become more cumbersome to make repairs and keep it up to date”.

Your neighbourhood

This is an important factor, both in terms of its curb appeal and appearance, but also in terms of the demographic of people and the atmosphere. It could be that neighbouring houses are being bought up by younger families and you are an empty nester looking for a different pace of life, (or vice versa), or there is an increase in high density housing, taking away from the community feel.

Are neighbouring houses are being bought up by younger families, while you’re an empty nester?

Perhaps people no longer care for their gardens and it’s looking a bit rundown and ramshackle. In many cases one or two people in a community can completely change the atmosphere.

Community

Community is an extremely important factor.

It’s important your local community offers what you need for your life, whether that is job opportunities, schools for the kids, aged care facilities, doctors and healthcare and general infrastructure.

Fiona Digges from the Hawkesbury region says: “When we first bought our home we found great pre-schools and primary schools but as the children get older, we are panicking about the lack of decent public high schools and the sheer distance from any private schools.

Coupled with that, there’s a tonne of development going on and no provision to upgrade infrastructure like roads or public transport. We are seriously looking at moving away from the area now.”

In many cases, the decision to stay or go can be based on the factors which can’t be changed, in many cases they can be changed but emotions can get in the way, but either way, if  you find you are struggling with any of these areas, it might be time to consider selling up and moving on.

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This article was originally published on
19 Sep 2013 at 11:46am
but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.

Key Takeaways

• Nationwide, the best time to sell a house is in late April, when sellers are more likely to close quickly and receive higher offers.
• Optimal timing varies by city, though: In San Jose, the best time to sell is in mid-March; in Philadelphia, it’s in mid-May.
• Sellers should talk with an agent before listing to decide on a strategy; in the end, the best time to sell is when it’s the best time for you.

Timing is essential when it comes to selling a house. Everything from the season, to the month, to even the day can impact how quickly a home sells and for how much. 

It’s common knowledge that spring is peak selling season, when homebuyers emerge from hibernation ready to start their housing journey. But lately, sellers have faced an unusually difficult task, as record-high prices keep buyers on the sidelines and give those who are still active more leverage.

With very few buyers actively shopping right now, sellers need to be more intentional about when they list, how they price, and how they prepare their home to stand out. 

So, if you’re a homeowner looking for the perfect time to list your home, this article is for you. We’ll break down the data to uncover the objectively “best” time to sell a house, how seasonality plays a role, and how home sellers can navigate the market today.

From Redfin’s Chief Economist

“Late April is the sweet spot for savvy home sellers. Homebuyers are out in force, but the market isn’t yet flooded with listings, so homes are more likely to close faster and for more. But people also have different timelines and priorities—and because housing is so local, every city has its own dynamics at play. Home sellers should take their individual circumstances into account and work with a local agent to decide when their best time to sell is.” – Daryl Fairweather, Redfin Chief Economist

When is the best time to sell a house?

According to a Redfin and Home Economics report, the best time to sell a house is in late April. Homes listed during this window are 18% more likely to sell above list price, and tend to sell faster. 

For those who want a slightly wider window, late March through mid-May is generally the best time to list a home for sale.

“There are several factors that make mid-spring the best time to sell a home,” said Asad Khan, a senior economist at Redfin. “Warmer weather encourages buyers to start touring, and the timing aligns well for families looking to move and settle in before the new school year. Plus, blooming flowers and natural light boosts curb appeal and makes homes feel more inviting. Inventory is also beginning to rise, but hasn’t yet peaked—creating the perfect window for sellers.”

But ultimately, the decision comes down to individual needs. Homeowners often have different priorities and expectations—and sometimes, they just need to move.

>> Read: How to Sell Your House in 2026: A Comprehensive Guide

When is the best day to sell a house?

For sellers looking to further maximize their returns, a previous Redfin report found that Thursday is the best day to list. Homes listed on Thursday sell for ~$3,000 more and five days faster on average than those listed on the slowest day.

• The midweek bump: While Thursday is the best day, homes that hit the market between Wednesday and Friday tend to go pending faster and sell for more. Midweek is ideal because listings are fresh in buyers’ minds when they’re planning their weekend, which is when most are available to go on tours. 
• The weekend slump: Saturday through Tuesday offers less of an advantage, with Monday providing no benefit at all. Listing on the weekend or very early in the week means that newer listings might grab a buyer’s attention before they start planning weekend tours.

The best time to sell a house by city in 2026

While the best time to sell nationwide is in mid-April, timing can vary widely by location—often by weeks. For example, in San Jose, the best time to sell is mid-March, while in Philadelphia it’s closer to mid-May.

Housing is seasonal, local, and individual, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy that works everywhere for everyone. Here are the peak selling seasons in 2026 for major cities across the country.

How seasonality affects the housing market

Spring is the classic housing season, as buyers return from their winter slumber and sellers jump to take advantage. This is when new listings climb and competition follows suit. In general, housing activity tends to be higher when the weather is warmer and lower when the weather is colder. 

Here are the typical seasons the housing market goes through every year:

• Spring: The classic peak housing season for inventory and demand, with buyers and sellers both very active.
• Summer: Listings tend to peak and buyers begin gaining leverage, but vacations and hot weather keep some people on the bench.
• Fall: A transitional period when buyers are most likely to receive concessions.
• Winter: The slowest season, when sellers have the smallest chance of closing quickly and for above asking.

Seasonality also shifts by market, often aligning with swings in housing supply. The timing and volume of new listings help define when a market heats up and cools down. The climate plays a major role in shaping these patterns: Typically, the warmer a city’s climate, the less seasonal it is—i.e. the seasonal swing in listings is smaller. 

But large cities can buck the trend. “Highly populated areas with limited supply tend to be more seasonal,” continued Khan. “In places like San Francisco, where there are a lot of house hunters vying for limited inventory, timing is critical; sellers want to list when they’ll have the best chance of finding their next home. As a result, everyone converges during the same window. On the other hand, in places with more inventory, buyers can be more flexible, which also gives sellers more flexibility and dampens seasonal swings—regardless if winters are colder.”

How to attract better offers on a home

In a slower market, standing out matters more than ever. Even if you list your home on the objectively “best” day, you may still need to compete for buyers. However, thorough, thoughtful preparation can increase your chances of attracting competitive offers more quickly. 

Here are a few tips to attract the best offers:

• Hire a home inspector: It’s helpful to identify issues early so you can address them before listing and avoid surprises during escrow.
• Make strategic repairs: Fix visible issues and tackle the updates that matter most to buyers.
• Boost curb appeal: First impressions matter. While spring naturally does some heavy lifting, additional simple landscaping and exterior touch-ups can go a long way.
• Stage the home: Clean, declutter, and arrange spaces to help buyers envision themselves living there.
• Use high-quality photos and marketing: Professional photography, marketing, and strong listing descriptions can draw more attention to your home online.
• Price competitively: One of the biggest mistakes sellers make today is pricing too high. It’s not the pandemic anymore; a well-priced home can attract more interest and lead to multiple offers.
• Work with a great agent: Experienced real estate agents can help set a realistic price, get buyers in the door, present your home in its best light, lead negotiations, and net you a better deal.

>> Read: How to Sell Your House Fast and for More

Is now a good time to sell?

Homeowners looking to sell today should be ready to price correctly and remain open to negotiation. The U.S. housing market strongly favors buyers, as economic uncertainty and near-record housing costs keep many people on the sidelines, making it difficult to attract offers and sell for more. 

Even if it’s the peak selling season where you live, it’s essential to talk with a local real estate agent first. They can provide insight into your specific neighborhood, evaluate current market conditions, and help you determine the right timing before deciding to list. Looking at larger economic conditions, like mortgage rates and inflation, is also always a good idea.

Plus, an agent can also help you determine the right marketing strategy for your home—whether that’s a phased approach to test pricing with a smaller audience or listing on the MLS right away. Sellers now have more flexibility with how they can go to market.

>> Read: Should I Sell My House Now?

Final thoughts: The best time to sell a home is in late April, but choose a time that works best for you

Selling a home today can be challenging. The typical home takes more than two months to go under contract—often even longer in many Sun Belt cities—leading many homeowners to stay put or remodel instead of hit the market.

But it’s still possible to land a great offer and close quickly. Sellers can improve their odds by making simple fixes, investing in key updates, pricing competitively, and working with a great local agent.

For many homeowners, late April is the best time to sell—when demand is strong, inventory is building, and competition hasn’t yet peaked. Ultimately, though, the best time to sell is when it works best for you.

Please see the original report for a full methodology.

Renting with friends is an exciting stage in life, but it can be a challenge if you are a first-time tenant or have bad credit.

Landlords are looking for the best candidate possible for their property, and most will carry out a credit check on potential tenants. 

Unfortunately for first timers, having no credit history is often viewed on par with a bad credit history.

This is because it is difficult for landlords to assess whether you pose a financial risk.

Renting for the first time is a challenge, especially when you have bad credit.

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Having no credit history or a black mark against your name could lead to you being overlooked by owners, meaning you may struggle to find a rental.

But don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to improve your appeal.

Know more: Make a winning rental application

Move into a share house 

Landlords are not the type to take a chance on a student fresh out of school or university.

One of the best ways to combat this is to move into a share house. 

Even if it’s only for a short period, this will help you prove that you are a good tenant and can be relied upon to pay rent on time consistently. To benefit from this arrangement, though, you’ll need to make sure that you officially sign onto the lease as a co-tenant. 

Get a roommate

If possible, try and get a property with a roommate who has a solid rental record.

If one of you has a strong rental background, it will help convince a landlord that you are less of a liability.

It is even better if your roommate is willing to sign the contract for a property solo and put you on the lease as a co-tenant at a later date.

Getting a roommate with good credit will help. Picture: Getty

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Create a financial buffer

If you have the funds, offering to pay extra rent up front will help alleviate a landlord’s concerns you will miss rent.

Tenants are commonly asked to pay one month rent in advance.

Try offering six to eight weeks to create a bigger safety net.

This will be beneficial for prospective tenants with a bad credit history.

Read more: Our complete guide for first-time renters

Character references 

A glowing reference can go a long way.

It is best to submit at least two strong letters of recommendation with your rental application, attesting to your trustworthiness.

Make sure the references are from a valid source, such as an employer or community leader, as a nice letter from mum and dad is unlikely to make an impact.

Get a guarantor 

Talking of parents and relatives, check if they are willing to co-sign your lease or guarantee all your rental payments.

This is common if you are moving out of home. It allows your parents to offer a helping hand, without infringing on your independence.

This will also reassure the landlord that the rent will be paid, regardless of what happens.

Your guarantor will need to sign a contract.

This guarantee often also includes a promise to cover any outstanding cleaning costs or damage at the end of the lease.

Raise the stakes

If you are struggling to get a rental, as a last resort, offer to pay a slightly higher amount of rent.

As long as it is within your budget, you can add an extra $10 to $20 per week to the rental fee.

On a weekly basis, it is a fairly minimal change, but over a year it will add between $520 to $1040 in rent revenue.

This added bonus will be a very attractive offer to a landlord and difficult to pass up.

Location

If you are renting for the first time with no credit or bad credit, where you want to live will play a major role in determining the success of your search. 

In competitive rental markets you will face more difficulty getting a house.

So, perhaps look further afield to improve your chances.

Once you get a good rental history, it will be easier to move back into the suburbs you initially had set your heart on.

Look outside out competitive rental areas if it’s your first time.

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Clear your debts

Whether you like it or not, your landlord is likely to investigate your credit history to make sure that you are going to be a reliable tenant.

It is best to pay any outstanding debts before making a rental application.

If you cannot square everything you owe, try getting a personal loan and consolidating debts, which looks less alarming on paper.

Phone bills and credit cards should be among the first to be paid off. But be wary of predatory lenders that offer low level loans to get you back in the black, as these often charge very high interest payments, and, if you fail to pay, you will have another black mark against your name.

Move on from your past

Sometimes a bad credit history is the result of issues out of your control, such as losing your job.

Handing over proof of income, along with a letter of recommendation from your employer, will go a long way towards proving your reliability if your circumstances have changed. 

If you have turned your credit situation around, it also pays to submit bank statements showing personal savings.

This article was originally published on
31 Oct 2019 at 4:25pm
but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.

Mortgage lender Rate is stepping further into digital asset territory with the launch of RateFi, a nationwide mortgage product that allows borrowers to use verified cryptocurrency holdings toward mortgage qualification without liquidating those assets.

The Chicago-based lender announced Tuesday that RateFi is fully operational within its digital mortgage platform and available under its non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) guidelines.

The move reflects a broader shift in financial services as lenders experiment with integrating digital assets into traditional underwriting while remaining within established compliance frameworks.

How RateFi works

Under the program, qualified borrowers can use verified cryptocurrency as reserves and, in some cases, as qualifying income. Down payments and closing costs must still be paid in U.S. dollars, though borrowers may convert crypto to meet those requirements.

Rate said the program includes standard anti-money-laundering and know-your-customer checks. It operates within the company’s existing non-QM infrastructure rather than through conforming channels backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, which do not currently provide broad guidance allowing cryptocurrency to count as qualifying income in standard agency loans.

“Digital assets are real assets, yet mortgage lending has treated them as invisible,” Kate Amor, EVP and head of enterprise products at Rate, said in a statement. “RateFi changes that. We built this product to apply common-sense underwriting to a modern financial reality, allowing qualified borrowers to use their crypto without selling it, without gimmicks, and without stepping outside established lending standards.”

Amor continued that RateFi represents the first phase of a broader digital asset lending strategy that the company plans to expand over time.

Rate President Shant Banosian emphasized that the product runs within Rate’s existing underwriting and pricing systems rather than creating a separate crypto lending channel.

“Crypto lending gets a lot of headlines,” said Banosian. “But this business is about closing loans consistently, compliantly and at scale.”

A response to growing crypto wealth

Industry research cited by Rate suggests more than 10 percent of Americans hold digital assets, with some maintaining six- and seven-figure portfolios. As digital wealth grows, lenders are beginning to adapt to borrowers who may prefer not to liquidate long-term holdings to qualify for a mortgage.

Historically, most lenders have required borrowers to convert cryptocurrency into cash before it can be counted toward mortgage qualification. That process can trigger capital gains taxes, lock in losses during market downturns or reduce exposure to assets borrowers believe will appreciate.

RateFi seeks to reduce that friction by recognizing verified digital holdings as part of a borrower’s financial profile without requiring full liquidation.

The product is not entirely without precedent. Other lenders, including Newrez, have introduced programs that allow cryptocurrency to factor into qualification, though most remain limited to non-QM or portfolio channels rather than conforming agency loans.

Why non-QM matters

The non-QM designation is key.

Because government-sponsored enterprises do not broadly recognize crypto as qualifying income, lenders offering these programs must operate outside conforming guidelines. Non-QM loans allow more flexible underwriting but are typically funded through private capital markets rather than sold to the GSEs.

That structure limits scale compared to agency lending, but it also provides a testing ground for innovation.

For Rate, the strategy appears incremental rather than disruptive.

Borrowers still make down payments in dollars. Loans are underwritten using traditional risk frameworks. Crypto is treated primarily as reserves or supplemental income, not as a new payment rail.

Why lenders are cautious about stablecoins

RateFi’s eligibility includes certain stablecoins, which are digital assets designed to maintain a 1:1 value with the U.S. dollar. Stablecoins such as USDC or USDT aim to reduce volatility compared to assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Even so, lenders remain cautious.

Stablecoins can “de-peg” during periods of market stress. Liquidity depends on issuer reserves and the mechanisms for redeeming tokens, and exchanges can halt withdrawals. Regulatory oversight of digital assets continues to evolve at both the federal and state levels.

Mortgage underwriting also requires clear documentation of the source of funds and asset seasoning. Blockchain-based holdings may introduce additional verification steps, including confirming wallet ownership, validating exchange accounts and reviewing transaction history.

Those realities help explain why programs like RateFi require that funds for down payments and closing costs be converted into U.S. dollars before settlement.

What this means for agents and brokers

For now, RateFi appears to target a specific borrower segment: crypto-heavy, self-employed or nontraditional applicants who may not fit neatly within agency underwriting boxes.

But the symbolic significance may be larger.

As digital assets move deeper into mainstream finance — and as younger, crypto-forward buyers age into peak homebuying years — lenders face increasing pressure to modernize balance sheet analysis that was built around W-2 income and brokerage statements.

The larger strategic question is whether products like RateFi remain niche offerings within non-QM channels or represent early steps toward broader normalization of digital assets in housing finance.

Meaningful expansion would likely require clearer guidance from federal regulators or eventual recognition by the GSEs. Until then, crypto-recognition programs will remain largely within portfolio and private-market structures.

For agents and brokers, the immediate impact may be limited but noteworthy. 

Buyers with significant digital holdings may have more options to qualify without restructuring their portfolios. At the same time, these loans remain specialized and subject to stricter documentation and pricing dynamics than conventional mortgages.

For Rate, the bet is that a growing cohort of borrowers wants to build real estate wealth without exiting digital asset positions, and that providing a compliant bridge between those two worlds creates both competitive differentiation and new loan volume.

Email Nick Pipitone