High U.S. Interest Rates: Buy Now or Wait? Experts Reveal the Best Strategy

Mortgage rates in the U.S. exceed 7% in September 2026. Learn the recommendations of experts Liliana and Rudy Pedraza for navigating the current market and buying a home.

Buying a home in the United States has become a true strategic challenge. With mortgage interest rates staying at historically high levels for the past few months, thousands of potential buyers are paralyzed by a big question: Is this a good time to buy or is it better to wait for rates to drop?

To clear up these doubts, we spoke with Liliana and Rudy Pedraza, well‑known real‑estate agents and mortgage lenders with more than 20 years of experience in the dynamic market of South Florida. Their perspective offers a clear view of what is really happening and how buyers can come out ahead.

Is it a good time to buy a home in the U.S.?

The short answer, according to the experts, is yes, depending on your financial preparation.

"The most common mistake we see is buyers pausing their plans hoping that rates will magically drop to pandemic levels, and that won't happen soon," explains Liliana Pedraza.

Rudy Pedraza adds a crucial point about the law of supply and demand: "Currently, high rates have driven many buyers away, which means there is less competition in the market. If you wait for rates to drop, millions of buyers will return to the market at the same time. The result? Bidding wars, sky‑high property prices, and waiving inspections. It’s better to negotiate the price of the home today with less competition than to fight for a home tomorrow."

What do they recommend doing now? The best strategy

The Pedraza couple, with two decades navigating the ups and downs of Florida’s real‑estate market, recommend a tactical mindset. Their main advice boils down to a very popular phrase in the industry today: "Marry the house, date the rate."

This philosophy suggests that if you find your dream home and your monthly budget allows it, you should buy it. The interest rate is not permanent; you can refinance your loan in the future when the economic outlook improves, but the purchase price of the property will be locked in, gaining appreciation from day one.

The 4 key strategies from Liliana and Rudy Pedraza:

1. Negotiate rate buydowns: "In this market, sellers are more willing to give concessions to close the sale," notes Rudy. A brilliant strategy is to ask the seller to pay discount points to temporarily (like a 2/1 buydown) or permanently reduce your interest rate, rather than asking for a simple price reduction.
2. Optimize your credit profile: When rates are high, having an excellent credit score is your best shield. Liliana recommends aggressively paying down credit‑card debt and avoiding opening new lines of credit months before applying for a mortgage. "A few points difference in your credit can save you tens of thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan," she says.
3. Explore all loan programs: Don’t limit yourself to the conventional loan. Florida experts suggest evaluating government‑backed loans (FHA, VA, USDA), which often offer lower interest rates and more flexible down‑payment requirements. In addition, there are multiple first‑time‑buyer assistance programs at the state and local level that many ignore.
4. Expand your search area: In highly competitive and expensive markets like South Florida, moving a bit away from major urban centers or looking at new‑construction projects (which often offer their own mortgage incentives) can be the key to finding the right monthly payment.

In conclusion: Letting high interest rates paralyze your dream of homeownership can cost you dearly in the long run due to the constant appreciation of real estate. If your finances are stable, having the right guidance—like that of experienced experts such as the Pedrazas—will allow you to find the right mortgage product and turn an intimidating market into an investment opportunity.

"My biggest advice is not to navigate this process alone. A good real‑estate agent not only shows you homes but also connects you with trusted inspectors and local insurance agents so you can make an informed decision," concludes Liliana Pedraza.

The PEDRAZA TEAM, Liliana and Rudy Pedraza as trusted real‑estate agents and lenders help you through the entire process, with more than 20 years of experience on the Treasure Coast.

We cover Stuart, Palm City, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce and Vero Beach. Serving 7 days a week and adapting to your schedule.

The PEDRAZA TEAM has more than 20 years of experience in Loans and Real Estate - Schedule your appointment at

772-361-5126 - Rudy Pedraza

754-422-5524 - Liliana Pedraza

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