The Harsh Truth About Buying a Home in 2026
If you’re waiting for the “perfect time” to buy a home in 2026, you’re about to get blindsided.
The market’s shifting, the headlines are noisy, and fear is running the show. I’ve seen this pattern before: Buyers hesitate, chase the wrong deals, or get caught trying to time the market. The result? They miss the best opportunities completely.
I’m Darin, a REALTOR® and team leader of The Germyn Group, one of the top-selling real estate teams in the Fraser Valley. This isn’t my first market shift—it’s my third. So let’s skip the hype and get real about what’s actually happening in the Lower Mainland right now.
So What’s Really Going On?
The market isn’t crashing. It’s normalizing.
• Sales are slower, not prices.
• Sellers aren’t desperate—they’re just adjusting.
• The smart buyers are the ones moving with strategy, not fear.
Reality Check: Waiting for prices to “bottom out” is like waiting for gas to be cheap forever. You’ll just end up walking.
Illusion #1: “All Sellers Are Desperate”
They’re not. Some need to sell, sure. But most aren’t panicking.
Most home buyers FAIL this quiz.
Will you?
When Buyers come in with lowball offers, thinking they can “steal” a home, they usually end up offending the seller—and losing the deal.
Ask yourself: Are you writing offers to win, or to insult?
Pro Tip: Real estate transactions are 80% ego and 20% math. If you want results, focus on relationships, not lowballs.
Illusion #2: “Rates Will Drop Soon”
Maybe. Maybe not.
The Bank of Canada’s neutral rate sits around 2.25–3.25%, and we’re right in the middle of that range. That means rates are already considered normal—not high.
Did you know?
Over the last 20 years, the average lending rate has been between 3.75–4%. Today’s rates are actually below average.
So if you’re waiting for some magic “rate crash,” you might be waiting a long time.
Reality Check: You can’t build equity from the sidelines.
Illusion #3: “The News Says It’s a Bad Time to Buy”
The news also said avocado toast would end millennials. How’d that turn out?
The problem isn’t the media—it’s that they talk in averages. “Canadian home sales down” means nothing when you’re buying a townhome in Surrey, not a condo in Saskatoon.
One of my clients almost backed out because the headlines said prices were dropping $20,000/month. When we pulled the real data for their neighborhood, prices had dropped just $3,000/month—and some nearby areas were actually climbing.
Pro Tip: Always look at your market, not the national headlines.
Illusion #4: “Renting Is Safer Until Things Settle”
Let’s crunch that.
A buyer with a $500,000 mortgage at 3.99% pays about $2,636/month.
In year one, around $11,903 of that payment goes straight into their own equity.
Compare that to renting at $2,000/month; which builds exactly $0 in equity.
Owning isn’t just shelter. It’s forced savings.
Reality Check: Every month you rent, you’re paying off someone else’s mortgage.
Illusion #5: “A Big Crash Is Coming”
People have been calling for a crash since 2016. Spoiler alert: it didn’t happen.
Could prices drop a little more? Sure. Could they stabilize or go up again? Absolutely. No one knows for sure, and anyone who claims to is guessing.
What we do know is this: the people who buy during uncertain times end up thanking themselves later.
Did you know?
Every major price dip in BC over the past 20 years was followed by a full rebound—often within 18 months.
Pro Tip: Reality doesn’t care about your expectations. Act, don’t hope.
Final Reality Check
You can’t win if you’re not in the game.
The 2026 market will reward clarity, not caution. Waiting for “perfect” conditions only delays your future wealth. The buyers who make calm, informed moves now will be the ones telling success stories later.
What if I have any questions about moving to Surrey or White Rock, BC?
Selecting an excellent real estate professional is key to a successful home purchase. The Germyn Group, with our deep understanding of South Surrey/White Rock and its real estate dynamics, is committed to guiding you every step of the way.
We invite you to book a consultation with us. During our meeting, we’ll discuss your needs, preferences, and any questions you might have about the real estate market.
As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that the right home is more than just a property; it’s a foundation for your future. With the Germyn Group by your side, let’s make your dream of homeownership a beautiful reality.
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