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If you’ve been waiting for mortgage rates to drop significantly, 2026 may not bring major relief — but there is good news. Zonda’s economists forecast that rates will stay in the low-6% range for most of 2026.

That’s higher than the ultra-low rates of 2020–2021, but lower than the 7%+ levels that made headlines in 2023 and parts of 2024, NewHomeSource reports.

This “higher-for-longer” environment has become one of the defining factors shaping buyer behavior.

Why Rates Are Staying Elevated

Mortgage rates today reflect more than just the Federal Reserve’s policy rate. According to the report, they’re also affected by:

• Sticky inflation
• High Treasury issuance
• A large federal deficit
• Investor sentiment and demand for mortgage-backed securities

These forces have kept rates from moving lower, even as economic growth has slowed.

Small rate drops matter — a lot

Even if rates remain in the low-6% range, tiny movements could open the door for many buyers.

A chart in the report shows that dropping rates from 6.25% to 6.0% would allow 2.1 million more households to qualify for the median-priced home.

That means even modest declines — 0.5%,0.25%, or even 0.125% — can shift affordability in meaningful ways.

What Buyers Can Do in a Higher-for-Longer Market

1. Consider new construction

Builders often offer rate buydowns that can drop your effective rate into the 5s or even high-4s — something rarely available in resale.

2. Shop lenders aggressively

Rate spreads between lenders can be wide. Two lenders quoting 6.25% vs. 5.875% could determine whether you qualify.

3. Look for a small dip — and act fast

If rates ease slightly this year — or even for a week — your buying window may open unexpectedly.

Bottom Line

Rates aren’t expected to plunge in 2026, but they don’t need to. Even small shifts could dramatically increase affordability and bring more buyers back into the market. Staying ready — and watching the numbers closely — will help you take advantage of the right moment.

This story was produced by NewHomeSource and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

The post

Gerald Peplow // Shutterstock

During the biggest travel week of the year, the chance of flight delays paired with declining gas prices in many states prompted many families to drive to their Thanksgiving destinations. However, gas prices in some areas increased substantially, even outpacing general inflation. So for those crossing state lines, paying attention to gas prices can help travelers save money — particularly when prices swing from $2.50 to $4.59 per gallon depending on where you are.

With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked 50 states based on the one-year change in gas prices as of Nov. 25, 2025, as well as the current average statewide price for a regular gallon.

• Gas is up 7.6% year over year in Oregon. Oregon’s gas prices increased most over the past year, with a regular gallon going from $3.55 last Thanksgiving to $3.82 this week. Alaska had a similarly high annual increase in gas prices, jumping 7.1% from $3.48 to $3.72. Idaho ranked third with a 5.7% increase to $3.27 per gallon.
• In Colorado, gas prices dropped 8.7%. Gas prices declined most in Colorado. Last year, a regular gallon averaged $2.90, compared to $2.65 today. Wyoming had the second largest decline at 5.0%, followed by Wisconsin at 4.4%. In total, gas prices dropped in 28 states this year.
• Gas is only $2.50 per gallon in Oklahoma. Oklahoma boasts the lowest average gas prices this Thanksgiving. Mississippi has the second-lowest average gas price, currently at $2.60. Louisiana ($2.62), Arkansas ($2.64) and Colorado ($2.65) also claim some of the lowest gas prices this week.
• Californians are paying the most for gas. The price of a regular gallon now averages $4.59 in California. This is after a 3.3% increase from a year ago, putting California in the sixth-largest price increase. Hawai‘i has the second-most expensive gas at $4.44 per regular gallon, followed by Washington at $4.19.

States are ranked based on the one-year change in gas prices between Thanksgiving week 2024 and 2025. Current state average prices for a regular gallon are also included.

SmartAsset

Gas Price Changes by State

States are ranked based on the one-year change in gas prices between Thanksgiving week 2024 and 2025. Current state average prices for a regular gallon are also included.

1. Oregon

• One-year change in gas prices: 7.64%
• Current average regular gallon price: $3.82
• Average gas price one year ago: $3.55

2. Alaska

• O

Huyogo Simbolon // Shutterstock

South Korea’s cultural capital is at an all-time high, with properties like “K-pop Demon Hunters” dominating streaming charts for movie and music categories alike.

This trend is evident to pop culture-obsessed consumers, but there’s an economic side to the story that’s relevant to businesses in the U.S.

Specifically, South Korea’s rise as a cosmetics powerhouse is becoming clear, with exports surpassing those of many of its international competitors.

Incellderm provides an overview of the “K-Wave” economy to illustrate the extent of its influence, and what this means for North American retailers in particular.

Increasing Cosmetic Dominance

Data from the International Trade Council shows exactly how impressive South Korea’s rise to prominence in the global cosmetics sector has been in the past couple of years.

In Q1 of 2025 alone, its exports for this category of goods hit $3.61 billion. That represents a 20.3% year-on-year uptick.

By comparison, the U.S. exported cosmetics worth $3.57 billion between January and April. The YoY growth rate of 1.1% looks a lot more like stagnation than expansion.

South Korea remained behind France, the world’s incumbent leader in cosmetics exports, in Q1. However, the rise in French exports of 6.3% YoY implies that it’s entirely possible South Korea might overtake it in the not-too-distant future. It all depends on whether the current trend continues.

The subsequent quarters have been similarly robust, signalling that South Korea is on track for another record year for cosmetics exports. The Korea Customs Service confirmed that Q3 exports were up 17.6% YoY and that year-to-date international sales now sat at $8.52 billion, with one final quarter to go.

America’s South Korean Cosmetics Infatuation

In addition to indicating that South Korea is now a bigger exporter of cosmetics than the U.S., another revelation from official data is that America is the country most responsible for its ongoing rise to expected dominance.

19.7% of all cosmetics exported from South Korea reached the American retail market in Q3 of 2025. That’s ahead of the 18.5% slice accounted for by China in second place, and Japan’s more modest 9.7% stake.

Brands like Incellderm ICD Skincare have found favor with consumers in the U.S. for a number of reasons. Industry insiders claim that innovation in product design and marketing is the primary catalyst behind this trend. However, South Korea’s burgeoning pop culture clout is perhaps even more of a factor.

In the past decade, K-pop bands like BTS and Blackpink have broken through in the West. More recently, the aforementioned release of “K-pop Demon Hunters” has raised th

The post Travel the Wine World via The Factory’s Portfolio Tastings appeared first on The Santa Barbara Independent.

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. (KEYT) – Detectives and SWAT Team members served a felony search warrant at a home in the 200 block of Spruce Street in Arroyo Grande Wednesday.

According to the San Luis Obispo Police Department, there is currently no threat to the surrounding area and the action is part of an ongoing felony investigation.

No additional information was provided in the press release Wednesday and when more information is shared with the public, it will be added to this article.

The post Detectives and SWAT Team serve felony search warrant at Arroyo Grande home Wednesday appeared first on News Channel 3-12.