The Mortgage Files

Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.

Lower Rates vs. High Prices – The Tradeoff You Can’t Ignore

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2026

Everyone loves the idea of lower mortgage rates—and for good reason. A lower rate means a lower monthly payment and more buying power. But here’s the part that often gets overlooked: when mortgage rates fall, home prices often rise. And sometimes, those rising prices can cancel out the benefit of a lower rate. This creates…