Ying & Yang: U.S. Home Affordability Hit Best Level in 4 Years. 

The Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of technology and data, released its February 2026 Mortgage Monitor Report. When the early January rate dip fell to 6.04% on January 9 there was an increase in  refinance eligibility by 20%, unlocking opportunities for nearly 5 million borrowers and pushing affordability to a four-year high. The average monthly principal and interest payment dropped $164 (-7%) year over year to $2,091, reducing the required income share to 27.8%. Despite the improvement, affordability remains stretched.  The national home price-to-income ratio at 4.8:1 is well above the long-run average of 4:1, meaning household incomes would need to rise 15%+ (assuming prices stay flat) to return to pre-pandemic norms.

Six/Seven (sorry I had to): Are mortgage rates about to drop below 6%?

Sub-6% rates are seen as a potential psychological trigger for buyers, and the 30-year fixed rate averaged 6.01%.  This is down from 6.09% last week, marking its lowest level since September 2022.  As this rate information is favorable; economists are tempering expectations as nationwide inventory is building (ahead of the spring season) and price growth is cooling.  Fannie Mae now projects just 5.1% total home sales growth in 2026, down from prior forecasts of 6.9% in January and 9.2% in September. Affordability is gradually improving, but consumer confidence, regional inventory shortages, and broader economic pressures continue to sideline buyers.

Soft Close: Wood Cabinets Overtake White as Top Choice in Kitchen Remodels.

Per the 2026 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, results are in: 29% of homeowners chose wood cabinets in 2026 (+6% YoY), edging out white cabinets at 28% (down 5% YoY). The most popular wood finishes: medium tones 15%, light wood 11%, dark wood 3%.  It’s not just the cabinets, though; 39% of homeowners are using wood countertops on kitchen islands (+12% YoY), while 19% are using white island countertops.  Strategic kitchen renovations continue to be one of the highest-impact upgrades for resale, often driving stronger buyer interest, shorter days on market, and a meaningful return on investment…especially when design choices align with current trends.

The Olympics dazzle us with impressive athletic feats, but some of the most incredible aspects to these winter games are stories and examples of resilience, fortitude, and mental strength these athletes possess.  They compete to achieve greatness with their best day, while having the confidence to know they aren’t as bad their worst day.  I hope you have a great weekend, and remember; We’re never as great as our best day - We’re never as bad as our worst day; Be Confident - Stay Humble.