What will happen to the housing market in 2026? Will mortgage rates finally drop below 6%? Is affordability improving? And are we heading toward a buyer’s market?

In this episode of Real Estate Served on the Rocks, we recap our 2025 predictions (and how accurate we were), then break down our 2026 housing market forecast — covering interest rates, inventory growth, affordability trends, climate-driven migration, and what buyers and sellers should expect — all while reviewing 2XO “Two Times Oak” Bourbon by Dixon Dedman.

If you’re planning to buy or sell in 2026, this episode is a must-watch.

In this episode we cover:

• Why mortgage rates are driven by Treasury bonds (not just the Fed)

• Our 2026 mortgage rate prediction (will we dip below 6%?)

• Why affordability depends on 3 key factors: rates, wages, and prices

• How wage growth could finally outpace home value growth

• Why Colorado inventory is increasing

• The “lock-in effect” and why it’s starting to loosen

• Why rental inventory is skyrocketing (and how that affects buyers)

• Whether millennials still want to buy homes

• How climate migration could impact real estate in 2026

• Why smaller homes may become the new norm

• Who will benefit most from the 2026 market shift

Whether you're a first-time buyer, move-up buyer, investor, or seller trying to time the market — understanding these trends could save (or make) you thousands.

🥃 Bourbon Review: 2XO “Two Times Oak” by Dixon Dedman

This moderate rye mash bill bourbon is finished with charred American oak staves inserted during maturation — designed to enhance sweetness and oak complexity.

We break down:

• Vanilla, caramel & honeysuckle notes on the nose

• Dark chocolate, citrus zest & cherry on the palate

• How oak staves change the aging process

• The science behind barrel interaction

• Whether this bottle is marketing hype or legit craftsmanship

Does this innovative oak technique deliver… or overcomplicate?

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 Intro + Episode 101 Kickoff

05:00 Bourbon 100 Celebration & Giveaway Announcement

12:00 2XO Two Times Oak First Impressions

18:00 2025 Predictions Recap (Were We Right?)

25:00 Mortgage Rate Breakdown for 2026

35:00 Treasury Bonds vs The Fed Explained

45:00 Inventory Trends & Lock-In Effect

50:00 Rental Market Explosion

55:00 Affordability & Wage Growth Outlook

1:00:00 Climate Migration Prediction

1:05:00 Buyer vs Seller Advantage in 2026

1:10:00 One Rock Takeaway

1:15:00 Bourbon Rating

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Colorado and want straight answers (no fear headlines — just strategy), reach out. Preparation beats prediction, and 2026 will reward buyers who plan early.

📍 Serving Denver, Colorado Springs, and the Front Range

📩 Drop your questions in the comments — we answer them on the next episode.

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