Mortgage rates hit 2026 high, reshaping how people look at KC-area homebuying

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The 30-year mortgage rate has climbed to 6.66% — its highest point of 2026 and half a percentage point above where it stood in January. Experts attribute the increase in part to inflation tied to ongoing conflict abroad.

A Friday open house near Nall Avenue in Prairie Village drew no buyers for hours. Additional for sale signs and new construction were visible on nearby streets.

Realtors say market is active, but questions are mounting

Corrina Hauer, a local realtor and associate broker with Realty Executives, said she has not seen a significant slowdown despite the rate increase.

“The interest rates have went up. But I haven’t really seen a slowdown in the buyers,” Hauer said.

She said homebuyers are asking more detailed questions about how current rates affect them.

“They really are detailed about wanting to know that monthly payment so they can make sure that they’re not going to get in trouble later,” Hauer said.

First-time buyers looking beyond the metro

While rates are at their highest point of 2026, they remain lower than they were at the same time last year. Hauer said the environment is changing how people shop for homes rather than stopping them altogether.

“First-time buyers are kind of going outside of the area to find something cheaper that they can afford with a lower price and driving farther,” Hauer said.

She said she expects that trend to continue unless rates change. Hauer said the outlook among those she has spoken with in the industry is one of caution.

“I think if they keep going up, we’re going to have a crisis. We are going to have a problem. For sure,” Hauer said.

Eyes on September

Experts have begun watching September after the Federal Reserve recently signaled the possibility of additional rate increases at that time.