Los Angeles, CA – March 2026 – As the spring home-buying season gets underway, LBC Mortgage is seeing fresh optimism in the market following a recent move of mortgage rates to their lowest levels in over three years — with the average 30-year fixed rate dipping below 6% for the first time since 2022. This shift brings more breathing room for buyers and refinancers alike heading into 2026’s busiest months.
“When rates go below 6%, even just for a moment, it wakes up buyers who’ve been on the sidelines,” said LBC Mortgage CEO Alex Shekhtman. “That kind of relief – even a few tenths of a percent – can take hundreds off monthly payments and pull families back into planning mode.”
He says the phones are already ringing more.
“We’re seeing people who paused last year come back and say, ‘Okay… maybe now.’ And we’re seeing homeowners asking about refinancing because the math finally makes sense again.”
A Spring Market in Motion
With mortgage rates moving down into the upper-5% range, the spring market is poised for renewed activity – even if it doesn’t feel like a “boom.”
“This isn’t 2021 again,” Alex said with a laugh. “But it is a moment where buyers and refinancers feel a little more hopeful.”
Industry economists are also calling for a market that stabilizes this year, with rates holding more predictably, more housing inventory entering the market, and more buyers stepping forward now that pricing growth has moderated.
“That’s the sweet spot,” Alex explained. “I see no panic and no frenzy – just a calmer, a little bit more balanced market where people can make thoughtful decisions. For someone who’s been renting or waiting, it’s the perfect time to plan, prep, and take action.”
Alex emphasized that while tightening the timing around homebuying in spring makes sense, the real key is being ready – financially, mentally, and with a trusted team beside you.
“You don’t need a magic rate,” he said. “You need a plan and clarity. And you need to understand how a mortgage works for you’.
What This Means for Buyers and Refinancers
With rates at a three-year low, spring typically brings:
- more buyer engagement
- increased refinance interest as homeowners look to secure lower payments
- renewed confidence among first-time buyers
- more homeowners willing to list, easing inventory constraints
“If you’ve been thinking about refinancing – this is one of those real moments,” Alex said. “You can take advantage of this rate environment, save money, and still plan for your future. That’s a conversation worth having.”
He reminded buyers that waiting for the “perfect rate” often leads to waiting too long, and that personal readiness – credit strength, savings habits, and financial confidence – matters more than trying to time the market.
“I tell people all the time,” Alex said. “You’re not timing the market. You’re timing your life. And when you’re ready – we’re ready as well.”
A Major Milestone for Real Estate Agents
In February, LBC Mortgage hosted a high-energy live webinar for real estate agents that was packed with practical insights – so much that many attendees said they wished they could bring their buyers too.
“I talk to agents every single day,” Alex shared. “A lot of them are burned out from slow patches, juggling listings, clients with cold feet, and trying to hit goals in a quieter market. They are not lacking skill, no, they’re just lacking context – how the modern buyer thinks, how programs work today, and what tools actually help get offers accepted.”
This event was a new approach to supporting the real estate community, focusing on:
- how the buyer profile has changed in 2026
- why traditional strategies alone aren’t enough anymore
- what loan programs actually move people into homes
- and how to use mortgage knowledge as a competitive advantage
“The strongest agents this year won’t just be great negotiators, but educators too,” Alex said. “They’ll be the ones who explain financing options so clearly that buyers don’t hesitate. That’s the edge top agents have in today’s market.”
Because so many agents asked for the same session to be repeated – this time with their buyers in mind – LBC Mortgage has announced a follow-up webinar in March targeted specifically at homebuyers. The goal is to give people the same clear, honest guidance so many agents have been craving.
“If your client couldn’t make the previous webinar, this buyer-focused session is for them,” Alex said. “We’ll cover what real affordability looks like, how to prepare your credit, options for self-employed buyers, down-payment programs, and yes – what the current rate environment means for real people.”
Recognized Again – But Looking Forward
On the awards front, Alex was also recently honored with a Titan of the Industry Award by National Mortgage Professional Magazine (NMP) – a recognition that celebrates leaders who shape the mortgage industry through innovation, client service, and leadership vision.
“I was honestly humbled,” Alex said. “because it means our work is being seen by people who care about this space. It means that what we do – being direct, clear, and client-first – actually matters.”
He was quick to add: “I’m proud of it. But I’m more proud of what it represents – a team, a culture, a way of showing up that’s consistent even when the market isn’t easy. And we’ve got more to do.”
About LBC Mortgage
LBC Mortgage is a national mortgage brokerage licensed in California, Florida, Illinois, Washington, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Colorado, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. With a people-first philosophy, LBC offers FHA, VA, Conventional, Jumbo, and self‑employed loan programs – providing clarity, flexible solutions, and support for a wide range of borrowers.
Media Contact:
Sofiia Kovalchuk
Head of PR, LBC Mortgage
sofiia@lbcmortgage.com
(818) 217 0138
lbcmortgage.com