Rates Are Back Over 6%… Should You Use Your 401(k) to Buy a House? + FHA Traps to Avoid

Mortgage rates dipped below 6% for one day… and now they’re back over 6%.

So what’s actually happening?

In this episode of Take Ten, Corey and Lisa break down:

• Why rates briefly fell below 6%

• Why paying points is suddenly a strong strategy

• Builder incentives that are creating “slick” deals

• The proposed 401(k) down payment rule change

• Should you tap retirement savings to buy a home? • What CrossMod homes are (and why they’re a powerful affordability solution)

• A little-known FHA rule about wells and public water that can kill a deal

• How listing agents can avoid financing surprises

If you’re a Realtor, buyer, investor, or homeowner trying to understand today’s mortgage market, this episode gives you real strategy, not headlines.

We explain what matters, what doesn’t, and how to structure deals creatively in this 6% rate environment.

📊 Data source: Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Index 🏡 Topics: mortgage rates 2026, paying discount points, 401k for down payment, CrossMod homes, FHA appraisal rules, well water requirements, builder incentives

Real conversations. Real strategy. Ten minutes.