Just The Facts - October 2026
| October 2, 2026 |
| For buyers... |
| Mortgage Rates |
|
| You may be seeing today's higher rates and worrying about whether it's still worth it to buy. |
| Here's what you may not realize... |
| The rate you see online isn't necessarily the one you'd get when you buy. Mortgage rates differ just like the people who apply for loans. |
| Your real mortgage rate is specific to your individual situation. It can be higher or lower than what you've seen or heard. |
| So, don't assume the rate in the headlines is your rate. Before you decide you can't buy a home or that you should wait, find out what your real rate is. You'll know what your options are and get a map to what's possible. |
| And a quick conversation with a loan officer is the perfect place to start. |
| For buyers and sellers... |
| Home Prices |
|
| Some of you are scared home prices are about to crash. Others are hoping they will. But will it happen? |
| Fannie Mae just asked over 100 housing experts where prices are headed through 2030. And the consensus is prices are expected to rise, not crash. |
| Even the most pessimistic experts still forecast prices will go up 6.6%. |
| So, whether you're bracing for a crash or hoping for one, the forecast is clear. While some markets may see small short-term declines, home prices are going to keep going up nationally. |
| Have questions about what this means for your move, or what's happening locally? Let's chat. |
| For sellers... |
| The Competition |
|
| Higher mortgage rates are making buyers pay closer attention to one thing: the monthly payment. |
| And builders know it. Right now, 13.8% of new-construction listings are advertising reduced rates, giving some buyers a way to bring that monthly payment down. |
| So, if you're selling near new construction, that's something worth paying attention to. But it doesn't mean you automatically need to match what a builder is offering. |
| Depending on your house, your market, and the buyer, competing could mean negotiating on price, helping with closing costs, offering a rate buydown, or simply doing a better job highlighting what your house offers that a new build doesn't. |
| The point isn't to give more away. It's to know what you're competing against so you can choose the right strategy from the start. |
| If you're planning to sell, let's look at what buyers can get in our area and make sure your house is positioned to compete. |
| More questions? Call me! | 239.671.7279 |