There’s a lot of noise out there right now about US housing affordability—and it’s easy to see why. Lately, we’ve seen a wave of disinflation in housing, but buyers and sellers aren’t quite on the same page: sellers are offering more concessions, which can mean real savings for buyers determined to make homeownership a reality. Still, the main obstacle hasn’t changed: borrowing costs. With Treasury yields hovering around 5% and 30-year mortgage rates topping the low-7% range, the math for many buyers remains tough. In the four weeks ending September 13, the median monthly mortgage payment climbed to about $2,600—a 3% increase over last year. That’s a direct reflection of how financing costs continue to squeeze affordability.
Inventory remains tight as many homeowners, locked in at lower rates, are reluctant to list, and those who do often expect the high prices of the pandemic era. Despite all this, most industry experts agree: this is a correction toward stability, not a crash. The market is underpinned by solid home equity and prudent lending, which creates real opportunities for both buyers and sellers—if you know where to look. As a full-time real estate professional, my focus is always on spotting these opportunities early and guiding clients through the complexities, so you can make the best possible move in today’s market.
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