WWH

A mortgage rate above 7% can change the mood of the housing market fast. Buyers who were ready to tour homes may pause. Others lower their price range, wait for better affordability, or step back completely. When that happens across the market, homes tend to sit longer, and the number of available listings starts to grow. That is the basic link between mortgage rates and housing inventory. Higher rates reduce buying power. Lower buying power reduces demand. When demand softens, inventory...

A lower mortgage payment can make a home feel more affordable, especially when fixed rates are high. That is why adjustable-rate mortgages, often called ARMs, get attention from buyers who want a lower initial rate. The tradeoff is simple, but serious. An ARM may start with a lower interest rate than a fixed-rate mortgage, then adjust later based on market conditions. If rates rise, the monthly payment can rise too. This article is for general information only and is not financial advice....

A few years ago, many homes seemed to sell almost as soon as they hit the market. In 2026, that pace has cooled. According to Realtor.com, the typical home spent 61 days on the market in September 2026, compared to 41 days in September 2021. That 20-day difference tells a bigger story about affordability, mortgage rates, buyer confidence, and seller expectations. Homes are still selling, but the market is moving at a different speed. For buyers, that can mean more breathing room. For sellers,...