The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to the lowest level of 2025, but it doesn’t seem enough to create urgency among prospective home buyers. Freddie Mac reports the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.76% this week. At this week’s 6.76% rate, the monthly mortgage payment on a $400,000 home would be $2,078, assuming a 20% down payment. With a 10% down payment, the monthly mortgage payment would...

“Worrying is like paying a debt you didn’t owe.” – Mark Twain The above quote ties into what I want to discuss with this post: Worry about the direction of our national and local home sales markets. There is no doubt we’ve been through the wringer the past few years starting with Covid 19 five years ago, followed by record-setting interest rate increases beginning 3 years ago and then...

Why are houses so expensive? In just about every corner of America, it’s a familiar refrain. Housing is too expensive – if it’s even available. Of course, there are very specific reasons why a property in any particular community has the price tag it does. Still, there are a few key reasons why America has what many people consider a national housing crisis. Full article here: Why is housing...

Steady as she goes. That about sums up the 2025 outlook by real estate experts for the housing market in the Austin metro area, a five-county region stretching from Georgetown to San Marcos. Peering into their crystal balls, several leading experts who have tracked the ups and downs of the Central Texas real estate market for years, even decades, foresee stable conditions this year.  Full article...

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. eased for the sixth week in a row, a welcome boost in purchasing power for home shoppers just as the annual spring homebuying season gets going. The average rate fell 6.76% from 6.85% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, it averaged 6.94%. Full article here: Average U.S. rate on a 30-year mortgage falls for...

Research shows new homes are shrinking, and a recent study shows that matches consumer preferences.  When it comes to what home buyers want, detached single-family homes continue to be a hot commodity. And while buyers are looking for larger properties, it’s not a whole lot more than what they currently have, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Full article here: New...

Here are the January/2025 MLS single-family statistics for Austin, TX: At first glance, it may appear that our January Austin home sales market gave up some ground when compared to the last 3 months of 2024 after it looked like we were gaining momentum.  However, it is important to remember that we only compare the same month’s data when looking at past history.  I posted the past...

Do you know the difference between 550 and 780? Yes, they’re 230 digits apart, but they’re also examples of bad and good credit scores, respectively. If you don’t check yours regularly, now’s the time to start. Small mistakes are a lot more common than you think, and they can do some serious damage to your credit score. Full article here: Keep watchful eye on your credit score (512)...

No matter how you slice it, buying or selling a home is a big decision. And when you’re going through any change in your life and you need some guidance, what do you do? You get advice from people who know what they’re talking about. Moving is no exception. Full article here: Why You Want an Agent’s Advice for Your Move (512) 853-0110 or robert@AustinTxHomeSales.com If you are...

The market for million-dollar homes is expanding across the United States, but growth isn’t limited to traditional luxury hubs. The metros of Colorado Springs, CO, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, and Seattle are also seeing significant increases in seven-figure sales, driven by distinct factors. Full article here: Million-Dollar Home Sales Are Growing—and Affluent Buyers Are Paying in Cash (512)...