🏡 Real Estate Update: Mortgage Rates Are Easing (Nov 2025) (https://www.marketwatch.com/story/mortgage-rates-fall-sharply-on-expectations-of-a-fed-rate-cut-will-they-keep-on-dropping-from-here-18d03650) Mortgage rates have finally moved down a bit after a long stretch of higher rates. Recent reports show the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropping into the low 6% range. That’s still higher than the 3% days, but it’s noticeably lower than the 7%+ we’ve seen over the last couple of years. What’s going on: - Rates are easing as inflation cools and markets expect future Fed rate cuts - Lower rates are bringing more buyers back into the market - Some sellers are adjusting prices after a slower period What this means for you: - A small drop in rates can reduce your monthly payment - It can also help you qualify for a slightly higher price range (if the rest of your numbers are solid) - You don’t need to rush, but you should understand how your payment changes as rates move How to use this: - If you’re 3–12 months out, use this time to work on credit, debt, and savings - Learn your numbers now so you’re ready to move when the right home and rate window line up for you - If you want help seeing “what would my payment look like at today’s rates,” post in the community with your state and rough price range

The federal agency that oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is raising the “conforming loan limit” again for 2026. (https://www.fhfa.gov/news/news-release/fhfa-announces-conforming-loan-limit-values-for-2026) In simple terms, this is the maximum loan size that can still be treated as a standard conforming loan instead of a jumbo loan. Key points: - The baseline conforming loan limit for 1-unit homes will move into the low–$800,000s in most areas - High-cost areas will have limits over $1.2 million - This change is happening because average home prices have continued to rise Why this matters: - Most first-time buyers won’t shop near those limits, especially in more affordable markets - But higher limits help keep more homes in the standard “conforming” box instead of pushing buyers into jumbo loans - Conforming loans usually have more flexible guidelines and more program options How to use this: - If you are shopping in a higher price range, ask your lender what the conforming limit is in your county - Find out at what price point your loan would become “jumbo” - For most entry-level buyers, this is good background info, but your focus should still be on budget, DTI, and down payment

New data shows that buyers today are putting down more money than at any time in over 30 years. Across the country, the average down payment is now close to 19% of the purchase price. On a typical home price over $400,000, that can mean tens of thousands of dollars in cash. (https://www.investopedia.com/the-average-down-payment-buyers-are-making-right-now-and-how-yours-stacks-up-11855995) What the numbers look like: - Average down payment is around 19% nationally - First-time buyers are averaging closer to 10% - Repeat buyers are often in the 20%+ range because they are using equity from a previous home What this does NOT mean: - It does not mean you must have 19% or 20% down to buy - It does not mean you are “behind” if you don’t have a huge savings balance What it really means: - Cash-heavy buyers and move-up buyers have an advantage in many markets - The gap between those with equity and those starting from zero is wider than before - Strategy matters more than ever for first-time buyers How to use this: - Focus on a down payment that works for your budget and timeline, not the national average - Learn about 3–5% down options, DPA programs, and how PMI affects your monthly payment - In the community, you can share your state, rough price range, and savings, and we can help you think through a realistic down payment plan for your situation