AskMorty

Tag: housing market

  • Mortgage Payment Math: Why More Homes for Sale Can Matter More Than a Lower Rate

    If you are stuck on mortgage payment math, you are not alone. As of this week in 2026, the average 30-year mortgage rate is 6.95%. That is close to the 7 percent mortgage rate line many buyers watch. But rate is only one part of the payment. A bigger choice of homes, a lower price, or seller credits can sometimes… keep reading

  • How Buyers Can Use a Stuck Mortgage Rate Market to Improve Their Negotiating Position

    If you are buying a home in a high-rate market, this is the key thing to know: a mortgage rate of 6.6% does not mean you have to rush, and it does not mean you have no buyer bargaining power. In many cases, a steady rate market can help you plan better and negotiate smarter. Instead of waiting for a… keep reading

  • Mortgage Rates Dipped, but Waiting for 6% Could Cost You More

    If you are trying to decide whether to wait for 6 or buy now at today’s 6.65% rate, the short answer is this: a lower rate later does not always mean a lower total cost. Home prices can keep rising while you wait. Inventory can stay tight. And more buyers may jump back in if rates fall, which can make… keep reading

  • Why Higher Rates Can Still Create a Smart Homebuying Window

    If mortgage rates feel high right now, you may wonder if it still makes sense to buy. The short answer is yes, in some cases this can still be a smart buying window. What matters most is not just the rate. It is whether the full monthly payment works for your budget, and whether today’s slower market gives you better… keep reading

  • Rates Near 6.5%? How Buyers Can Use More Leverage in Today’s Market

    If you are buying a home in 2026, buyer leverage matters just as much as the rate you get. With the average 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.49% as of this week, many shoppers are asking the same thing: should I wait, or should I use today’s market to negotiate better terms now? The short answer is this: rates are still… keep reading

  • Rates Dip, Inventory Builds: Is This Your Buying Window?

    If you have been waiting for a better buying window, this week gave buyers a little more room to breathe. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate moved down to 6.48%, and the number of homes for sale kept rising. That does not mean every buyer should rush in. It does mean you may have more options, more negotiating power, and… keep reading

  • Rates Are Up: What Home Buyers Can Still Control

    Rates moved up again this week, and that can make buying a home feel harder overnight. If you’re dealing with buyer rate shock, the good news is this: you still have real options. Even when the 30-year fixed rate is 6.51% as of this week, you can still control your budget, loan setup, and monthly payment strategy. This article will… keep reading

  • Mortgage Rates Are Back at 6.3%: Should You Buy Now or Wait?

    If you are wondering whether to buy now wait, the short answer is this: base your choice on your budget, timeline, and monthly payment, not on guessing next week’s rate move. As of this week in May 2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is back at 6.3%. That matters because even a small rate change can shift what home… keep reading

  • Mortgage Rates at 6.3%: What It Means for Your Buying Power This Spring

    If you’re shopping this spring, mortgage rates matter more than one headline might suggest. A move back to 6.3% can change your monthly payment, lower your home buying power, and affect how confident you feel making an offer. The good news is that rates are only one piece of the puzzle. Inventory is improving in many places, price growth is… keep reading

  • The Impact of the Iran War on U.S. Mortgage Rates and Housing Market

    Mortgage Rates Soar Amidst Global Uncertainty The recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, particularly with regards to the Iran conflict, has sent shockwaves through global financial markets. This has led to a significant increase in mortgage rates, making it more expensive for homebuyers and homeowners to secure loans. As of March 2026, the current 30-year fixed mortgage rate… keep reading