11/21/2025
Happy Friday! Before you dive into showings, closings, or that much needed second (or third) cup of coffee, here’s a quick rundown of what’s been happening in the market. From buyers eyeing 50-year mortgages (this is a whole discussion by itself) to inventory giving us a little more elbow room, there’s plenty to keep an eye on as we head into the weekend.
Nearly Half of Americans Open to a 50-Year Mortgage
Nearly half of Americans say they would consider a 50-year mortgage, according to a new survey by BadCredit.org. Support is strongest among younger buyers, especially millennials and Gen Z, who are struggling with high home prices, rising interest rates, and heavy student loan debt. For many of them, spreading payments over 50 years feels like the only way to afford a home. Older generations, however, tend to see these loans as risky because they add more interest and keep borrowers in debt much longer.
The survey also found big divides by politics and gender. Over half of Republicans support the idea, while Democrats and Independents are more cautious. Men are also more willing to take on a 50-year loan than women. Experts warn that while longer mortgages may help with lower monthly payments, they also increase total interest costs and delay financial security. Still, the results show that many Americans are open to new options as housing affordability continues to get worse.
If you would like to see real numbers on this, please let me know. I am happy to send you a scenario that will better illustrate what a 50-year really means to consumers. 😊
RE/MAX Says Home Sales Climbed in October as Choice.
Home sales rose 3.2% in October across 51 major U.S. metros, showing more signs of stability in the housing market, according to RE/MAX. It was the fifth time in 2025 that monthly sales were higher than the year before. Buyers also had more options, with inventory up nearly 16% from last year, even though homes stayed on the market longer—an average of 50 days compared to 43 last October.
Prices remained steady, with the median home selling for $445,000, and sellers receiving about 98% of their asking price. Some markets saw strong gains, such as Burlington, Honolulu, and Omaha, while others experienced declines. Despite improved inventory, mortgage applications stayed soft due to affordability challenges. Experts expect slow but steady progress heading into 2026.
Study: Hidden Homeownership Costs Now Top $16K a Year
Hidden costs of owning a home now total nearly $15,979 per year, according to a new analysis from Zillow and Thumbtack. This adds roughly $1,325 per month on top of a regular mortgage payment. Most of these costs come from maintenance ($10,946), followed by homeowner’s insurance ($2,003) and property taxes ($3,030). These expenses have risen 4.7% in the past year, outpacing the 3.8% increase in household income, making affordability even tougher for many families.
These costs vary widely by location. In cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston, hidden homeowner expenses range from $21,000 to over $24,000 annually. Insurance has become one of the fastest-rising burdens, jumping 48% since early 2020, with some markets—like Miami—seeing increases of more than 70% in just five years. Zillow warns that these hidden costs are becoming a major barrier for first-time buyers and a growing strain on current homeowners.
December Fed Rate Cut??
While this is becoming increasingly unlikely (currently 35%) with current jobs data, keep your eyes on the 10-year Treasury. The 10-year is a better indicator of what mortgage rates are going to do. As of this morning, we are at 4.059%. If we can get back to levels around 10/20/25 (3.947%), we should see some relief in mortgage rates.
Call Regina Ambrose, First United Realty of Atlanta, LLC, to list your home for 1% - Call 678-613-5636
