09/10/2026
🏡 Are mortgage interest rates really that high right now? Let’s put today’s rates into perspective.
In 1981, the average 30-year mortgage rate climbed above 18%, with rates peaking around 18.63%. 😳
And yes… people were still buying homes.
Fast-forward to today and mortgage rates are nowhere near those 1980s highs. The market is different, home prices are different, and affordability absolutely matters—but waiting for mortgage rates to return to 3% may not be the best strategy for every buyer.
Here’s what I tell my Austin, Texas home buyers:
✨ Don’t try to perfectly time the housing market.
✨ Look at the payment, price and terms together.
✨ Negotiate where the current market gives you leverage.
✨ If rates improve later, refinancing may be an option.
✨ Buy when the home AND the numbers make sense for you.
And in the meantime, can we appreciate the 80s? 😂
The hair was higher. The mortgage rates were MUCH higher.
If you’re wondering whether now is a good time to buy a home in Austin, Texas, I can help you look at the actual numbers and decide based on your situation—not the headlines.
💗 Kelly Cameron | Austin REALTOR®
AustinRealEstate.com
Serving Austin, Leander, Georgetown, Liberty Hill, Cedar Park and surrounding Central Texas communities.
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