09/28/2026
US Mortgage Costs Hit 14-Month High
Mortgage costs have climbed to a 14-month high, with the typical monthly payment for US buyers now at $2,600 by late Q3. Alongside this, the national median home-sale price has inched up about 2% year-over-year to just under $399,000, creating more pressure on affordability and keeping pending sales steady month-over-month but lower compared to last year. I’m seeing mortgage-purchase applications dip slightly and new listings slow a bit due to holiday timing, although they’re still just above the 2025 period. What stands out to me in this shifting landscape is how crucial a strong seller strategy has become—about 21% of active listings cut prices, and sharper pricing continues to attract attention while overpricing tends to hold buyers back. Active inventory has improved, too, up about 2% year-over-year to 1.5 million homes, with supply approaching four months—still not quite a balanced market. With over 30 years of experience guiding families through changing markets, I’ve learned that understanding these trends and adapting your strategy is key to making confident decisions, whether you’re buying or selling.