10/07/2026
4 Questions Shaping US Housing Affordability
Housing affordability is at a crossroads, shaped by several key factors that continue to influence both buyers and sellers. Lately, we’ve seen some cooling in home price growth, but the gap between what buyers seek and sellers expect has widened—leading to more concessions from sellers and opportunities for those determined to own. The main obstacle, however, remains the cost of borrowing: with benchmark Treasury yields close to 5% and average 30-year mortgage rates now above the low-7% range, affordability is still a real challenge.
In just the four weeks ending September 13th, the median monthly mortgage payment climbed to around $2,600—a 3% increase over last year—highlighting how financing costs stretch buyer budgets. Meanwhile, resale inventory remains tight, as many homeowners with lower-rate loans opt to hold, and sellers often still want pandemic-era prices. From my perspective guiding clients through both property and business sales, these dynamics underscore the importance of strategic negotiation and understanding real value in a shifting market. Industry consensus suggests this is a market correction toward stability, not a crash, with solid equity, prudent lending, and genuine opportunities for both buyers and sellers ready to navigate the complexities.