09/18/2026
The Fed raised rates. Your mortgage rate didnât.
Those are two different numbers â and the difference matters if youâre thinking about buying or selling this fall.
On September 16 the Fed raised its benchmark rate a quarter point, to a target range of 3.75%â4.00%. First increase since 2023. But the Fed doesnât directly set mortgage rates. Those follow the bond market, inflation expectations and Treasury yields. Related, not the same dial.
So is this bad news for real estate? Not necessarily.
For buyers: there may be more room to negotiate price, repairs or closing costs right now, especially on homes that have been sitting.
For sellers: pricing and presentation matter more than ever. Buyers are watching their monthly payments closely, which makes positioning from day one that much more important.
And if youâve been waiting for the âperfectâ rate â you can potentially refinance later. You canât go back and change the price you paid.
Here in the Highland Lakes, Central Texas and the Hill Country, Iâm watching inventory, days on market, price reductions, buyer activity and seller concessions. Those numbers tell us far more than any national headline.
Thinking about a move? Letâs look at your numbers, your property and your goals before deciding whether now is the right time.
đ˛Call (830) 265-0310
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Whatâs your biggest question about rates right now? Drop it below.
