10/08/2026
Bargain Hunting With Rates Above 7%
With mortgage rates holding above 7%, it’s natural to feel the squeeze as affordability stays front and center for so many Reno buyers. Markets are watching the Fed closely, and those elevated Treasury yields are nudging borrowing costs even higher. If you’re planning your move, it pays to think ahead: recent research suggests building a little breathing room into your rate expectations—perhaps a half-point within 3 months, three-quarters by 6 months, and a full point by a year out.
Here’s something I’ve seen time and again after 25+ years in Northern Nevada: buyers who wait until late in the year often find themselves with the upper hand. Homes in Early Q4 typically run about 5% less than in Late Q2, and there’s less competition, so you have more time and space to negotiate. With about a 5-month supply on the market last month, there’s been more room for buyers to bargain—whether on price, closing costs, or even securing a temporary rate buydown.
While recent market shifts signal more Fed tightening ahead, the overarching goal remains steady: cooling inflation, which could eventually bring some relief to mortgage rates. In the meantime, smart strategy and patience can still open doors to real value. That’s always my focus—helping you keep more in your pocket, even when the market feels tough.
