#19 - Mortgage Rates Remain High, But Signs of Market Improvement Emerge

Seattle Real Estate Podcast

High mortgage interest rates continue to challenge the housing market, with both buyers and sellers hesitant to engage in transactions. Despite this, the market shows signs of loosening, as recent data suggests a potential decline in rates. As of August 13th, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate stands at 6.49%, the lowest in over a year. Although home sales have increased by 5.9% year-over-year, they remain at historically low levels due to high rates and limited inventory. Interestingly, the number of active listings has surged by 37.7% compared to last year, yet the market remains tight. Notably, the median home price has risen by 5.7%, driven by continued buyer demand despite the financial challenges. The Federal Reserve's anticipated rate cuts in September could further ease the market, potentially leading to a surge in home prices as interest rates decline.