09/17/2026
THE MARKET HAS SHIFTED.
SO SHOULD YOUR STRATEGY.
Yesterday, the Federal Reserve raised its federal funds target range by 0.25 percentage point, bringing it to 3.75%–4.00%. (Quick reminder: The Fed rate isn't your home mortgage rate!)
And yes, we’re seeing mortgage rates respond to a market that continues to be more complicated than a simple “rates are going up” or “rates are coming down” headline.
But here’s my perspective as a REALTOR®:
This is not a market for panic.
It’s a market for strategy.
We are no longer in the environment where buyers have to rush, compete against multiple offers, or assume that every home will appreciate simply because they bought it.
And sellers? Pricing correctly, understanding competition, and presenting a home well matter more than ever.
So what do we do?
BUYERS:
→ Know your actual numbers, not just the headline rate.
→ Look at the payment, cash-to-close, incentives and overall value.
→ Negotiate where the market gives you room.
→ Don’t wait for a “perfect” rate if the right property and numbers make sense for you.
SELLERS:
→ Pricing strategically matters.
→ Buyers have more choices, so condition and presentation matter.
→ Watch your competition, not just what your neighbor hopes their house is worth.
→ Be prepared to adjust based on actual market response.
AND FOR EVERYONE:
Timing isn't about predicting the exact bottom or waiting for the perfect rate.
Timing is about knowing your goals, understanding the numbers, watching the market and being ready to move when the right opportunity appears.
That’s where having a REALTOR® who is actually watching the market, not just the headlines, can make a difference.
The market doesn't have to be perfect for you to make a smart move.
It just needs to make sense for YOU. 🏡
Rates will move.
Inventory will move.
Prices will move.
Your strategy should move with them.
Deborah Arroyo, REALTOR®