Today: HousingWire reports mortgage rates eased from around 7.60% toward 7.30%, interrupting a decline in national housing demand. Requote financing for Athens-Clarke and Oconee buyers, but do not treat one improved week as a reason to raise listing prices.
Market Pulse
- Rate relief is a buyer-contact opportunity, not proof of a recovery. HousingWire reports a slight weekly improvement in national pending sales, meaning homes under contract, but its latest count was 52,490 versus 67,752 a year earlier, approximately 22.5% lower; purchase mortgage applications also remained down both weekly and annually. For Athens-Clarke and Oconee buyers who paused over affordability, obtain fresh lender quotes and compare monthly payments, closing costs, and rate-lock terms before restarting showings. For active sellers, check competing listings, recent local contracts, and showing activity before adjusting price or concessions; the national improvement does not establish stronger demand in either county. Source: HousingWire