Market Perspective

As we move into the fall market, one topic continues to dominate conversations with buyers and sellers alike: affordability. For much of the year, many prospective buyers have been waiting on the sidelines, hoping mortgage rates would fall. While rates have eased from their highs, the dramatic drop many expected simply hasn't happened. But affordability isn't just about the rate, it's about the playbook buyers use to get in the door.

Sellers are adjusting their expectations as inventory expands, creating a unique divergence in the market: asking prices are softening, yet final closed values remain highly resilient.

Even the best partnerships have room to get sharper, especially in the housing market, where things change constantly. Here are three questions worth putting on your regular rotation — questions you might already know the answers to — and ones a loan officer is always happy to answer. Revisiting these topics can lead to smoother transactions, stronger offers, and better customer experiences.

Mortgage rates hit a 9-month high in May, but that hasn’t stopped buyers from moving forward.