Sellers face a tough choice as 7% mortgage rates suppress demand
Reducing prices or delisting may be the most viable options for homesellers in some markets as higher borrowing costs continue to deter buyers.
September 17, 2026
Consumer
Stories for and about homebuyers, sellers, the housing market and the forces that shape the real estate landscape.
- Path to lower mortgage rates ‘highly uncertain’ after Fed hikeThe Fed raised short-term rates by a quarter point today for the first time since July 2023. Mortgage rates, meanwhile, are expected to remain elevated.September 16, 2026
- Investors, not the Fed, may influence where mortgage rates go nextIt’s a big week for the Fed, which could raise short-time rates for the first time in over 3 years, but mortgage rates may respond more to investor reactions.Updated September 15, 2026
- Hispanic wealth has risen, homeownership rate has notNAHREP’s 2026 State of Hispanic Wealth report outlines new goals for the next 10 years, while cautioning that federal policies may inhibit progress.September 14, 2026
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- Best time to buy a home arriving ‘a bit earlier’ this fallNationally, the best week to buy starts Sept. 27, Realtor.com found. But local conditions vary, with the ideal week arriving later in the season in some areas.September 14, 2026
- Did lending standards overcorrect after the financial crisis?A recent Pew study argues that lending policies, which tightened in the late 2000s, are preventing many Americans from getting mortgages despite reduced risks.September 11, 2026
- Fed ‘will most likely hike’ rates after ‘surprise’ inflation dataInflation, a top focus for the central bank, rose in August, with core inflation higher than expected. Analysts now put the odds of a rate hike at nearly 90%.September 11, 2026
- Mortgage rates top 7% as odds of a Fed hike surgeDaily rates hit 7.07% on Thursday, and analysts increasingly expect to see a rate hike next week. Meanwhile, existing home sales and mortgage applications fell.September 10, 2026
- Can buyers time the market? Study says buying now is the best betFor about 3 in 5 home shoppers, it is better financially to buy immediately instead of delaying, according to an AD Mortgage analysis of over 20 years of data.September 10, 2026
- Strong jobs report puts focus on inflation ahead of Fed meetingThe U.S. added 162,000 jobs in August and 55,000 more jobs than first reported in June and July — data economists say makes the Fed more likely to raise rates.September 4, 2026
- Odds of a rate hike now 50-50 following Fed governor's speechChristopher Waller said the Fed shouldn’t hike short-term interest rates unless inflation worsens. Mortgage rates, however, are still rising for now.September 3, 2026
- HUD nixes ‘substantial burdens’ on multifamily property ownersAs HUD rescinds the Obama-era policy interpretation, a state bill with common themes fails in California. Plus, House Republicans introduce a CFPB reform bill.September 2, 2026
- Mortgage rates approach 7% as Fed official floats rate hikeThe central bank “should act decisively to raise” short-term interest rates if inflation doesn’t start trending downward, Fed Governor Michael Barr said.September 1, 2026
- Economists betting on a rate hike after Fed chair speechIn hawkish remarks at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh praised the economy’s strength but warned that inflation remains “too high.”August 28, 2026
- Fair housing groups notch win in legal battle with HUDHUD’s funding cut rationale “does not add up,” the judge said when blocking the plan. Plus, Fed gov. responds to fraud claims; more layoffs at Fannie Mae.August 28, 2026
- New listings inch up, but homebuyer demand has dropped offWhile inventory has continued to creep up in the final days of the month, less homebuyer competition is expected in the coming weeks as the summer winds down.August 27, 2026
- Buyers casting a wider net in search of their next homeAffordability is the main factor driving buyers to search for homes outside the metro where they already live, according to two new reports from Realtor.com.August 26, 2026
- Only 1 in 3 sellers are negotiating agent commissionsMany agents will lower their commission when asked, but sellers are still largely in the dark about how the process works and what they’re required to pay.August 26, 2026
- Home purchase breakeven point continues to riseIt takes about 15 years to save for a down payment and benefit financially from buying vs. renting, up from 11 years in 2019, according to a recent report.August 24, 2026
- Higher mortgage rates expected for the remainder of the yearWhile rates dipped slightly this week, bond market volatility could mean a bumpy road ahead, and Fannie Mae is now forecasting rates at 6.8% by year-end.August 20, 2026
- NAR pushes to expand agent health insurance optionsThe trade group met with federal officials about solutions. Plus, state AGs sue over lender rule change; new accessible housing bills introduced in D.C.August 17, 2026
- Buyers have more options, negotiating power as demand slumpsMortgage rates changed little in response to new jobs and inflation data, but sellers are still increasingly outnumbering buyers in a sign of weakening demand.August 13, 2026
- Capital gains exclusion bill draws more backers in Senate, HouseThe More Homes on the Market Act now has 174 co-sponsors in D.C. Plus, consumer advocacy groups raise objections about proposed mortgage lending rule changes.August 11, 2026
- Homeowner equity hits new high even as underwater mortgages riseMortgage holder equity reached $18 trillion in June, but a growing share of borrowers in Texas and Florida are either underwater, behind on payments, or both.August 10, 2026
