Mortgage costs in the US have climbed to a 14-month high, with the typical buyer’s monthly payment reaching $2,600 by late Q3. As a licensed broker serving Georgia and Alabama, I see firsthand how these shifts in the market create new challenges and decisions for both buyers and sellers. The national median home-sale price increased about 2% year-over-year to $399,000, which has put additional pressure on affordability—keeping pending sales steady month-over-month and lower compared to last year.
Recently, mortgage-purchase applications dipped slightly, and while new listings fell compared to the previous month (likely due to holiday timing), they’re still modestly higher than the same period in 2025. Sellers are having to be much more strategic—about 21% of active listings cut prices, and I’ve noticed that homes priced sharply are attracting more attention, while overpricing can create hesitation among buyers.
Inventory has also improved, with active supply up about 2% year-over-year to 1.5 million homes and supply now near 4 months—though this is still not quite a balanced market. Navigating these market conditions takes careful planning and experience, from understanding pricing strategy to timing and negotiation. My background in law and service has shown me how essential it is to guide clients with clarity through every step, especially when market pressures are high.
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