Mortgage rates are still relatively low, but they’ve crept up a bit recently. The 30-year fixed rate is now around 6–6.25%, and the 15-year fixed is about 5.75% for buyers with excellent credit.
Why the move? The Federal Reserve decided to pause rate cuts for now to keep inflation in check, and the job market is stable. Even with rates a bit higher than last month, buyers are staying active — December saw a noticeable bump in mortgage applications.
What it means for buyers:
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Rates are still historically low, so you can afford more home for the same payment than you could just a few years ago.
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Locking in a rate now could save you money compared with future increases.
What it means for sellers:
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Buyer activity is steady, so well-priced homes are still attracting interest.
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Homes that show well and are ready to move into will always stand out.
The takeaway? The market isn’t booming like the pandemic years, but it’s healthy. Buyers have options, rates are reasonable, and prices are expected to keep rising slowly through 2026. For anyone thinking about buying or selling, now is a good time to be paying attention.
Committed to your Succes,
Taylor Keagy, List with Legacy
