Market Momentum: What You Need to Know as We Start September

As summer winds down and we head into fall, the real estate market is showing signs of renewed energy. Whether you're buying, selling, or just watching from the sidelines, here's a quick breakdown of the most important trends happening right now—and what they could mean for you.

Mortgage Rates Are Easing (Finally)

Good news for buyers: mortgage rates are finally showing signs of relief. As of now, conventional loan rates are averaging around 6.3%, while government-backed loans like FHA, VA, and USDA are coming in even lower, hovering around 5.625%.

While these rates are still higher than what we saw a few years ago, that dip—especially in government-backed loans—is giving buyers more confidence. It's making homes a bit more affordable and monthly payments more manageable.

And there's potentially more relief ahead. At last week’s Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged growing risks to the labor market and hinted that the Fed may need to cut interest rates sooner than expected. If that happens, we could see mortgage rates drop even further, giving the housing market another boost.

Demand is Picking Up

We’re already seeing signs of this shift in buyer behavior. According to HousingWire, mortgage purchase applications just reached their highest level in over a month. That’s a clear indicator that demand is strengthening and buyer momentum is building.

This is great news if you’re a seller. Over the past few months, many homeowners have held off on listing because it felt like buyers were sitting on the sidelines. But with applications rising and confidence returning, more buyers are entering the market—and that means more eyes on your home.

Big Money is Betting on Real Estate

In case you need more reassurance about the market’s long-term strength, here’s something big: Warren Buffett just invested nearly $1 billion into homebuilders Lennar and D.R. Horton—two of the largest in the country.

When one of the most successful (and cautious) investors in the world is going all in on housing, it sends a strong message. Buffett sees opportunity—and if history is any guide, he tends to be right.

Bottom Line: Don’t Wait for “Perfect”

Trying to time the market perfectly rarely works. Instead, focus on what you can control. If the numbers make sense and you find the right home, buy now—you can always refinance later if rates drop. And if you’re selling, the growing pool of confident buyers might be the opening you’ve been waiting for.