Mortgage rates move closer to 6% — and the forecast is getting sunnier

While the impacts on mortgage origination volumes and home sales have yet to be keenly felt, declining mortgage rates appear to be putting the housing market in a better position for the final three months of 2025.

On Tuesday, HousingWire’s Mortgage Rates Center showed that rates for locked 30-year conforming loans averaged 6.33% — 12 basis points (bps) lower than a week ago. Rates for 30-year jumbo loans fell 3 bps to 6.23%, while 30-year loans through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) dropped 6 bps to 6.16%.

Matt Vernon, the head of consumer lending at Bank of America, told HousingWire via email that recent rate declines have prompted “increased activity in the refinance market” through both rate-and-term and cash-out refi loans.

“Most people are focused on rate-and-term refinances to lower their monthly payments, while some are also looking to tap into their home equity,” Vernon said. “For example, HELOC rates dropped quickly after the Fed’s recent cut. Overall, there’s cautious optimism — people are paying attention, but bigger market challenges remain.”

In the purchase market, Vernon noted that starter homes are a bright spot as first-time homebuyers and borrowers with affordability hurdles have gravitated toward them.

Redfin recently reported that pending sales of starter homes — those priced among the bottom 35% of local markets — were up 10.2% annually in July to reach their highest level in nearly three years. This was likely driven by slower price appreciation as the 4.2% year-over-year growth for the starter-home segment was the lowest among the four price tiers tracked by Redfin.

“The good news is that as the Fed continues cutting rates, mortgage rates should come down even more,” Vernon said. “Bank of America expects another cut in December, plus 75 basis points of cuts through 2026. Buyers are noticing too — our latest Homebuyer Insights report shows that 52% say the market feels better than last year, and 75% expect prices and rates to go down.”

Similar observations were noted in a forecast released Tuesday by Fannie Mae economists. They call for mortgage rates to end 2025 and 2026 at 6.4% and 5.9%, respectively, down from their prior estimates of 6.5% and 6.1%.

Fannie Mae also downwardly revised its home-sales projections through next year while calling for annualized inflation through the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to moderate to 3.1% in the fourth quarter of 2025.

What will the Fed do next?

Housing market professionals will be closely watching the Federal Reserve in the coming months as the likelihood of further cuts in October and December are relatively high.

According to the CME Group’s FedWatch tool, 92% of interest rate traders are projecting a 25-bps cut at the end of October, which would bring the federal funds rate to a range of 3.75% to 4%. It hasn’t been that low since November 2022, when the central bank was squarely in the middle of a series of rate hikes to combat 40-year-high inflation.

Three-quarters of interest rate traders say the fed funds rate will fall another 25 bps in December. But there are hurdles to navigate before this could become reality, Vernon noted.

“The biggest challenges to more Fed rate cuts or lower mortgage rates are inflation and the overall health of the economy,” he said. “Even if the Fed lowers its key rate, rising prices or unexpected economic changes could push mortgage rates back up.

“Mortgage rates track the bond market, specifically the 10-year Treasury, which doesn’t always move in sync with Fed decisions. Lower rates can make buying or refinancing easier, but high home prices are still a challenge for many buyers. That’s why it’s often smarter to focus on what you can afford today rather than waiting for rates to drop further.”

Fed governors Stephen Miran and Michelle Bowman spoke publicly this week about the state of the U.S. economy and offered their views on the path for monetary policy.

On Monday in New York City, Miran — who was the only Fed official to support a 50-bps rate cut last week — said that the “appropriate” policy rate is roughly 2 percentage points lower than where it currently stands.

“The Federal Reserve has been entrusted with the important goal of promoting price stability for the good of all American households and businesses, and I am committed to bringing inflation sustainably back to 2 percent. However, leaving policy restrictive by such a large degree brings significant risks for the Fed’s employment mandate,” Miran said.

On Tuesday in Asheville, North Carolina, Bowman reiterated her stance that the Fed should’ve started rate cuts sooner, adding that “as trade policy has become more certain, tariffs will have only a small and short-lived effect on inflation going forward.”

Read more at Housingwire

Related Links

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• The Best Time to Buy a Home Is Coming Up—Here's When to Score a Real Estate Deal

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Why "Statement Stoves" Are Taking Over Kitchen Design, According to Experts

It used to be that the kitchen workhorse—the range—needed to blend in, not stand out, among the room's other fixtures and features. But lately, a not-so-quiet revolution has been simmering: the rise of the statement stove.

These aren't your average stainless-steel appliances. They're drenched in unexpected colors, wrapped in brushed brass or burnished copper, and often front and center in kitchens that feel more like chic gathering spaces than utilitarian prep zones.

Of course, there's more to this movement than just a pretty face. Today's most coveted stoves aren’t just beautiful—they’re smart, efficient, and professional-grade.

“A range is no longer just a cooking appliance—it’s a centerpiece,” says Ricardo Moraes, CEO of L’Atelier Paris Haute Design, a luxury appliance brand known for its French-inspired bespoke designs. “And clients are embracing that idea.”

To better understand why this once-humble appliance is now the focal point of the high-end modern kitchen, we spoke to three industry insiders helping to shape the trend. Together, they help us break down the recipe behind the rise of the showstopping range—rooted in personalization, power, and polish.

Why Statement Stoves Are on the Rise

The rise of the statement stove is tied to larger shifts in how we live, cook, and design our homes. Moraes points to a noticeable post-pandemic effect. “Over the past five years, we’ve seen a steady rise in homeowners and designers choosing custom and bold finishes for their ranges,” says Moraes. As more people began using their kitchens not just as places to cook but as spaces to gather, work, and unwind, interest in appliances that not only performed but also looked good began to surge.

According to designer Caren Rideau, founder of The Kitchen Design Group in Los Angeles, another significant shift shaping the market right now is the rise of induction cooking, especially in cities moving away from gas.

“Induction cooking is rapidly gaining traction, particularly in urban areas where city regulations increasingly favor electric appliances,” she explains. Even more traditional brands like Lacanche are working to introduce all-electric ranges, giving homeowners the choice of a full induction cooktop.

Beyond compliance, Rideau says, there are clear performance incentives for an induction stovetop, such as faster heating times and precise temperature control. “Making them a favorite among culinary enthusiasts,” she adds. It’s in-demand features like these that have shoppers skipping the big-box retailers in favor of brands that offer serious customization—and not-so-coincidentally, the added opportunity to create a true statement stove.

What Makes a Stove a Statement?

So, what exactly makes a stove worthy of the spotlight? Whether it’s through shade, scale, or shine, the best ones create a moment that feels intentional and elevated. For Rideau, the essentials for a statement-worthy range are color, size, and, of course, hood coverage. She also believes metal details play a crucial role, noting that “layering in unique hardware and metal finishes can elevate a design.”

Today’s most eye-catching ranges are highly customizable down to the knobs, doors, and handles. These small but impactful elements also give a stove its personality. Whether it’s swapping in colorful knobs, selecting strapping in a contrasting finish, or choosing a different material for the door pulls, these components turn an appliance into a focal point.

Of course, all that customization can come at a premium. Statement stoves often start in the low five figures and climb depending on features, finishes, and fuel configurations—but for many homeowners, this tailor-made centerpiece is worth the investment.

The vast color possibilities are front and center in this trend, and brands are delivering. BlueStar, which offers over one thousand colors, has seen a significant uptick in earthy, saturated colors like wine red and deep burgundy, along with bold greens, blues, and even shades of yellow and gray. “Matte black and white used to be the go-to,” says Shae Wilder, BlueStar's manager of designer relations, “but more and more, clients are looking for a unique space that fits their personal style and taste.”

However, neutral tones can also become noteworthy with the right elements. According to Moraes, “surprisingly, pure white with polished nickel or brass accents has become a favorite for a modern yet timeless statement,” says Moraes. But overall, jewel tones and soft neutrals in matte finishes with burnished brass trims are still reigning supreme.

He’s also seeing more homeowners utilize their paint-to-sample program, requesting custom color-matching to cabinetry or other design elements, down to the exact shade—making a case for a statement stove that doesn’t necessarily scream for attention but commands it anyway.

Still, no matter how striking the stove is, it can’t carry the entire kitchen. According to Rideau, the trick is balance. “While the statement stove serves as the jewel piece, it's essential that the surrounding elements act as supportive backup entertainers,” she explains. In other words, don’t make the stove compete with the rest of your kitchen. It should be the main focus while everything else complements it.

Matte finishes can help soften the look–even with bold color choices. “A matte finish provides a softness suitable for large appliances, such as a range, hood, or refrigerator,” says Wilder.

Performance Still Matters—a Lot

Some may see a bold statement stove and assume that it's all form and no function. But according to the experts, that couldn’t be further from the truth. “Today’s homeowners crave a harmony of beauty and power,” says Reese Barrett, the COO of Art Culinaire, which is the sole distributor of Lacanche ranges in the U.S. “A balance where timeless design meets culinary precision.”

Brands are responding with serious innovation. BlueStar’s Platinum Series Induction Ranges are a direct response to shifting regulations and design sensibilities, offering clean lines, bold color, and a matte cooktop surface that’s less reflective and resistant to scratches, stains, and crucially, fingerprints.

Meanwhile, L’Atelier Paris is answering clients' calls for fully personalized cooking elements, like single induction burners mixed with traditional gas and convection in all modes. Allowing for “unprecedented personalization in both look and functionality,” says Moraes.

“Aesthetics and performance work hand in hand, especially for high-end appliance brands that offer both,” Wilder agrees. “There’s no need to prioritize one over the other.” So, yes, today’s stoves are dressed to impress, but they’re also expected to perform like pros.

The Top Brands Behind the Look

When it comes to dream-worthy kitchen ranges, the usual European suspects—including La Cornue and Aga—still hold iconic status. Lacanche, which offers a selection of 29 organic shades of porcelain enamel, is known as one of the first to offer such a diverse color palette. “European brands have long been recognized as leaders in color variety and specialized hardware for stoves,” says Rideau. “They’ve set the standard for quality and design that many aspire to achieve.”

“French-crafted ranges like Lacanche embody heirloom quality, complemented with generations of craftsmanship, and every detail tells a story. It’s no wonder they inspire devotion,” echoes Barrett.

Italian brands Bertazzoni and Ilve are also top contenders for statement ranges. But American brands such as BlueStar and Big Chill are rising fast. “BlueStar has established itself as a leader in the industry,” notes Rideau, “they are innovating and bringing exceptional craftsmanship to the forefront.”

At L’Atelier Paris, the push for excellence isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also about access. “We’ve recently opened our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Georgia,” says Moraes. This move not only shortens lead times (yes, please!) but also makes their ranges the only fully custom, handcrafted products of their kind manufactured in the United States.

The Verdict? Statement Stoves Are Hot

Whether you're in it for the performance, the personality, or the punch of color, one thing is clear: the modern range is no longer an afterthought. With options that marry culinary muscle and visual drama, it’s the appliance that sets the tone for the entire kitchen.

“A range is the perfect canvas for expressing personal style,” Rideau says. That canvas just happens to come in 1,000+ colors, a range of metallic trims, and pro-level performance now.

Read more at House Beautiful

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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The Best Time to Buy a Home Is Coming Up—Here's When to Score a Real Estate Deal

If you're considering buying a home, you might want to get your finances in order now. According to a recent Realtor.com report, the week of October 12–18 will be this year’s sweet spot for home buyers due to a rare combination of higher inventory, lower prices, and less competition.

“After years of constrained conditions, the 2025 housing market is giving buyers something they haven’t had in a long time: options,” Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, said in a statement.

“I expect this market momentum shift to magnify typical seasonal trends that favor homebuyers in the fall. During the week of October 12–18, data suggest that buyers will find more homes for sale, less competition from other shoppers, and potential average savings of more than $15,000 compared to this summer’s peak prices. In a year that’s been the most buyer-friendly in nearly a decade, it’s the best window of opportunity for homebuyers all year.”

The potential savings that Hale cited is based on a median-priced home of $439,450.

In addition to the savings, buyers can expect up to 32.6 percent more active listings than at the start of the year, offering them a wider selection of homes to choose from. According to Realtor.com, inventory levels typically peak in the early fall, and this year, they’ve reached the highest point since before the pandemic.

Historically, competition among buyers is also 30.6 percent lower during this week in October as compared to peak season. This is because many families aim to move while their children are out of school and before the start of the academic year in the fall, so housing activity typically kicks off in the spring and peaks in the summer.

Plus, in October, homes typically spend two weeks longer on the market as compared to peak season, which means sellers may be more open to negotiation—about 5.5 percent of homes see reductions during this time—and buyers won't have to deal with the panic of bidding wars.

But the best time to buy may depend on where you're looking. Large metro areas like Houston, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. follow the October 12–18 timing, while New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas experience buyer-friendly conditions a few weeks earlier, often in September. Florida markets, including Miami and Tampa, peak as late as December, according to Realtor.com.

“While the market has not yet tipped into a full ‘buyer’s market,’ conditions are more balanced than they have been in years,” Hale said. “This represents a significant shift after a period of historically tight supply and intense competition that left many home shoppers priced out.”

Read more at Martha Stewart

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• Thinking About Renting Your House Instead of Selling? Read This First.

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Do You Know How Much Your House Is Really Worth?

Want to know something important you probably don’t have a professional check for you nearly as often as you should? Spoiler alert: it’s the value of your home.

Because here’s the reality. Your house is likely the biggest financial asset you have. And if you’ve lived in it for a few years or more, chances are it’s been quietly building wealth for you in the background – even if you haven’t been keeping tabs on it.

You might be surprised by just how much it’s grown, even as the market has shifted over the past few months.

What Is Home Equity?

That hidden wealth in your home is called equity. It’s the difference between what your house is worth today and what you still owe on your mortgage. Your equity grows over time as home values rise and as you make your monthly payments. Here’s an example to help you really understand how the math works.

Let’s say your house is now worth $500,000, and you have $200,000 left to pay off on your loan. That means you have $300,000 in equity. And that’s right in line with what the typical homeowner has right now.

According to Cotality, the average homeowner with a mortgage has about $302,000 in equity.

Why You Probably Have More Than You Think

Here are the two main reasons homeowners like you have near record amounts of equity right now:

1. Significant Home Price Growth. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), home prices have jumped by nearly 54% nationwide over the last five years (see map below):

This means your house is likely worth much more now than when you first bought it, thanks to how much prices have climbed over time. And if you’re worried because you’ve heard prices are flattening or even coming down in some markets, just know if you’ve been in your house for a few years (or more) you very likely have enough equity to sell and still come out ahead.

2. People Are Living in Their Homes Longer. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), shows the average homeowner stays in their home for about 10 years now (see graph below):

That’s longer than it used to be. And over that decade? You’ve built equity just by making your mortgage payments and riding the wave of rising home values. Because the financial side of homeownership is about playing the long game, not worrying about little ups and downs in the market here and there. And over time, that means you’re winning.

So, if you’re one of those people who’s been in their home for a bit, here’s how much the behind-the-scenes price growth has helped you out. According to NAR:

“Over the past decade, the typical homeowner has accumulated $201,600 in wealth solely from price appreciation.”

What Could You Actually Do with That Equity?

Your equity isn’t just a number. It’s a tool you can use to unlock your next big move. Depending on your goals, you could:

Use it to help buy your next home. Your equity could help you cover the down payment on your next home. In some cases, it might even mean you can buy your next house in all cash.

Renovate your current house to better suit your life now. And, if you’re strategic about your projects, they could add even more value to your home if you do sell later on.

Start the business you’ve always dreamed of. Your equity could be exactly what you need for startup costs, equipment, software, or marketing. And that could help increase your earning potential, so you’re getting yet another financial boost.

Bottom Line

Chances are, your house is worth quite a bit right now. If you’re curious about the value of your home, connect with a local agent to run the numbers. That way, you’ll know what you’re working with and where you can go from here.

Read more at Keeping Current Matters

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8 Things You Should Never Store Under Your Bed

If there’s one storage spot in your home that embodies the “out of sight, out of mind” attitude, it’s under the bed. Stashing stuff under there is an efficient method for keeping bulky items out of the way, but it’s also an easy place to put things you’ll quickly forget about—a storage black hole, if you will.

Whether under the bed is where your out-of-season clothes go to hibernate or it’s a spot for your abandoned scrapbooking projects, there are some things that you’re better off keeping away from the black hole. Ahead, organizing experts reveal the eight things you should never store under your bed.

Anything Made of Paper or Cardboard

You might be tempted to kick a shoe box or two under the bed for safe keeping, but that’s a bad idea according to Danica Carson, cofounder of The Uncluttered Life blog and creator of the Declutter Deck, a set of organizing prompt cards.

“Paper products are actually a food source to some insects, from silverfish to moths to cockroaches,” Carson says. “Speaking strictly from a preservation perspective, paper products like photographs, books, documents, and boxes should never be stored under the bed.”

Linens and Textiles

Ever whack an old blanket only to watch dust puff out of it? That scenario is almost a guarantee if you store linens and textiles under the bed.

“Never store blankets, pillows, or anything fibrous or porous under the bed unless the items are contained in a container, or at least bagged,” says Monica Fay, a decluttering expert. “The reason for this is dust easily accumulates underneath furniture, especially beds, and will settle into the material. It may not be as noticeable as it would be on a plastic or wooden surface.”

This is especially important if you suffer from asthma, Carson adds. To be safe, keep your comforters away from dust mites.

Leather Goods

Putting leather shoes or purses under the bed is almost like setting them out in the sun. The environment wreaks havoc on them.

“Dust can cause your leather items to dry out, crack, and become discolored over time,” explains Carson. “If you absolutely have to store these items under the bed, they need to be stored in plastic containers to prevent dust from accumulating on them.”

Awkward or Heavy Items

When you bend down to retrieve items under the bed, you put yourself at risk of straining your back. That’s why it’s wise to avoid storing heavy or awkward items under there. “You increase your chances of injury so much—and increase the risk of damage to the items,” Carson says.

Food

This might seem like a no-brainer, but the experts say you’d be surprised to hear what they find under beds. Food, even unopened boxes of granola bars, are a no-go. Mice and other pests can chew their way through cardboard to get to the goods. (And even if they don’t, do you really want to eat from a dusty box of crackers?)

Electronics

Beyond your bed skirt is not the place for your old DVD player—or the previous model of your phone. “Dust can actually impair or destroy electronics over time,” Carson says. “Additionally, anything with a battery poses an increased fire risk under the bed. Because dust can negatively affect electronics, those batteries are more likely to malfunction than batteries stored in cool, dry places.”

Psychological Torment Devices

This one’s a more philosophical recommendation, Fay says. “Never store memories of your ex or your goal weight clothes under the bed,” she explains. “You deserve to sleep both literally and symbolically in peace every night without lying on top of the physical reminder of the past or a life you aren’t living currently.”

Anything At All

Here’s one you may not have considered: anything at all. Some organizing pros warn against putting anything under the bed. Kristi Perry, a professional home organizer and owner of Art of the Space, is one of them.

“I recommend not storing anything under your bed unless it is something that you regularly access and your back can handle bending down to pull out time and time again,” she says.

The "black hole effect" is real, adds Carson. She estimates 80% of what’s stored under there is forgotten. And no matter how spotless your home is, she says, dust, allergens, and bugs will accumulate there.

If you do truly need to stash stuff under the bed, Carson recommends using airtight storage containers that are clear so you can see what’s in them. Containers with wheels are great, too, especially if retrieving them might be tough for you.

Read more at Real Simple

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• Patience Won’t Sell Your House. Pricing Will.

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• Here's When Fall Foliage Will Peak This Year, According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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