interest rates: The Relative Stability of Today’s Housing Market - 08/28/26 07:27 AM
Quick question: what's the one word you'd use to describe this year so far?
For a lot of people, it's stressful. And when everything feels shaky, it’s easy to second-guess the move you were ready to make. But the truth is, the housing market is one thing that’s been remarkably stable.
Home prices have been relatively steady for about 4 years now. The number of homes for sale is right about where it was last year (up 2%). And mortgage rates have held in the same general 6-7% range since late 2022.
A steady market comes with a perk. You can actually plan. What … (2 comments)

interest rates: Worried About a Housing Crash? The Numbers Tell a Calmer Story. - 08/26/26 06:50 AM
A recent survey from Talker Research asked Americans to pick one word to describe how 2026 has felt so far. The winner? Stressful. And honestly, there’s been a lot going on.
So, it’s understandable if you've been putting off buying or selling a home until things settle down. But you may be waiting on something that's already happened. While everything else has felt shaky, the housing market has become one of the steadiest things out there. Look at the data.
Home Prices Have Leveled OutAfter years of fast increases, data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows home prices have been remarkably … (0 comments)

interest rates: Rates Are Lower Than They Could Be - 08/22/26 08:32 AM
Mortgage rates aren’t random. They’re affected by 2 numbers.
The 10-year treasury yield and something called "the spread." That's the gap between the 10-year treasury yield and mortgage rates, and it usually sits around 1.76 percentage points.
Back in 2023, the gap in the spread ballooned up to 3.19 in response to economic uncertainty. If it were still that wide today, rates would be pushing almost 8%.
But the good news is the gap has narrowed to 2.01 (a lot closer to the long-term norm). And that’s a big positive for rates. It’s why today’s mortgage rate is in the upper 6s instead of … (4 comments)

interest rates: Higher Rates Could Actually Help Housing Supply – Here’s How. - 08/19/26 07:53 AM
You may have heard the number of homes for sale isn’t growing like it was. And maybe that has you worried you won’t find a home you love when it’s time to make your move.
But that may be about to change. Here’s why your pool of options may actually start ticking back up again.
Growth Has Slowed, But It Hasn’t StoppedActive listings were up 2.1% year-over-year in July, according to Realtor.com. Back in January, inventory was up 10%. And in May of 2025, it was up 31.5%. So, growth has cooled off a lot over the last year.
The past 3 months, though, … (1 comments)

interest rates: Here’s Why Mortgage Rates Are What They Are Right Now - 08/12/26 11:02 AM
If you're waiting for mortgage rates to fall a lot before you buy, you may be waiting a while. But before you get discouraged, there's a number working behind the scenes that's actually good for you right now. It's called the spread, and once you understand it, you may see today’s rates in a whole new light.
The Pattern That’s Held for 50+ YearsFor starters, mortgage rates don't move on their own. They tend to follow the 10-year treasury yield, a number tied to how investors feel about the economy.
It’s not an exact science, since plenty of other factors can move it … (2 comments)

interest rates: The Case for Putting 20% Down on Your Next Home - 08/10/26 08:23 AM
If you’re planning to buy your next home soon, you’ve probably heard the old rule about saving 20% for your down payment.
The truth is, you usually don’t have to. Plenty of loan options let qualified buyers put down much less. But a lot of repeat buyers are choosing to put down 20% anyway.
So, why are they if they don’t have to?
Two reasons. They know a bigger down payment pays off, and after years in their current house, they’ve built up enough equity that it’s finally possible.
Repeat Buyers Put More Money DownAccording to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the typical repeat … (0 comments)

interest rates: The Truth About Affordability Today - 05/27/26 07:04 AM
Let's be real with each other for a second about affordability. Because you deserve someone who will be honest and transparent about what’s going on, especially if you’ve got a move on your mind.
Here’s the full picture of what’s happening and why. The good – and the bad. So, you know what it truly means for your move. Because while rates are certainly a big part of affordability, they’re not the only factor at play.
Mortgage Rates Have Been RisingAfter a year or more of rates trending down, they’ve started to climb again. And, if you’re looking to buy, that’s not what … (2 comments)

interest rates: Lower Prices or Higher Rates? The Trade-Off Defining 2026’s Housing Market - 05/01/26 08:40 AM
What's Really Happening Out There — And What It Means For You.
The Big Picture in Plain English The housing market in 2026 is sending mixed signals. Fewer homes are selling. Mortgage rates are creeping back up. And many buyers have stepped back to wait and see. But here's the twist — that same slowdown is quietly creating real opportunities for people who are ready to act.
Let's break it all down in simple terms.
🔑 Four Things Every Homebuyer and Seller Should Know Right Now1. Mortgage Rates Went Back UpEarlier this year in February, the average 30-year mortgage rate briefly dipped to 5.99% — the lowest it … (2 comments)

interest rates: Lowest Rates in 3 Springs - 04/28/26 08:31 AM
Mortgage rates have been a little volatile lately. And if that’s made you hesitate, you’re not alone.
But here’s the part most people aren’t talking about:
Even now, rates are still lower than they were during the last 3 Spring seasons.
So, while things may feel a bit uncertain, the opportunity to buy hasn’t disappeared.
Want to talk through your options and check how the numbers could look at today’s rates? Let’s connect.
 
Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 641-1531
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com
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The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author … (0 comments)

interest rates: Debunking Common Housing Market Myths - 04/24/26 07:35 AM
If you’re worried the number of homes for sale is rising out of control...
You think prices are about to crash...
Or you’re holding off because you think rates are about to drop dramatically...
Here’s what I want you to know.
While you may be hearing those things online, the data doesn’t back any of that up.
So, if you’re reading something or you see a post online that makes you second guess if you should move right now, don’t just take it at face value. DM me.
I’ll tell you what the data really says about the housing market today, so you can make a decision … (1 comments)

interest rates: Getting a Tax Refund? Here’s How It Can Help You Buy a Home - 04/15/26 07:01 AM
If you’re getting a tax refund this year, here’s something worth thinking about. That money could actually help you get closer to buying a home.
It may not be something you’ve factored into your plan yet, but it can give your savings a nice boost right when you need it most. And whether your refund is a few thousand dollars or more, there are some smart ways to put that money to work as you get ready to buy.
Your Refund May Be Even Bigger This YearLet’s start with the good news. People are getting even more money back in their refunds than … (1 comments)

interest rates: Wondering If You Should Still Buy a Home Right Now? Here’s What To Keep in Mind. - 04/13/26 06:25 AM
With economic headlines, global events, and near constant talk about affordability, you may be wondering if this is the right time to move. But here’s what you need to remember.
While recent events do have some impact on the housing market, they don’t take buying off the table. You just have to use a different strategy.
Mortgage Rates Have Been Up Slightly – Here's WhyAfter trending down for most of 2025, mortgage rates have been higher again for over roughly a month now. And experts say it’s a result of what's happening overseas and in the broader economy. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist … (3 comments)

interest rates: You Can’t Control What’s Happening with Mortgage Rates. But You Can Control This. - 03/25/26 06:28 AM
Mortgage rates have been volatile lately. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, that can make it harder to plan. But there are still things you can do to get the best rate possible in today’s market. It starts with having the right information.
So, what’s causing the bumps in rates? And what can you do about it? Let’s break it down.
Mortgage Rate Volatility Is NormalData from Freddie Mac shows the recent volatility. After trending down for well over a year, there was a rise this month (see graph below): 
While it’s easy to be distracted by the changes, here’s what … (0 comments)

interest rates: Waiting for Rates in the 5s May Not Save You as Much as You Think - 03/10/26 06:28 AM
A lot of buyers think rates dropping from the low 6s into the upper 5s would dramatically change their monthly payment. But the math tells another story.
On a $500k loan, the difference between getting a 6.1% and 5.9% mortgage rate is only about $64 a month. Not $300. Not $500. Only $60.
That’s not the massive swing many buyers imagine when they say they’re “waiting for the 5s.”
If you’re holding out for a lower rate, my advice is to double check the math. Because rates have already come down significantly from just one year ago. And you may not need to wait … (4 comments)

interest rates: Should You Wait for Lower Rates? - 03/09/26 07:28 AM
Mortgage rates have already dropped into the upper 5s twice this year. But after just a few days, they ticked back up into the low 6% range. If you saw that and thought, “Great. I missed it,” you’re not the only one.
A lot of buyers are treating the 5s like some kind of magic number. As if moving from 6.1% to 5.99% suddenly changes everything. And from a mindset perspective, it does feel different.
But here’s the part most people don’t actually run the math on.
The Payment Difference Isn’t What You ThinkLet’s say you’re looking at a $500,000 home loan. At 6.1%, … (3 comments)

interest rates: Affordability Reaches a 4 Year High - 02/24/26 06:27 AM
Home affordability is the best it’s been in 4 years.
That’s thanks to: Lower rates. Slower home price growth. And rising wages.
And while the affordability problem isn’t solved, many buyers are finding the numbers work better today.
If buying didn’t make sense for you last year, take another look.
Have you re-run the math on your move yet? DM me and let’s see if it changes when you're ready to buy.
 
 
Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 641-1531
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com
Let’s Connect:
Facebook
Linkedin
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The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does … (0 comments)

interest rates: Mortgage Rates Recently Hit a 3-Year Low. Here’s Why That’s Still a Big Deal. - 01/22/26 08:06 AM
If you’re one of the thousands of homebuyers waiting for rates to fall, you should know it’s already happening. And they recently crossed an important milestone. Rates officially dipped their toes into the 5s – something that hasn’t happened in about 3 years.
This moment marked a critical threshold. Now, rates are sitting in the low 6% territory. And expert forecasts project they’ll hover near this range throughout the year.
Here's why that’s so good for you.
Why Current Rates Are Such a Big Deal A mortgage rate doesn’t just affect the interest you end up paying on your home loan. … (1 comments)

interest rates: 2026 Housing Market Forecast Snapshot - 01/16/26 07:22 AM
Wondering what 2026 has in store for the housing market? Here’s a quick snapshot of what the experts are saying.
Mortgage rates are going to stay in the low 6s.
There will be more homes to choose from.
And price growth is going to slow down.
That combination will help affordability improve even more this year, but it’s going to look different market to market.
Want to know what’s expected for our area? DM me or drop a comment below.
 
Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 641-1531
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com
Let’s Connect:
Facebook
Linkedin
Twitter
Instagram
The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be … (2 comments)

interest rates: Mortgage Rates Are Down a Full Percentage Point in One Year - 01/13/26 08:28 AM
Mortgage rates are down a full percentage point since last year.
That recent drop doesn’t sound dramatic, until you realize how much it can already save you on the typical $400k loan.
Compared to buying in January of last year, that saves you more than $330 a month and almost $120k over the life of your loan.
That’s the difference just one year makes.
If buying didn’t work for you last year, let’s re-run the numbers and see if 2026 could finally be your year.
 
Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 641-1531
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com
Let’s Connect:
Facebook
Linkedin
Twitter
Instagram
The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this … (3 comments)

interest rates: Is Buyer Demand Picking Back Up? What Sellers Should Know. - 12/17/25 06:53 AM
The housing market hasn’t felt this energized in a long time – and the numbers backing that up are hard to ignore. Mortgage rates have eased almost a full percentage point this year, and that shift is starting to wake up buyers.
Home loan applications have risen. Activity has picked up. And sellers who step in early could benefit from the momentum long before the competition catches on.
Let’s take a look at what’s happening behind the scenes and how you can take advantage of it.
When Rates Come Down, Buyer Activity Goes UpIn today’s market, buyer demand is closely tied to what happens … (5 comments)

 
Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist (PHP Houses)

Walter DiLoreto

Real Estate Short Sale Specialist

Lake Mary, FL

More about me…

PHP Houses

Address: 142 W Lakeview Ave, Ste 1030, Lake Mary, FL, 32746

Office: (407) 519-0719

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