One of the biggest stories in the U.S. housing market over the past week has been the renewed rise in mortgage rates. According to an October 8, 2026, article from Realtor.com, Freddie Mac reported that the average U.S. 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 7.40%, up from 7.28% the previous week, reaching its highest level since November 2023. However, this is a national average. The actual rate a borrower receives will depend on factors such as credit score, down payment, loan

“Will I regret buying a home right now?” This is a question I often hear from buyers who are considering purchasing a home. With the rising cost of living and mortgage rates still higher than many had hoped, it’s understandable to hesitate before making such a major financial decision. But how do people who have already purchased a home feel about their decision? According to an October 12, 2026, article from Keeping Current Matters, a recent NerdWallet survey found that 74%

Job Growth Slows, but Mortgage Rates Rise: What Should Homebuyers and Sellers Watch? Over the past week, U.S. economic news has sent mixed signals. Job growth has weakened, reducing expectations for further interest rate hikes, yet mortgage rates have continued to climb. For those planning to buy or sell a home, this raises an understandable question: If the economy is slowing, shouldn't mortgage rates be coming down? According to an October 2, 2026, article from Realtor.com,

Should You Renovate Your Current Home or Move to a Home That’s Easier to Live In? A home you've lived in for many years holds countless family memories. The rooms where you raised your children, the garden you carefully maintained, and the familiar neighbors all make it difficult to leave. But as you prepare for retirement, you may begin asking yourself an important question: “Will this home still be comfortable for me in the years ahead?” According to an October 8, 2026 arti

Does Slower Job Growth Signal Falling Home Prices? What Chicago Buyers and Sellers Should Know One of the economic headlines that caught attention last week was the slowdown in U.S. job growth. If you are planning to buy or sell a home, you may be wondering, “If the economy slows, will mortgage rates come down?” or “Could home prices start falling?” But one employment report alone is not enough to determine where the housing market is headed. According to an October 2, 2026 R

If you’re preparing to sell your home, news about high mortgage rates may not be particularly encouraging. When buyers face higher monthly payments, sellers naturally worry that demand for their home could decline. In this type of market, it’s important to understand that buyers are looking at more than just the purchase price. They’re also thinking about how much they will have to pay each month. According to an October 1, 2026, article from Keeping Current Matters, some new