US Mortgage Costs Hit 14-Month High | For more info please visit me here: https://hansoregonhomes.com/

Lately, we’ve seen mortgage costs reach a 14-month high across the US, with the typical buyer’s monthly payment now at $2,600 by late Q3. Even as median sale prices held steady, they inched up about 2% year-over-year to around $399,000—adding to affordability challenges for many. This has contributed to pending sales remaining flat month-over-month and lower than last year. Mortgage-purchase applications dipped slightly, and new listings declined in line with the usual holiday slowdown, though they’re still modestly above the same period in 2025. Seller strategy is proving crucial right now: about 21% of active listings cut prices, and sharper pricing has clearly helped listings stand out while overpricing tends to give buyers pause. On the inventory side, active supply has improved, rising roughly 2% year-over-year to 1.5 million homes, with overall supply close to four months—still just below what’s considered a balanced market. As someone serving buyers and sellers in Salem, Aumsville, and throughout the Willamette Valley, I know how important it is to stay informed and approach today’s market with a clear strategy.