Late summer signals back-to-school routines—and smart buyers know this season carries serious opportunity. As we head into the Fall, here’s what’s driving the market—and how HomeTraq’s consumer-focused advantage helps you tour with confidence and control.

📌 Mortgage Rates: Holding Steady

The Federal Reserve did not lower interest rates at its most recent meeting—marking the fifth consecutive hold. The federal funds rate remains between 4.25% and 4.50%, and the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is hovering around 6.75%, virtually unchanged.

According to market forecasts, mortgage rates are expected to remain in the upper 6% range through the Fall, with modest cuts potentially coming in September—but even then, the impact on consumer borrowing generally lags by several months.

Fannie Mae forecasts a year-end average of 6.4% on the 30-year fixed rate, potentially easing to 6.0% in 2026—but those shifts may not translate to lower ongoing borrowing costs anytime soon.

📊 Slowing Inventory Just as Buyer Demand Could Rise

After a summer uptick, housing inventory growth is stalling, with active listings around 860,000 units. This suggests the seasonal peak may have passed—meaning competition could intensify if fewer homes hit the market as the Fall progresses.

💼 Agent Commission Rules Stay—and So Does the Commitment

Despite expectations around post-NAR reforms, buyer-agent commission rates remain steady at approximately 2.4%. One important procedural change: agencies are now often requiring a contract before allowing tours. The NAR ruling intended to increase transparency but unfortunately has appeared to encourage agents to lock-in buyers before seeing a home.

🏛️ New Legislation Could Raise Long-Term Supply

Congress is moving ahead with the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act of 2025, targeting zoning reform and streamlined building approvals. While positive, it's unlikely to ease housing shortages immediately—but shows long-term bipartisan momentum for affordability.

🖼️ Zillow Lawsuit Highlights the Importance of Reliable Data

Zillow is being sued by CoStar over alleged copyright infringement involving ~47,000 images, with damages that could exceed $1 billion.  This follows the lawsuit brought against Zillow by the nation's largest real estate brokerage over privately marketed listings. While technical, these disputes reminds buyers to choose platforms—like HomeTraq—that stress transparency and accurate listings to avoid unexpected discrepancies.

🧭 HomeTraq Advantages That Matter 

If you continue to be Confused By Current Real Estate Trends? Hope Awaits!  The following benefits are more critical than ever when market conditions tighten:

• Know your options before you sign. No commitment is needed to book a home tour—amid new agent rules make sure to explore your rights.

• Fresh listings, real-time alerts. With inventory flattening, stay ahead of new opportunities.

• Transparency on your terms. Know what you're touring—no surprises, no pressure.

• Flexibility with high rates. Don’t wait for a rate dip that may arrive—and help you lock in a property you love now.
  
  

✅ Quick Tips for House-Hunters

🎯 Bottom Line

The Fall may bring fluctuating mortgage rates, slowing listings, and evolving agent rules—but it's also a season of opportunity for prepared buyers. Waiting for major shifts may backfire. With HomeTraq, you get flexible, commitment-free tours, real-time insight, and control over decisions every step of the way.

Curious how to tailor your home tour strategy? We're here to help you move on your terms.