Thursday, December 4, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate
If you’re one of the many homeowners sitting on a 2–3% mortgage rate, you’ve likely thought:“I’d love to move… but not if it means giving up this great rate.”
You're not alone — that low rate may feel like your best financial asset. But here’s the reality:A low rate doesn’t help if the home no longer fits your life.
And as the data shows, more and more homeowners are reaching the same conclusion.
Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Rates
The “lock-in effect” — where homeowners stay put to hold on to their low mortgage - has been strong. But it’s starting to ease.
According to the latest data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the share of homeowners with rates below 3% is trending down, while more are taking on 6%+ rates — despite the cost.
And it's not just a blip.
In fact, the number of mortgages with a rate ...
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Wednesday, November 19, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Real Estate Listing Agent in Montrose, CA, Advises Clients That Waiting for Lower Mortgage Rates Could Cost Thousands More in Rising Home Prices
Montrose, CA – As some prospective homebuyers across California still wait for mortgage rates to decline before entering the market, they may be overlooking a crucial factor: rising home prices could ultimately cost them far more than current interest rates. Market data shows that home values continue to appreciate, and delaying a purchase to wait for better rates could result in buyers paying tens of thousands more for the same property just months later.
Vic Markarian, a seasoned real estate agent in Montrose, CA, emphasizes the importance of looking at the complete financial picture. “Many buyers focus solely on interest rates, but they’re missing the bigger story,” says Vic Markarian. “When you factor in home appreciation, waiting for rates to drop by half a percent while prices climb five to t ...
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Wednesday, November 12, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Are Builders Overbuilding Again? Here’s What the Data Actually Shows
If you’ve noticed more new construction around town, you’re not alone. But does that mean we’re heading for another 2008-style housing crash? Not even close.
Let’s break down what’s really happening in today’s market and why the slowdown in builder activity is actually a smart move — not a red flag.
Builders Are Tapping the Brakes, Not Slamming the Gas
One of the best leading indicators of future home construction is building permits - basically, permission to break ground. And right now, that number is on the decline.
According to recent U.S. Census data, builders are pulling back, not charging forward. Take a look at the chart below:
Back before the 2008 crash, overconfident builders flooded the market with new homes - far more than buyer demand could support. That oversupply helped fuel the housing crisis.
But today? Builders are more cautious. They& ...
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Wednesday, October 29, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Why Today’s Mortgage Rates Might Be Better Than You Think (For Buyers AND Sellers)
Let’s face it — mortgage rates have been the elephant in the room for a while now. Whether you're buying your first home or thinking about selling and moving up, you've probably found yourself hesitating.
If you're a homebuyer, maybe you're telling yourself: “I’ll wait until rates drop below 6%... THEN I’ll start looking again.”
And if you're a home seller, you might be thinking:“Buyers are waiting on lower rates — I should hold off until next year.”
But here’s the truth: waiting could cost you — and not just emotionally, but financially, too.
The Numbers Tell a Different Story
We all love the idea of snagging a 5.99% mortgage rate. But what’s the real impact on your wallet?
Take a look at this:
The difference between today’s rate (6.19%) and 5.99% on a $400,000 mortgage?Just $51.65 per month.
That&rsquo ...
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Wednesday, October 1, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
What Buyers Say They Need Most - and How the Market Is Finally Responding
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the market to feel a little more realistic - you’re not alone.
According to a new survey by Bank of America, two things top the list for today’s homebuyers:
63% want lower home prices
50% want lower mortgage rates
Sound familiar?
The good news is — the housing market is finally starting to deliver on both.
Let’s break down how today’s market is adjusting and what it means for your next move.
Home Prices Are Moderating (Finally)
Over the past few years, prices moved fast — sometimes so fast it pushed buyers out of the game.
But today?
That red-hot pace is cooling. Nationally, price growth has slowed to low single digits, compared to the 20%+ surges we saw from 2020 to 2022.
For buyers, that shift changes everything:
It’s easier to plan your budget
You won’t feel rushed to & ...
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