Real Estate Rundown July 2026
July 01, 2026
Photo Credit Jakub Zerdzicki via Unsplash.com
Mortgage Rates Hold Steady as Housing Market Waits for Lower Borrowing Costs
Mortgage rates remained relatively unchanged this week, continuing to hover in the mid-6% range as financial markets balance easing geopolitical tensions with expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates higher for longer. While lower oil prices have helped reduce some pressure on Treasury yields, a stronger-than-expected economy and cautious Fed outlook are limiting any significant decline in mortgage rates. Zillow forecasts rates will remain around 6.4%–6.5% through the summer before gradually easing toward 6.2% by the end of the year. Although today's rates are slightly lower than a year ago, affordability remains a challenge, and recent data shows that home sales and new listings have slowed as buyers continue to adjust. For moving companies, stable mortgage rates should continue supporting a steady flow of transactions, but a stronger housing recovery will likely depend on more meaningful improvements in affordability.
Housing Market Shows More Signs of a Buyer Comeback
Pending home sales gained momentum in May, signaling renewed confidence from homebuyers despite mortgage rates remaining above 6%. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, contract signings increased 3.8% month-over-month and nearly 5% compared to last year, with every major U.S. region posting gains. Industry experts believe this late-spring surge reflects strong pent-up demand as buyers continue adjusting to today's interest rate environment. While home prices remain at record highs, price growth has begun to moderate, wage increases are helping offset affordability challenges, and modest mortgage rate improvements may be on the horizon. For moving companies, increased contract activity is an encouraging leading indicator, as today's pending sales typically translate into more households preparing to move in the coming weeks and months.
Spring Housing Market Slows as Sellers Pull Back and Buyers Gain Leverage
The spring housing market ended on a quieter note as fewer homeowners listed their properties and buyer activity softened amid high housing costs and mortgage rates. New listings fell to their lowest level since February, while pending home sales declined slightly for the third consecutive week. Even so, pending sales remain more than 4% higher than this time last year, suggesting demand is still stronger than in 2025. With the median home price reaching a record $408,814 and mortgage rates hovering around 6.5%, affordability remains a challenge for buyers and sellers alike. However, the slower pace has shifted negotiating power toward buyers, with nearly half of home sellers offering concessions in May. For moving companies, while seasonal activity has moderated, a healthy pipeline of pending sales and increased buyer confidence in negotiating transactions should continue to create moving opportunities throughout the summer.
Never miss out on industry trends and mover marketing tips by signing up for our monthly newsletter.
Categories: Real Estate News, Monthly Newsletter