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Navigating today’s market with mortgage rates above 7% calls for both strategy and patience. At The Brooks Group, we know that every home search is about more than just numbers—it’s about building a future that reflects your goals and values. Recent data shows that buyers with a plan—like preparing for a potential half-point rate shift within 3 months, three-quarters in 6 months, or a full point over a year—can stay ahead of changing conditions. Buyers who entered the market later in the year often found homes about 5% less expensive compared to earlier, with fewer bidding wars and more room to negotiate. A five-month supply recently meant more opportunities to discuss price reductions, closing costs, or options like temporary rate buydowns. While the market is still absorbing the possibility of further Fed tightening, the long view remains: as inflation cools, mortgage costs could eventually ease. Our blend of market knowledge, financial insight, and negotiation expertise is designed to ensure you feel confident and cared for—because for us, homeownership is about building lasting legacies together.

At The Brooks Group, we know that the journey to homeownership is shaped by complex forces—and right now, four key questions are shaping the path for buyers and sellers alike. Lately, we've seen housing disinflation, with buyers and sellers often missing each other on pricing expectations, leading to more concessions from sellers. For many families chasing their dream home, that could mean real savings.

However, affordability remains a real challenge. Benchmark Treasury yields are hovering around 5%, pushing the average 30-year mortgage rate just above the low-7% range. In the four weeks ending September 13, the median monthly mortgage payment reached about $2,600—up roughly 3% from last year. These rising financing costs continue to stretch buyers’ budgets.

Meanwhile, the resale market remains tight. Many homeowners are holding onto low-rate loans, resulting in fewer listings, while sellers still hope for pandemic-era prices on their properties. From our vantage point in Central Florida and Southeast Michigan, we’re seeing a market moving toward stability, not crisis—supported by strong equity, responsible lending, and room for opportunity on both sides of the table.

At The Brooks Group, we believe real estate is about people and purpose. Even in this shifting landscape, we’re committed to helping our clients build legacies through informed, confident decisions.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People
We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day.
We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities.

At The Brooks Group, we see every real estate transaction as an opportunity to support our clients’ goals and create long-term value. Recently, national data revealed that in the rolling three-month period ending mid-Q3, sellers provided concessions in about 45% of US home sales—the highest mid-Q3 level since at least 2020. That’s a notable increase from roughly 43% a year ago, a shift driven by higher inventory and lighter competition that’s shifting the balance toward buyers. These concessions—whether assistance with repairs, closing costs, or mortgage-rate buydowns—give buyers more options to reduce their upfront costs beyond just price cuts. Sellers are now competing by offering closing-cost credits and rate buydowns, reshaping how deals are structured and giving buyers added flexibility. Approximately 16% of homes sold during mid-Q3 combined a price reduction with a seller concession, further lowering the barrier to homeownership. We believe in guiding our clients through these evolving market dynamics with integrity and care, ensuring every negotiation supports their vision for the future.

At The Brooks Group, we keep a close pulse on the real estate landscape because every shift shapes the opportunities available to our clients and their families. Recently, US existing-home sales dipped below 4 million in Mid-Q3, reaching a 14-month low at a 3.98M annual pace—down 2% month-over-month. With the average 30-year fixed mortgage hovering near 7% and supply building to 4.9 months, buyers now have more choices across the country. The median price of existing homes set a new Mid-Q3 record at $429,100, with higher-priced properties leading activity. Even in this changing market, rising wages and steady job creation are helping to support demand. Buyers—especially first-timers, who made up 30% of recent purchases—are finding more room to negotiate, a positive sign for those looking to build a legacy through homeownership. Cash deals accounted for 27%, and homes typically spent 31 days on the market. Our approach is rooted in integrity, market knowledge, and a commitment to seeing your goals become reality—because for us, real estate is always about people and purpose.

We’re seeing a noticeable shift in the housing market: inventory is on the rise in several areas, giving buyers more opportunities to compare homes and easing the rush to make split-second decisions. For those searching, this means increased negotiating power—especially when considering homes that have lingered on the market or were initially priced beyond current demand. Sellers are responding by getting strategic: price adjustments, concessions, and repair offers are becoming essential tools to attract committed buyers.

At The Brooks Group, we always emphasize the importance of thoughtful decision-making and purposeful negotiation—because real estate isn’t just transactions, it’s about building a legacy. Whether you’re weighing options as a buyer or strategizing your next move as a seller, the key is understanding how this evolving landscape can work for you. Relationships and expertise make the difference as market conditions continue to shift.