Taking Back Control in a Shifting Housing Market

Mortgage rates are tumbling, homes are lingering on the market, and homebuyers are regaining power in some parts of the country.

Sep 05, 2025

Dear home-hunters and homeowners,

After years of home sellers running the show, the balance of power is beginning to shift.

Homebuyers are finally walking into open houses with a bit of leverage on their side. Meanwhile homeowners have new tools to make their properties work harder without overspending.

That’s why this week’s lineup is about seizing this moment—whether you’re shopping for your next place or falling back in love with the one you’ve got.

Let’s jump into this week’s must-know advice, intel, and inspiration.

- New American Funding

#1. Mortgage rates hit a nearly one-year low (!)

Buyers, start your engines: the 30-year fixed rate slid to an average 6.5% for the week ending Sept. 4, its lowest since October of last year. That may not sound like the bargain-bin number of a few years ago. But in today’s market, it’s a real shift.

A few basis points can translate into hundreds shaved off your monthly payment. Or it may be the difference between qualifying for that sweet three-bedroom, two-bath home with a sprawling yard.

Homeowners eyeing a refi could also be in the money, especially with the Federal Reserve poised to cut rates further this fall.

Bottom line? The window for snagging a better deal is cracking open right now.

#2. Buyer’s market math

Housing stock is up (finally), home prices are flattening, and sellers are blinking first at the negotiating table.

Indeed, homes that once sparked bidding wars a few years ago are lingering. That opens the door to negotiations on price, closing costs, and even extras (like an appliance) thrown in to seal the deal.

If you are a buyer who’s been long sidelined, this is the season to step back into the real estate market with confidence.

#3. Rate hacks that pay off

Mortgage rates falling to a one-year low is great news, but strategy also counts when it comes to locking in a rate.

Using a rate lock, paying points, or opting for a shorter term can save thousands over time. It’s less about waiting for rates to plummet and more about knowing which levers you can pull right now to save a bundle each month.

#4. The buydown boom

Mortgage rate buydowns are back on the table for homebuyers, courtesy of builders and motivated sellers.

The idea: someone else covers upfront costs to temporarily lower your mortgage rate. You pocket the savings.

For buyers, that can mean some financial breathing room in the first few years of your loan.

#5. HELOC help when your credit’s not perfect

Don’t count yourself out of a home equity line of credit just because your credit isn’t pristine.

Lenders are weighing more than a single score. And with the right prep, think tightening up small debts and pulling paperwork together, you might still qualify.

Remember, HELOCs are one of the more flexible ways to tap into rising equity without reworking your whole mortgage.

#6. Love your home again—on a budget

A refresh doesn’t have to mean a full remodel. Simple updates, such as paint, fixtures, and lighting, can transform the way your home feels.

And if you’re ready for a bigger swing (hello, new kitchen), HELOCs or cash-out refinances may give your budget some stretch. That’s why many owners are opting out of moving to new homes and choosing to stay in their current, refreshed homes.