Author: Uma Vadher

US home prices ↑~0.3% MoM on a seasonally adjusted basis in Mid-Q3, extending gains while easing slightly from the prior two months.
Yearly, US prices ↑~4%, the fastest growth pace in 12 mo, showing values kept climbing nationwide even as monthly momentum cooled recently.
Mid-Q3 brought the strongest buyer's market on record, as elevated housing costs and economic uncertainty kept demand subdued while homes for sale continued rising.
Even with softer monthly readings, prices were not falling nationally because many homeowners held substantial equity and faced little pressure to accept steep discounts.
For buyers, slower growth meant room to wait, compare, and negotiate; for sellers, realistic pricing from the start offered a better chance to attract attention.

Massachusetts was ~16% toward its 2035 goal, with 187.3K homes still needed to reach 222K statewide units under the state's current tracker.
Officials said keeping current momentum is the priority, even as annual tracker updates limit how much 2026 progress is visible right now.
Officials highlighted >5.6K potential homes on underused state land, >2K approved accessory units, ~1.2K office-conversion units, 3.4K gateway-city homes, and 10K zoning-law units.
State leaders backed site-plan review changes, a local commercial-conversion option, materials tax relief, and recently approved $200M for transportation-linked projects that unlock housing.
Officials were drafting a starter-home pilot for modular or manufactured single-family homes and said faster approvals remained critical as private-market conditions shape 2035 feasibility.

A recent analysis ranked Massachusetts third among states for homeowner equity, with median home equity at $400K and median household net worth at $394.9K.
In Massachusetts, typical homeowner equity slightly exceeded median household net worth, showing how strongly property wealth shaped overall finances for many households.
High home equity can lift net worth in Massachusetts, yet it may also reduce flexibility when a large share of household wealth stays in property.
For Massachusetts homeowners, knowing how much wealth sits in home equity can support smarter decisions on refinancing, downsizing, or broader financial diversification.
The Massachusetts snapshot highlights both housing strength and concentration risk, making equity awareness a useful starting point for planning next housing or wealth moves.

Mortgage rates are still holding firm, with current averages hovering near 7%—a number that continues to shape the landscape for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. Unless we see inflation cool enough to influence the Fed’s direction, affordability will likely remain a significant factor in the market. Persistent inflation, along with the possibility of another Fed rate hike and wider mortgage-backed securities spreads, may add even more pressure to borrowing costs. A meaningful drop in rates would require sustained progress on inflation, steadier long-term yields, reassuring Fed signals, and healthier MBS spreads. For anyone considering a move—whether buying, selling, or refinancing—today’s rates should be the foundation for your planning, with any future rate relief seen as a bonus. As someone who navigates this market daily with clients across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, I know how important it is to stay informed and prepare strategically for every possibility.

With mortgage rates holding above 7%, affordability is understandably on everyone’s mind. I’m seeing buyers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island weighing their options carefully as Treasury yields keep borrowing costs elevated and the market anticipates more moves from the Fed. If you’re planning your next steps, it’s wise to prepare for possible rate shifts: studies suggest factoring in a half-point increase within three months, three-quarters over six, and a full point by the one-year mark. Interestingly, those who buy later in the year often gain some leverage—typical homes have been about 5% less expensive in early Q4 compared to late Q2, with less competition and more room to negotiate. Last month’s inventory was around a five-month supply, giving buyers more power to discuss price, closing costs, or even temporary rate buydowns. While the market remains watchful for further Fed action, the broader aim is to see inflation cool, which could eventually bring mortgage costs down. My goal is to help you make sense of these shifts so you can move forward with confidence, whether you’re ready now or just keeping an eye on the horizon.

Sellers are making big moves this year: during the rolling three-month period ending mid-Q3, around 45% of U.S. home sales included seller concessions—the highest mid-Q3 rate seen since at least 2020. That’s up from about 43% a year ago, showing that increased inventory and less competition are giving buyers more room to negotiate. These concessions often mean sellers are assisting with repairs, covering closing costs, or even helping to buy down mortgage rates—options that go beyond traditional price reductions and help buyers manage upfront costs. I’m seeing more deals where sellers offer closing cost credits or rate buydowns instead of just lowering the list price, which is reshaping how negotiations unfold and giving buyers more flexibility. Nationally, about 16% of homes sold in mid-Q3 combined a price reduction with a concession, offering yet another way for buyers to ease their entry into the market. As someone who guides clients through every step of the buying and selling process in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, I’m always monitoring these trends to help clients make informed decisions—especially in a market that’s constantly evolving.

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.