On Real Estate & More – November 2026

THE REAL ESTATE MARKET has entered a more challenging environment for both buyers and sellers. The average long-term mortgage rate jumped at the beginning of October to its highest level in nearly three years to 7.59%. A year ago, the average rate was 6.34%. It is the sixth consecutive week that mortgage rates have increased.

Higher mortgage rates can add hundreds of dollars a month to borrowers’ costs, limiting homebuyers’ purchasing power. As rates rise, that can also lead prospective home buyers to delay buying.

The U.S. housing market has been in a slump since 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. Sales of homes were essentially flat last year, stuck at a 30-year low.

The National Association of Realtors said that existing home sales fell 2% in August from July to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.98 million units. That was their slowest annual pace in more than a year.

Higher mortgage rates, elevated home prices and rising costs for insurance, taxes and maintenance have significantly increased the monthly cost of owning a home. For buyers, affordability has become a primary concern. For sellers, that means attracting a buyer.

While sellers cannot control mortgage rates or the broader economy, they can control how their property is positioned in the market. Pricing appropriately, presenting the home professionally and offering financial incentives can make a significant difference.

For sellers, this makes pricing critical. Overpricing a property can result in fewer showings, limited offers and a listing that becomes increasingly difficult to sell as it spends more time on the market. The goal is to attract attention when the listing is new and encourage buyers to see the property as a strong value.

In a competitive market, presentation becomes especially important. A home that looks well-maintained, clean and move-in ready can stand out from competing properties. Before listing, sellers should consider addressing obvious repairs, decluttering, improving curb appeal and making spaces feel as inviting as possible. Small improvements can help buyers visualize themselves living in the home without creating the impression that they will face a long list of projects.

Professional photography is equally important. Most buyers begin their search online, making photography one of the first impressions a property makes. In today’s competitive market, professional presentation is not simply about making a home look attractive, it is about communicating value.

Another way sellers can address affordability is by offering assistance with buyer closing costs. Closing costs can represent a significant upfront expense in addition to the down payment. A seller credit toward allowable closing costs can reduce the amount of cash a buyer needs to bring to the transaction.

For some properties, seller financing can provide another way to expand the potential buyer pool. Instead of relying entirely on traditional mortgage financing, the seller may finance all or part of the purchase under mutually agreed terms. Seller financing can potentially benefit both parties. Buyers may gain greater flexibility, while sellers may create an additional incentive for buyers who have difficulty qualifying for conventional financing or need a loan for a short time period.

However, seller financing involves significant legal, tax and financial considerations. Sellers should work with qualified real estate, legal and tax professionals before entering into such an arrangement.

Today’s housing market requires sellers to think beyond simply putting a property on the market and waiting for an offer. Higher interest rates and housing costs have changed the way buyers evaluate affordability, monthly payments and overall value.

Sellers who recognize these challenges and respond strategically can improve their property’s marketability. Competitive pricing, professional preparation and photography, closing-cost assistance and, when appropriate, seller financing can all help overcome some of the obstacles facing today’s buyers.

Ultimately, the strongest listing is one that gives buyers a compelling reason to act. In a market where affordability matters more than ever, sellers who focus on value, and make it easier for qualified buyers to say yes, may have a definite advantage.