Is It Finally Time To Make Your Move? Affordability Is Improving Across the U.S.
If you’ve been putting your homebuying plans on pause because of high mortgage rates or prices, now might be the time to take another look.
According to First American, affordability is improving in 39 of the top 50 U.S. markets — marking the fifth straight month that buying a home has gotten a little easier.
Monthly Payments Are Coming Down
One of the clearest signs of this shift is in monthly mortgage payments.
Recent data from Redfin shows that payments on a median-priced home are now $283 lower than just a few months ago.
💡 That’s nearly $3,400 in savings over the course of a year!
This kind of savings adds up quickly. It might not change affordability overnight, but for many buyers, it’s the difference between stretching the budget and feeling comfortable with their monthly payments.
And from a home search perspective, this matters.
According to Redfin:
“A borrower with a $3,000 monthly budget can now afford a $468,000 home — about $22,000 more than in June.”
That extra flexibility could be what helps you find the home you really want.
What’s Behind the Shift?
Two main factors are driving this welcome change:
Mortgage rates have eased from their earlier highs this year.
Home price growth is slowing in many markets.
Both trends help buyers’ bottom lines, giving a little more breathing room in the budget.
As Andy Walden, Head of Mortgage and Housing Market Research at ICE Mortgage Technology, explains:
“The recent pullback in rates has created a tailwind for both homebuyers and existing borrowers. We’re seeing affordability at a 2.5-year high.”
What This Means for You
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to move up into a bigger home, this shift could make your next move possible.
Even a few hundred dollars in monthly savings can open up new opportunities — or finally make that “dream home” within reach.
Bottom Line
Affordability is improving in many markets — and that resets the math on your move.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, this could be it.
Connect with a trusted local agent or lender to see what your updated numbers look like. You might be surprised how much more buying power you have today compared to just a few months ago. Let’s talk about your goals and explore what’s possible in today’s market.
