From One, to Two… to Something Beautiful & Real Estate.

There was me.

Then there was her.

And now… there’s us—growing, learning, building.

Life has a funny way of reminding us that the best things take time, patience, and love—just like finding the right home. Whether it’s building a family or building a dream, every step is worth it.

So, here’s to new chapters, fresh beginnings, and all the little things that make life worth celebrating.

Today's Market View: Growing Families, Growing Challenges

·       Mortgage Rates at Year-Low Levels

As of August 2025, the average U.S. 30-year fixed mortgage rate has eased to 6.58%, marking the lowest level in nearly 10 months AP NewsThe Wall Street Journal. While still elevated compared to historical norms, this slight dip offers a bit of breathing room for homebuyers.

·       A Slight Uptick in Home Sales—but Still Tight Affordability

July 2025 saw existing-home sales rise 2%, reaching an annualized rate of 4.01 million units, though volumes remain subdued ReutersThe Times of India. Median prices continued their climb—this time to around $422,400, marking the 25th consecutive year-over-year increase ReutersMarketWatch.

·       Inventory Is Building, But Buyers Are Hesitant

Home inventory has grown—now at about 1.55 million homes, or 4.6 months' supply—giving buyers more options and negotiating leverage Reuters. Still, many potential buyers remain cautious. A Bank of America survey found that 75% expect home prices and rates to fall, the highest waiting-on-the-walls sentiment in several years Bank of America InstituteBank of America.

·       Investor Activity Continues to Rise

As affordability tightens, investors are stepping in. In Q1 2025, nearly 27% of homes sold went to investors, the highest share in at least five years Daily Journal of CommerceDaily Reporter. This dynamic further constrains the market for first-time buyers and growing families.

·       Affordability Remains a Major Barrier

Despite the slight decline in borrowing costs, the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies highlights a stark reality: the median home price has surged to approximately $441,738, pushing the price-to-income ratio to 5.0—far above the “affordable” standard of 3.0. Monthly mortgage payments now average around $2,570, making homeownership increasingly out of reach for many families Manistee News Advocate.

Why It Matters to Growing Families

This isn't just data—it’s the backdrop for families finding their footing today. New parents, expanding households, and first-time buyers are confronting:

• High borrowing costs, even if slightly easing.

• Tight inventory and investor competition, reducing available options.

• Homes that cost more relative to income than at any time in decades.

• Emotional decisions backed by financial weight—do we act now, or wait for the “perfect market”?

  
  

This context brings real-world meaning to the sentiment of family growth. Just as love and new chapters inspire optimism, navigating these housing trends requires resilience—and maybe a bit of timing magic.

Whether it’s a first step into parenthood or the first step into homeownership, both journeys share something in common: they require patience, planning, and a whole lot of heart.

Right now, families across the country are weighing big decisions—when to buy, how to finance, and where to build their future. The numbers tell one story, but life’s milestones tell another.

As I step into my own new season of life, I’m reminded that the best investments we make aren’t always on paper—they’re in the people, places, and moments we choose to grow with.

So, here’s to every family, big or small, new or seasoned, finding a place to call home. Because in the end, that’s where every story starts.

Larry,

That Mortgage Foodie