If you've been refreshing rate charts every week hoping for a sign, here's a small one: mortgage rates eased slightly this week. The average 30-year fixed rate came in at 6.67% for the week ending August 13, down just two basis points from 6.69% the week before, according to Freddie Mac.

I know, I know... two basis points isn't exactly headline news. But if you're in the middle of house hunting (or trying to talk yourself into starting), every little shift matters when you're the one staring at the numbers.

Markets are still watching the situation in Iran closely and waiting for global oil prices to settle, and that's continuing to shape where rates land week to week. So don't be surprised if things stay a little bumpy for a bit longer.

Yes, You're Still Paying More Than You Would Have Last Year

Let's be honest with each other here: even with this week's small dip, rates are still sitting above where they were a year ago. Last week, they actually crossed above their year-ago mark for the first time in 2026 — a milestone nobody was excited about. Back in August 2025, the average rate for this same week was 6.58%.

So if it feels like you're paying more just for the privilege of buying a home right now, you're not imagining it. You are. But you're also not alone, and that context matters.

What Does This Actually Look Like on Your Monthly Bill?

Rate percentages can feel abstract until you see them hit your actual budget. So let's make this real using the median U.S. home price of $430,000 — maybe close to what you're looking at, maybe not, but a useful reference point either way.

Say you're putting 20% down. That leaves you with a loan amount of $344,000. Here's what your monthly principal and interest payment would look like (this doesn't include taxes, insurance, or PMI, so keep that in mind):

• At today's 6.67% rate: roughly $2,213/month
• Last week's rate (6.69%): about $2,217/month — so this week's dip puts about $4 back in your pocket each month
• A year ago (6.58%): about $2,192/month

Put simply: compared to a buyer in your shoes a year ago, you're paying about $21 more every month for the same home. It's not a huge jump on its own, but over the life of a 30-year loan, it adds up.

So What Should You Actually Do With This Information?

Here's my honest take: a two-basis-point drop isn't going to flip your affordability picture overnight, and I don't want you sitting around waiting for it to. Rates move in small increments like this all the time — up, down, up again. Trying to time the "perfect" moment usually just means missing the home you actually wanted.

Instead, focus on what's actually in your control. Get pre-approved so you know your real number. Sit down with your budget and get honest about what feels comfortable, not just what you technically qualify for. And talk to your lender about locking in a rate that works for you today, with the door open to refinance later if rates come down further.

You don't need perfect timing. You need a plan — and I'm here to help you build one.

Rate data via Freddie Mac. Payment estimates calculated using a 30-year fixed mortgage, 20% down payment, principal and interest only.

5 Reasons to Consider Living in Commercial Point, Ohio

Thinking about living in Commercial Point, Ohio? Located just south of Columbus, Commercial Point offers newer homes, convenient access to the city, and a growing community while maintaining its small-town character. Here's what makes Commercial Point one of Central Ohio's communities worth exploring.

1. Small-Town Character with a Growing Community

Commercial Point has experienced steady growth over the past several years while maintaining the charm of a traditional Ohio village. Local events, community organizations, and a walkable downtown help create a welcoming atmosphere that many residents appreciate.

Annual events like the Commercial Point Karting Classic and seasonal community celebrations bring people together throughout the year and highlight the village's hometown feel.

2. Convenient Location Near Columbus

One of the biggest advantages of living in Commercial Point, Ohio, is its location.

Situated approximately 20 miles south of Downtown Columbus, residents have convenient access to major employment centers, shopping, dining, entertainment, and John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

Nearby destinations include:

• Grove City
• Downtown Columbus
• Rickenbacker International Airport
• Scioto Grove Metro Park
• Deer Creek State Park

Whether you're commuting to work or enjoying everything Central Ohio has to offer, Commercial Point provides convenient access without being in the middle of the city.

3. New Construction and Modern Homes

Commercial Point continues to expand with a variety of newer neighborhoods and residential developments.

Homebuyers can find:

• Single-family homes
• New construction communities
• Open-concept floor plans
• Energy-efficient features
• Community amenities in select neighborhoods
• Multiple builder options

With continued residential growth, buyers often have opportunities to choose from both resale homes and newly built properties.

4. Continued Growth and Investment

Commercial Point has become one of the faster-growing communities in Pickaway County.

As new neighborhoods continue to develop, the area has seen ongoing investment in housing, infrastructure, and local businesses. This continued growth has contributed to increasing interest from buyers looking for homes just outside Columbus.

For many buyers, Commercial Point offers the opportunity to enjoy a growing community while still maintaining its village atmosphere.

5. Outdoor Recreation and Nearby Amenities

Living in Commercial Point means you're never far from outdoor recreation.

Nearby parks, trails, golf courses, and recreational areas provide opportunities to enjoy Central Ohio's changing seasons.

Residents also enjoy convenient access to:

• Shopping in Grove City
• Restaurants throughout Central Ohio
• Local parks
• Regional recreation areas
• Columbus entertainment districts

Whether your interests include hiking, golf, dining, or simply enjoying nearby amenities, Commercial Point offers convenient access to a wide variety of activities.

Is Commercial Point, Ohio Right for You?

If you're searching for homes for sale in Commercial Point, Ohio, you'll find a community that combines newer housing options, convenient access to Columbus, and continued residential growth.

Every buyer's priorities are different, which is why it's important to explore neighborhoods, commute times, housing styles, amenities, and local resources to determine what best fits your lifestyle and goals.

Three Homes That Caught Our Eye

As we were exploring the current homes for sale in Commercial Point, these three listings stood out for different reasons. Whether you're looking for brand-new construction, upgraded finishes, or a flexible floor plan, each offers something unique in today's market.

🏡 33 Englewood Road | $539,650

Best for Buyers Looking for Brand-New Construction

If you're hoping for the benefits of a new home without starting from scratch, 33 Englewood Road is worth a look. This two-story home offers 2,658 square feet with four bedrooms, a dedicated study, game room, full basement, and an open-concept layout. Located in the Foxfire community, residents also enjoy amenities including walking paths, a clubhouse, pool, and park space.

SEE THIS PROPERTY

🏡 288 Mahogany Lane | $524,900

Best Value for the Size and Upgrades

With more than 3,000 square feet, this home offers an impressive combination of living space and high-end finishes. Features include quartz countertops, KitchenAid appliances, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, a dedicated home office, a three-car garage, and a walkout basement that's already roughed in for a future bathroom. Rather than waiting months for new construction, buyers can move into a home where many premium upgrades have already been completed.

SEE THIS PROPERTY

🏡 355 Cherry Hills Road | $514,999

Best for Buyers Who Love to Entertain

This five-level split offers over 3,100 square feet with a layout that stands out from many traditional two-story homes. Highlights include a dramatic two-story great room, finished lower level with a fireplace and bar area, oversized patio, and a spacious backyard. Located in Fox Fire, the neighborhood also offers amenities such as a clubhouse, pool, walking paths, and park space.

SEE THIS PROPERTY

Which Home Is Right for You?

Each of these homes offers something a little different.

• 33 Englewood Road is an excellent option for buyers wanting the latest in new construction.
• 288 Mahogany Lane delivers exceptional square footage and premium upgrades for the price.
• 355 Cherry Hills Road offers a distinctive floor plan and multiple spaces designed for everyday living and entertaining.

The best choice ultimately depends on your priorities, budget, and how you envision using the space.

If you'd like to learn more about the Commercial Point real estate market or schedule a tour of available homes, I'd be happy to help.

Search the latest homes for sale in Commercial Point, Ohio today or contact me to learn more about the local market.

If you've been holding off on buying a home in Central Ohio because of rate headlines, here's something worth knowing: more buyers are moving forward right now, not less. A growing number of homes for sale is giving buyers more to choose from, even with mortgage rates parked at their highest point of the year. Here's what's behind the shift, and what it could mean for your own search.

The Gist

• Mortgage applications bumped up 1.9% last week, mostly thanks to a 6% jump in purchase applications
• Rates are near their highest weekly average all year, but more homes for sale are giving buyers something to work with
• The advice from the experts? Stop obsessing over timing the rates perfectly, and start focusing on whether a home actually fits your life

Okay, So What's Going On Here

Here's the plot twist: mortgage applications went up last week, even though rates just hit their highest weekly average of the year. Not exactly what you'd expect, right?

The Mortgage Bankers Association says applications climbed 1.9% for the week ending Friday. And it wasn't refinancing driving that — purchase applications (aka people actually buying homes) jumped 6% from the week before. Refis actually dipped a little, down 2%.

Zoom out and it gets even better. Purchase activity is now running 0.2% ahead of this time last year, which is a real flip from the week before, when things were actually lagging behind 2025. Refinancing is having an even better year, up 7% compared to last year.

So Why Are People Buying Right Now?

It's definitely not because rates got friendlier. The 30-year fixed rate averaged 6.55% last Thursday, and by Tuesday it had crept up to 6.75% on a daily basis.

The real reason people are moving is inventory. There are just more homes to choose from than there were a year ago — up 4.2% in June, per Homes.com data. And that's a pattern showing up here in Central Ohio too, with more listings giving local buyers more to choose from. More options means more chances buyers find something that actually clicks for them, even if the monthly payment stings a bit more than they'd like.

Mike Fratantoni, chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association, thinks this has some staying power. Growing inventory is helping drive purchase activity across a lot of markets. He also pointed out a wrinkle to keep an eye on: inflation eased up in June, but oil prices spiked again, so don't be surprised if that progress stalls out in July — which probably means rates stick around at these higher levels for a bit longer.

The Advice Worth Actually Listening To

If you're holding out for the "perfect" moment to buy, Jeff DerGurahian, chief investment officer at loanDepot, has some blunt advice: stop waiting for it.

His take? The bigger picture hasn't really changed. If you find a place that fits your budget and your long-term plans, it's worth moving on it now — and hey, if rates drop later, refinancing is always there as a backup plan.

Bottom line: Rates are annoying, sure, but they're not the whole story. If you've been sitting on the sidelines because of scary rate headlines, just know there are more homes out there to choose from right now — and that might matter a lot more for your search than the rate itself.

Ready to See What's Out There?

More inventory means more homes that might fit what you're looking for — including some you won't find with a basic online search. Contact Kendra today for a personalized list of available homes in Central Ohio, plus access to listings not yet on the open market.

The latest Columbus MLS data paints a picture of a housing market that continues to gain value while becoming more balanced for both buyers and sellers.

Home values remain strong, with the median sales price climbing to $346,500—an 8.3% increase compared to April of last year. At the same time, inventory has grown by 13.4%, giving buyers more options than they've seen in recent years and creating a healthier overall market.

Although closed sales were down year-over-year, buyer demand remains steady. Year-to-date contracts are up 1.5%, indicating that many buyers are still actively pursuing homeownership despite higher interest rates and evolving market conditions.

We're also seeing homes spend a little longer on the market, with average days on market increasing from 32 to 39 days. While that's a notable shift from the fast-paced market of recent years, well-prepared and properly priced homes are still attracting strong interest.

What the Numbers Mean

A few key highlights from the latest report:

• Median home price increased to $346,500 (+8.3%)
• Inventory grew 13.4%, creating more choices for buyers
• New listings increased 7.8%
• Average days on market rose from 32 to 39 days
• Sellers are still receiving nearly 98% of their original list price

What Sellers Should Know

For homeowners considering a sale, today's market continues to offer strong pricing opportunities. However, buyers have become more selective, and the days of simply listing a home and expecting multiple offers immediately are becoming less common.

Success in today's market depends on thoughtful pricing, strong presentation, and a strategic marketing plan. Sellers who prepare their homes well and price them appropriately are still achieving excellent results.

What Buyers Should Know

For buyers, the market is becoming more favorable. Increased inventory means more homes to choose from, while longer market times can provide additional opportunities to negotiate and make informed decisions.

While competition hasn't disappeared, many buyers are finding they have more breathing room than they did during the peak of the seller's market.

Looking Ahead

The Columbus housing market remains healthy and resilient. Rising home values continue to benefit homeowners, while growing inventory is helping create a more balanced environment for buyers.

Whether you're considering buying, selling, or simply keeping an eye on the market, understanding these trends can help you make confident decisions in the months ahead.

If you're curious about how these market trends affect your home's value or your plans for buying this year, feel free to reach out. Our team is always happy to help you make sense of the numbers and develop a strategy that aligns with your goals.

Just as many Americans were hoping for a friendlier housing market in 2026, mortgage rates have moved sharply higher again.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate recently climbed to its highest level in nine months, adding fresh pressure to affordability and creating new challenges for buyers and sellers alike. The rise comes amid growing inflation concerns tied to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have pushed Treasury yields—and ultimately mortgage rates—higher. 

Why Are Mortgage Rates Rising?

Mortgage rates don't move directly with Federal Reserve decisions. Instead, they tend to track the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note.

In recent months, investors have grown increasingly concerned that higher energy prices and renewed inflation pressures could keep interest rates elevated for longer. The conflict involving Iran has contributed to those concerns by driving volatility in oil markets and increasing inflation expectations. 

As a result, mortgage rates have steadily climbed from below 6% earlier this year to roughly the mid-6% range today. Freddie Mac data cited by multiple housing reports shows rates reaching their highest level since last summer. 

The Impact on Homebuyers

For buyers, even a modest increase in mortgage rates can significantly affect monthly payments.

A higher rate means:

• Larger monthly mortgage payments
• Reduced purchasing power
• More difficulty qualifying for loans
• Increased caution among first-time buyers

Many buyers who were waiting for rates to fall below 6% are now finding themselves facing a more expensive borrowing environment than expected. Mortgage application activity has already shown signs of slowing as rates move higher. 

The affordability challenge remains especially difficult in markets where home prices have stayed elevated despite slower sales activity.

Why Sellers Are Feeling the Effects Too

Higher mortgage rates don't just affect buyers.

Many homeowners remain locked into mortgages below 5%, making them reluctant to sell and take on a much higher rate for their next home. This phenomenon, often called the "lock-in effect," continues to limit housing inventory in many markets. 

For sellers, that creates a mixed picture:

The good news: Limited inventory means less competition.

The challenge: Higher borrowing costs shrink the pool of qualified buyers.

Homes that are overpriced or need significant work may sit on the market longer than they would have when financing was cheaper.

Is the Housing Market Still Resilient?

Despite the rate increases, the housing market has shown surprising resilience.

Inventory levels have improved compared with recent years, giving buyers more options. In many markets, sellers have become more willing to negotiate on price, concessions, or closing costs. Some analysts argue that these improvements are helping offset part of the affordability challenge created by higher mortgage rates. 

However, the market remains highly sensitive to future economic developments. If inflation stays elevated and rates continue rising, housing activity could slow further.

What Happens Next?

The outlook for mortgage rates largely depends on inflation, economic growth, and geopolitical developments.

If energy prices stabilize and inflation pressures ease, mortgage rates could retreat later in the year. On the other hand, prolonged market uncertainty could keep borrowing costs elevated and continue weighing on affordability. 

For buyers, the key takeaway is that waiting for dramatically lower rates may not be a guaranteed strategy. For sellers, realistic pricing and flexibility may become increasingly important as financing costs remain a major obstacle for prospective buyers.

Final Thoughts

The housing market entered 2026 with hopes of a sustained recovery, but rising mortgage rates have complicated that narrative. With rates now at a nine-month high, affordability remains the biggest challenge facing the market.

While buyers may benefit from growing inventory and greater negotiating power, higher borrowing costs continue to limit what many households can afford. Until inflation cools and mortgage rates begin moving lower, both buyers and sellers will need to navigate a housing market that remains caught between improving fundamentals and persistent financial headwinds. 

Adapted from reporting by Realtor.com

The spring 2026 housing market is starting to shift. According to Realtor.com, nearly 17% of homes nationwide saw price reductions this spring as inventory grows and buyers become more cautious.

The biggest slowdowns are happening in:

• Phoenix
• Tampa
• San Antonio
• Denver
• Portland

These markets exploded during the pandemic housing boom, but higher mortgage rates and affordability challenges are now cooling demand. Homes are sitting longer, buyers are negotiating harder, and sellers are increasingly cutting prices to stay competitive.

But Columbus is in a different position.

Unlike Phoenix or Tampa, Columbus never experienced the same level of overheated price growth. The market has appreciated more steadily, supported by long-term fundamentals like job growth, healthcare, education, and major investments such as Intel’s semiconductor expansion in Central Ohio.

Columbus also remains far more affordable than many of the cities seeing major corrections. That affordability continues attracting both local buyers and people relocating from more expensive housing markets.

Inventory has increased across Central Ohio, giving buyers more choices and slightly more negotiating power than they had over the last few years. However, demand remains healthy, homes are still selling relatively quickly, and the market hasn’t experienced the sharp price reductions happening in many Sun Belt and West Coast cities.

Compared to the five cooling markets, Columbus looks more balanced than distressed. Sellers still need to price homes correctly, but the region’s stable economy and affordability are helping it avoid the dramatic slowdown seen elsewhere.

The bigger picture: while many former pandemic boomtowns are correcting, Columbus continues to look like a steady long-term growth market rather than a boom-and-bust housing cycle.

Global events often feel far removed from the real estate market, but major geopolitical conflicts can quickly affect inflation, interest rates, and buyer confidence. A recent article from Inman highlighted how the ongoing conflict involving Iran is creating new uncertainty for the Federal Reserve and raising concerns about future mortgage rates.

As oil prices rise and inflation pressures increase, the Fed appears more divided than ever on whether rate cuts are still realistic in 2026. 

Why the Fed Is Concerned

The biggest issue is energy prices. Disruptions tied to the conflict have pushed oil and gasoline costs higher, contributing to rising inflation. Recent inflation reports showed consumer prices increasing faster than expected, with energy costs playing a major role. 

Normally, the Federal Reserve lowers rates when inflation cools and the economy slows. However, if inflation remains elevated because of global energy shocks, the Fed may decide to hold rates steady—or even consider additional hikes. Several policymakers have warned that prolonged disruptions could force tighter monetary policy. 

What This Means for Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are heavily influenced by inflation expectations and bond markets. Even if the Fed does not officially raise rates, uncertainty surrounding inflation can still push borrowing costs higher.

Recent reports already show Treasury yields and long-term borrowing costs increasing as investors react to inflation fears and geopolitical instability. 

For homebuyers, this means mortgage rates could remain volatile throughout 2026.

Impact on Buyers

Higher mortgage rates reduce affordability by increasing monthly payments. Buyers who were waiting for lower rates may face a more complicated environment if inflation remains elevated.

However, many housing markets are also seeing:

• More inventory
• Longer days on market
• Increased negotiation opportunities

This means buyers may still benefit from less competition compared to the intense seller’s markets of recent years.

Impact on Sellers

For sellers, pricing strategy becomes even more important in uncertain rate environments. Buyers tend to become more cautious when rates rise, which can slow demand and extend selling timelines.

Homes that are properly priced, marketed well, and move-in ready are more likely to stand out.

Why This Matters Beyond Real Estate

The housing market does not operate independently from the broader economy. Global conflicts can influence:

• Inflation
• Consumer confidence
• Fuel costs
• Mortgage rates
• Construction costs

All of these factors eventually impact housing activity.

Final Thoughts

The Fed’s response to inflation and global instability will likely shape the housing market for the rest of 2026. While many buyers hoped for significant rate cuts this year, rising energy prices and inflation concerns may delay those expectations.

For both buyers and sellers, staying informed and flexible will be essential in a market that continues to shift quickly.

This blog was inspired by reporting from Inman discussing the Federal Reserve, inflation concerns, and the economic impact of the Iran conflict.