Jeff Johnson Mortgage Planner

10/13/2026

Existing home sales increased 1.5% in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.99 million, following a decline in August. Sales remain 2.2% below year-ago levels, as elevated mortgage rates continue to weigh on demand. Inventory rose 1.9% from August to 1.60 million homes, representing a 4.8-month supply and providing buyers with more options.
Takeaway: The monthly increase in sales and improving inventory are encouraging signs that housing activity can regain momentum as market conditions evolve.

Jeff Johnson NMLS 102315 Megastar Financial Corp 3043 https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org/.

10/13/2026

The low mortgage rate you locked in a few years ago might make moving feel off the table. But your equity could put it back on.
Homeowners with a mortgage have an average of $310K in equity right now. That could go toward a bigger down payment, so you borrow less at today's rates. Or, you may be able to buy your next place in cash – without needing a mortgage at all. So, don’t write off a move just yet. Let's find out how much equity you have and what it could do for you.

Jeff Johnson NMLS 102315 Megastar Financial Corp 3043 https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org/.

10/13/2026

Want to move but don’t want to give up your current low rate? This is for you.
Data shows homeowners with a mortgage have an average of $310K in equity right now.
And that means if you've been putting off a move because you don't want to give up the mortgage rate you locked in a few years ago, your equity could help.
You could use it toward a bigger down payment and borrow less at today's rates.
Or, if you're downsizing, you might even be able to buy your next home in cash. No mortgage. No worrying about today’s rates.
Want to know how much equity you have and what it makes possible for you? DM me, and I'll help you find out.

Jeff Johnson NMLS 102315 Megastar Financial Corp 3043 https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org/.

10/12/2026

Don’t let today’s uncertainty make you lose sight of what homeownership can do over time. Most homeowners say they’d make the same choice again. And decades of home-price growth help explain why.
If you’re wondering whether buying makes sense for you right now, let’s look at the numbers together – and what owning a home could mean for you in the years ahead.

Jeff Johnson NMLS 102315 Megastar Financial Corp 3043 https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org/.

With everything going on, it’s understandable if you’re wondering if you’d regret buying right now.

10/09/2026

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Jeff Johnson NMLS 102315 Megastar Financial Corp 3043 https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org/.

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Higher Yields, Stronger Buyers

10/09/2026

The Fed’s bond-buying programs (QE) helped suppress longer-term real interest rates for years. Since QE ended in March 2022, real rates have climbed, dramatically changing the borrowing environment.
Takeaway: Real rates reflect the cost of borrowing beyond expected inflation, which was muted by years of Fed bond buying. Today’s elevated levels reflect a rate environment more influenced by economic conditions and inflation expectations, rather than extraordinary Fed intervention. If the economy slows and inflation moderates further, real rates could move lower. The opposite is also true.

Jeff Johnson NMLS 102315 Megastar Financial Corp 3043 https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org/.

10/08/2026

Check out my Monthly Newsletter.


Jeff Johnson NMLS 102315 Megastar Financial Corp 3043 https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org/.

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Key rate drivers, what to know before you build, and more.

10/08/2026

Staying and moving can both be good choices. What matters most is finding the place where you'll feel comfortable and at home for years to come.
If you'd like help weighing the two, let's connect. We can look at what your house could sell for and what 55+ communities in our area have to offer, so you can decide what feels right for you.

Jeff Johnson NMLS 102315 Megastar Financial Corp 3043 https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org/.

You've spent years making your house feel like home, celebrating milestones, making each room your own, and turning neighbors into friends. As you look ahead to the next chapter of your life, it's natural to wonder if this is still the place you want to spend it.

10/06/2026

Good news if you're house hunting: the asking price may not be the final word. Right now, about 60% of homes are selling below their original asking price. With budgets stretched thin, a little give on price or terms can take some pressure off your wallet. But how much you can negotiate depends on where you're buying. So, let's chat about what you can ask for in the neighborhoods you're eyeing.

Jeff Johnson NMLS 102315 Megastar Financial Corp 3043 https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org/.

10/06/2026

Over half of homes (60%) are selling below their original asking price right now. And that stat’s held steady for about a year and a half.
With affordability still so tight, having room to negotiate on price will take some of the biggest financial pressures off your move.
Where you've got the most pull comes down to the neighborhood. Let's chat, and we'll pinpoint where you can push hardest.

Jeff Johnson NMLS 102315 Megastar Financial Corp 3043 https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org/.