09/21/2026
Mortgage rates jumped again last week, which obviously isn’t what buyers wanted to see.
But there is another side to it.
When rates move up, some buyers decide to sit things out. That can mean less competition for the people who are still looking.
We’re seeing more inventory, fewer buyers competing for the same houses, and in some cases sellers who are much more willing to negotiate.
I’m not saying higher rates are a good thing. They aren’t. But the rate is only one part of the deal.
Sometimes paying a little more on the rate but getting a better price, seller help with closing costs, or avoiding a bidding war can make a lot more sense than waiting for rates to drop and competing with everyone who jumps back into the market.
I wrote a little more about it here:
https://barrenhillmortgage.com/blog/mortgage-rates-jumped-again-but-buyers-may-have-just-gained-an-advantage
If you’re looking at houses and want me to run the numbers on one, feel free to reach out.
Mortgage rates moved higher, but fewer buyers and increased inventory may be giving homebuyers more negotiating power. Here's what buyers should know.
