Mark Svihel Mortgage Loan Officer

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Mark Svihel Mortgage Loan Officer Hello! My name is Mark Svihel, I have been a Mortgage Loan Officer for over 30 years! I have 2,500+

10/01/2026

US Home Values Enter Stabilization
Recently, we’ve seen home values reach a period of stabilization—not a decline—thanks in part to a lack of distressed selling, which is helping prices remain steady across many metro areas. As someone who’s guided clients through all kinds of markets over three decades, I notice that while the 30-year mortgage rate remains in the high-6% range (and looks likely to stay there through 2026), opportunities still exist for those who know where to look. Pending listings dipped 2.6% year over year, active listings reached 1.41 million, and although new listings are down 7.9% month over month, the typical monthly payment now averages $1,900—a 2% increase from last year. Lending benchmarks have trended higher as markets adjust, and experts are pointing to a possible soft landing in 2026 despite weaker sales and higher financial hurdles. For buyers, especially first-timers or those with flexible plans, inventory can vary meaningfully by state—so there may be openings to act. If you’re considering a move, getting pre-approved early is a smart move, and for current homeowners, it’s worth keeping an eye out for future refinancing opportunities as the landscape continues to shift.

09/30/2026

Fed Rate Hike Pressures U.S. Home Sales
The recent Fed rate hikes have made a real impact on the homebuying journey—something I’ve seen firsthand in my three decades as a mortgage lender. With the benchmark rate climbing to around 4% and 30-year mortgage rates approaching 7%, affordability has taken a hit for many U.S. buyers. That near-7% mortgage rate reduces purchasing power, meaning fewer people qualify and more sellers are adjusting—accepting lower offers, waiting longer for sales, and rethinking their pricing strategies. While some critics say these higher rates cool demand but don’t address other supply challenges (like energy), the reality is that both buyers and sellers have to adapt. For buyers, it’s become even more important to negotiate thoughtfully; for sellers, competitive pricing and flexibility—whether that’s on repairs, timing, or closing costs—can make all the difference. As the central bank debates fighting inflation versus economic stability, it’s clear that we’re in a period of short-term adjustment. My focus remains on guiding first-time homebuyers through these shifts, making sure they’re informed and confident in their decisions.

09/29/2026

Fannie Mae predicts where home prices are headed next
Fannie Mae’s latest forecast gives us a clear look at what’s ahead for homebuyers: mortgage rates are expected to remain elevated through 2027, and home prices could climb roughly 14.7% by 2030—reaching about $576,000. While a housing crash isn’t on the horizon, it’s more important than ever for buyers to pay attention to affordability and to be strategic when negotiating, especially in markets that offer some flexibility. With over three decades of experience guiding first-time homebuyers, I believe that understanding these trends and approaching your home search with a plan can make all the difference.

09/28/2026

More New Homes Are Underway
There’s encouraging news for those keeping an eye on new construction: US single-family housing starts just hit their fastest pace in five months, potentially opening more doors for homebuyers. Interestingly, while builders broke ground on more homes, permits for future projects dipped, meaning the current surge might not last unless the pipeline is replenished. Finished homes available right now are actually down, which could make move-in-ready options a bit tighter. Builders are responding with incentives and occasional price reductions—giving buyers more choices and making the right financing strategy even more important. In my experience guiding first-time buyers, the best opportunities are often found in homes that are already underway, where you can compare builder incentives with outside mortgage options to find the best fit for your needs.

New vs. Existing Home Prices: What the National Median MissesIt's interesting to see that in Q2 2026, the median price f...
09/25/2026

New vs. Existing Home Prices: What the National Median Misses
It's interesting to see that in Q2 2026, the median price for new single-family homes was $410,700—about $25,000 less than existing homes, which came in at $435,700. This gap tells a bigger story: with existing home inventory so limited, builders have focused on constructing smaller, more affordable options, especially throughout the South and West. After decades guiding buyers through these changing trends, I know how much these shifts can shape the path to homeownership—especially for those taking their first steps. Understanding the real numbers behind ‘median price’ helps set realistic expectations and highlights the opportunities that creative builders are offering in today’s market.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/mark-svihel-1/1971848-New-vs.-Existing-Home-Prices%3A-What-the-National-Median-Misse

09/24/2026

US Home Prices: What the Median Misses
Looking at recent data, it’s clear that the story behind US home prices is more nuanced than a single number can tell. In Q2 2026, the median price for a new single-family home settled at $410,700, while existing homes came in higher at $435,700—a notable $25,000 gap. That’s the largest difference we’ve seen, continuing a trend that started in Q2 2024 when existing homes began consistently outpacing new ones in price. Much of this comes down to homeowners holding onto their pandemic-era low mortgage rates, limiting the number of homes for sale, while builders have responded with smaller lots, more compact homes, and various buyer incentives. But these national medians don’t capture the full picture—factors like local market dynamics, home styles, lot sizes, and rising construction costs all play a role. By Q2 2026, new-home prices dipped about 1% from the year before, and existing-home prices slowed to 2% annual growth after a long run of increases. With over 30 years in mortgage lending, I know how important it is for first-time buyers to look beyond the headlines and understand what these trends mean for their path to homeownership.

09/23/2026

Regulation Adds $132K to New Homes
When we look at what goes into the price of a new home, it’s striking to see just how much regulation is adding to the total—about $132,000 on average, according to a recent builder group estimate. For anyone considering buying or building, it’s important to realize that government rules—covering everything from code updates, permits, inspections, and impact fees to the cost of utility hookups and even land set-asides—now make up a major share of what you pay before you even move in. Some of the biggest cost drivers are code changes (about $40,000 per home), with energy requirements alone contributing between $9,600 and $21,400. These costs can take decades to recover. Builders are also facing significant delays, with over 90% experiencing an average wait of seven months, and more than a year often passing from zoning application to the first day of work. As someone who’s spent 30 years helping buyers navigate the path to homeownership, I know how these regulatory costs shape what’s possible for buyers and builders alike, especially in a market that’s already short 1.2 million homes. Understanding the forces behind the numbers can help you make informed choices as you plan your next steps.

09/22/2026

Home-Purchase Loans Increased in Nearly 80% of Major Metropolitan Areas in 2025
This year, we've seen a notable uptick in home-purchase mortgage activity—applications climbed 2% to 6.68 million, resulting in 3.6 million loans originated. With the average mortgage rate easing to 6.4%, nearly 80% of major metropolitan areas experienced increased application volume. While these numbers still trail pre-pandemic highs, it's encouraging to see momentum building for buyers. With over three decades in mortgage lending, I know firsthand how even small shifts in the market can open new doors for first-time homebuyers working toward their dream of homeownership.

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2680 Snelling Avenue, Suite 100
Roseville, MN
55113

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