Fred Arnold - American Family Funding

10/07/2026

4 Questions Shaping US Housing Affordability
Housing affordability in the US continues to be at the forefront of conversations—something I see firsthand every day as a mortgage professional. Lately, we’ve noticed some housing disinflation: buyers and sellers aren’t always seeing eye-to-eye, and sellers are increasingly offering concessions, which can help households eager to find a way into homeownership. But the biggest challenge remains borrowing costs. With benchmark Treasury yields hovering near 5% and average 30-year mortgage rates now above the low 7% range, affordability is feeling the squeeze. In fact, for the four weeks ending September 13, the median monthly mortgage payment reached around $2,600, up about 3% from last year, showing just how much financing costs are impacting buyers. Meanwhile, the resale market remains tight—many homeowners are staying put with their low-rate loans, so listings are limited, and sellers are still aiming for those pandemic-era prices. Across the industry, the consensus is clear: this is a correction toward stability, not a crash. Strong equity positions, prudent lending standards, and opportunities for both buyers and sellers still shape this evolving market landscape. As someone who’s walked clients through every kind of market, I know how important it is to stay informed and adaptable.

10/06/2026

What can Chicago tell us about real estate in Southern California?
As someone deeply involved in Southern California’s housing market since 1991, I’m often asked how our region compares to others—and Chicago is a fascinating point of reference. Chicago’s real estate market benefits from more available land and a stable population, making homes markedly more affordable than what we see here in Southern California. Meanwhile, our market continues to grapple with high prices, driven by demand that far outpaces supply. Both regions, though, are wrestling with the same big questions: How do we encourage growth, maintain affordability, and create sustainable housing solutions? These challenges shape the choices of homebuyers and homeowners alike, and understanding these differences is key to navigating our unique market landscape.

10/06/2026

Sell Your Home for the Best Price, Hassle-Free
Expert marketing, strategic pricing, and negotiation support to help you sell quickly and maximize your profit.

Expert marketing, strategic pricing, and negotiation support to help you sell quickly and maximize your profit.

10/06/2026

The Housing Market Is Getting More Negotiable
We're seeing a noticeable shift in the housing market: increased inventory in several areas is giving buyers more choices and easing the sense of urgency that’s defined recent years. Homes that have lingered on the market or started out with ambitious price tags are now more open to negotiation. Sellers, in turn, are sharpening their strategies—offering concessions, making repairs, and adjusting prices to draw in motivated buyers.

Having spent decades navigating the ups and downs of mortgage lending, I can tell you this environment calls for a thoughtful approach. Buyers have the chance to compare options and negotiate terms with more confidence. Sellers, meanwhile, need to focus on realistic pricing and flexible terms to stay competitive as the landscape evolves. As always, staying informed and adaptable makes all the difference in achieving your homeownership goals.

10/05/2026

Understanding the Fall 2026 Real Estate Market: What Buyers and Sellers Should Watch
Looking ahead to Fall 2026, the real estate landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers. Inventory has improved, opening up more choices for those entering the market, but mortgage rates hovering near 6.76% continue to keep affordability top of mind. While we’re seeing home prices inch up at a modest pace, it’s notable that the supply of new homes is now outpacing resale options—a dynamic that can influence your strategy whether you’re buying or selling. As someone who’s spent decades guiding families and investors through these cycles, I can tell you that local conditions often carry more weight than national headlines. Understanding your community’s unique market factors can make all the difference in navigating this environment with confidence.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/fred-arnold-1/2059923-Understanding-the-Fall-2026-Real-Estate-Market%3A-What-Buyers-

10/03/2026

Vacation Homes Make Up 2.4% of California Housing
It’s interesting to note that vacation homes now make up just 2.4% of California’s housing stock. Nationwide, the number of vacation homes has decreased from 5.47 million in 2018 to 4.74 million in 2024, representing 3.3% of all housing. Timeshares show strong demand, with a notable 79.9% occupancy rate—outpacing traditional hotels. Florida continues to lead the nation in total vacation homes, while Maine and Vermont have the highest concentration per capita. As someone who’s spent decades helping families finance their homes, I always keep a close eye on these shifts in the market—they tell us a lot about changing lifestyles, investment strategies, and how people prioritize leisure and real estate. These trends are worth considering whether you’re looking to invest, diversify, or simply want to understand the broader housing landscape.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/fred-arnold-1/2058898-Vacation-Homes-Make-Up-2.4%25-of-California-Housing

10/03/2026

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10/02/2026

U.S. cities entering a now-or-never moment for homebuyers
We're witnessing a rare window of opportunity for homebuyers across the U.S. For the tenth consecutive month, median listing prices per square foot have dropped by 1.8% nationwide. As someone who’s tracked housing trends and advised clients through countless market shifts since the early 1990s, I see these price corrections most pronounced in former boomtowns—a direct result of growing inventory. Meanwhile, high mortgage rates and ongoing uncertainty have slowed buyer activity, putting more pressure on sellers to adjust their prices. For buyers navigating today’s landscape, it’s important to understand how these market dynamics could impact your next move.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/fred-arnold-1/2055054-U.S.-cities-entering-a-now-or-never-moment-for-homebuyers

10/01/2026

U.S. School-Zone Homes Cost $150K More
The numbers tell a compelling story: from early Q1 to late Q2 2026, homes located in highly rated U.S. school zones came with a significant price tag—$580,000 on average, which is a 35% premium over the nationwide home price of $430,000. For families aspiring to move into these neighborhoods, the financial requirements are substantial. A household would need an income of $159,000 to afford such a home, roughly $41,000 more than what’s necessary for the typical house on the market during that period. To put it in perspective, a median-earning household would spend about 55% of their income to purchase in a top school district, compared to 40% for the average home. Only 13% of listings in these sought-after school zones were within reach for median-income buyers, as opposed to 28% of listings overall. For sellers, this premium can mean added value; for buyers, weighing school ratings against commute times, overall costs, and the quality of child-focused resources is key. Having spent over three decades guiding clients through the mortgage process, I’ve seen firsthand how these factors influence both affordability and long-term family decisions.

09/30/2026

Could U.S. Rates Stay Higher in 2027?
As someone who’s tracked mortgage trends since the early '90s, I’m often asked about the outlook for interest rates. Persistent inflation and elevated long-term Treasury yields have made it increasingly unclear whether we’ll see a rapid return to low interest rates—especially as we look ahead to 2027. The Federal Reserve is facing a delicate balancing act, weighing inflation concerns against emerging signs of slower economic momentum. For those navigating home financing or real estate investments, it’s important to note that higher long-term yields could keep borrowing costs elevated across the board: consumers, businesses, housing, and commercial real estate are all feeling the impact. In this environment, many investors and homeowners are leaning toward a balanced approach, mindful that interest-rate uncertainty, fiscal pressures, and inflation remain key forces shaping our financial landscape. Having helped clients secure financing through many market cycles, I know that understanding these shifts is essential to making informed decisions.