Hi there, I’m Steph Saunders with Foundation Brokerage Group, and this month’s UPSIDE/DOWNSIDE REAL ESTATE REPORT is a little different. There are two hot topics on everyone’s mind right now:
Let’s dive into the upsides and downsides you need to know.
🏦 Interest Rates: The Upside & Downside
🔼 The Upside
Interest rates have been fairly consistent since last December, hovering around 6.25% – 6.5% for conventional loans. FHA buyers may even see rates dip into the high 5’s (around 5.9%) if conditions align.
Yes, rates fluctuate a bit week to week, but the good news is that we’re not seeing wild spikes—it’s a stable market to plan in and it’s been that way since last December 2024. And don’t forget, you can always buy your rate down into the 5’s with points if it makes sense for your long-term strategy.
🔻 The Downside
Expect these rates to stay in the sixes through the end of 2026. Many buyers are waiting on the sidelines, holding out for 3–4% rates, but here’s the reality: if rates were to drop too quickly, the pent-up demand would flood the market, pushing home prices even higher.
👉 The takeaway: waiting will likely cost you more. If you’re ready, it’s smarter to buy now and refinance later.
🏡 Massachusetts’ New Home Inspection Law: The Upside & Downside
Starting October 15th, 2025, home sellers in Massachusetts will no longer know whether buyers are waiving a home inspection.
🔼 The Upside
This is a win for buyers. For years, due to low inventory and fierce competition, many had to waive inspections to win a property—sometimes on older homes where inspections really matter.
Now, every buyer can feel confident they’ll know exactly what they’re purchasing. That transparency makes for healthier, more informed real estate decisions.
🔻 The Downside
Time. And as the saying goes: “time kills all deals.”
- With inspection contingencies back on the table, contracts will take longer to move forward.
- For sellers with a home sale contingency (selling their current house to buy their next), this could delay their ability to compete on the purchase side.
- Those quick same-day “sell in the morning, buy in the afternoon” scenarios? Much harder now.
We may even see a comeback of bridge loans as a strategy to help sellers transition smoothly without losing out on their next home.
👉 The takeaway: Today’s market requires buyers and sellers to work with more coordination, strategy, and expert guidance than in past years—making an experienced, savvy REALTOR® your most valuable playbook coach.
Final Thoughts
The real estate market is always shifting, but one thing stays the same: your success depends on preparation and smart strategy.
Whether it’s navigating interest rates, planning around contingencies, or understanding the impact of new laws, I’m here to guide you through it all. It’s the sole reason I created and trademarked my SELLER MASTERY PROGRAM® & BUYER MASTERY PROGRAM® – to ensure we have a plan of action from start to finish.
🍂 In the meantime, enjoy this beautiful fall season—go apple picking, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and soak up the sunshine. I’ll be back next month with another Upside/Downside Real Estate Report.
📞 Have questions? Reach out anytime—I’d love to help you plan your next move with confidence.
-Steph
Curious to learn more about the New Massachusetts Home Inspection Law? I break it down in simple term plus provide a download HERE: https://bit.ly/46S8rox
Watch my monthly video on YOUTUBE here: https://youtu.be/nYLty_K9R0E?si=Mrou9_IZqCUeyOQK
