Option 1: (Traditional)

November is here, which means your mind is probably starting to focus on who’s coming to Thanksgiving dinner and how big of a turkey to get. But as the year begins to wrap up, keeping an eye on the real estate market is just as important as ever.
National Update November 2026:

The temperatures may be dropping, but interest rates are not. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is more than one percentage point higher than it was this time last year. With borrowing costs continuing to put pressure on affordability, both buyers and sellers are navigating a challenging housing market.

Buyers: With mortgage rates significantly higher than they were a year ago, buyers may find that their budgets don’t stretch as far as they once did. Taking time to explore financing options, understand monthly costs, and determine what you can comfortably afford is especially important in today’s market.

Sellers: With mortgage rates putting pressure on buyers’ budgets, sellers may need to adjust their expectations when it comes to pricing and negotiations. Pricing your home competitively and making sure it is well-presented can help attract buyers in a market where affordability remains a concern. Also, going into the process with realistic expectations and a willingness to negotiate can make a difference when selling your home.

Local/Twin Cities Update November 2026:

Showing activity continues to decline in the Twin Cities. Combined with higher mortgage rates, this points to a housing market that is continuing to slow down.

Buyers: With higher mortgage rates, buyers may find it more challenging to stay within budget. If you’re looking to buy in the Twin Cities, declining showing activity may offer some relief by reducing competition in certain parts of the market. This could give you more time to consider your options and potentially more room to negotiate with sellers.

Sellers: Sellers in the Twin Cities are not only facing the challenges of higher mortgage rates, but also a continued decline in showing activity. With buyers facing affordability challenges and fewer people touring homes, sellers may need to work extra hard to attract attention and stand out in the market. Pricing your home competitively, being open to negotiations, and making sure your home is in good condition can help you appeal to buyers.

As we head into the final months of the year, higher mortgage rates continue to present challenges for buyers and sellers across the housing market. Staying informed about national trends and local market conditions can help you better understand your options and make decisions that work best for your situation.

Option 2: (Humor)

November is here, which means your mind is probably starting to focus on who’s coming to Thanksgiving dinner, how big of a turkey to get, and how many glasses of wine Aunt Sharon can have before she starts arguing about politics. But before you get too caught up in planning the feast, don’t forget to keep an eye on the real estate market, too!

National Update November 2026:

Temperatures may be dropping, but interest rates did not get the memo. Cardigan weather excites me. Being able to afford less house does not. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is more than one percentage point higher than it was this time last year. With borrowing costs continuing to put pressure on affordability, both buyers and sellers are navigating a challenging housing market.

Buyers: With mortgage rates significantly higher than they were a year ago, buyers may find that their budgets don’t stretch as far as they once did. Taking time to explore financing options, understand monthly costs, and determine what you can comfortably afford is especially important in today’s market. You may even need to cut back on your pumpkin spice budget to make room for that new mortgage payment.

Sellers: With mortgage rates putting pressure on buyers’ budgets, sellers may need to adjust their expectations when it comes to pricing and negotiations. Much like my family needs to adjust their expectations about me finally bringing a boyfriend to Thanksgiving dinner this year. Pricing your home competitively and making sure it is well-presented can help attract buyers in a market where affordability remains a concern. Also, going into the process with realistic expectations and a willingness to negotiate can make a difference when selling your home.

Local/Twin Cities Update November 2026:

Showing activity continues to decline in the Twin Cities. Combined with higher mortgage rates, this points to a housing market that is continuing to slow down.

Buyers: With higher mortgage rates, buyers may find it more challenging to stay within budget. Personally, I always find it hard to stay within budget, so this is really just another day for me. If you’re looking to buy in the Twin Cities, declining showing activity may offer some relief by reducing competition in certain parts of the market. This could give you more time to consider your options and potentially more room to negotiate with sellers. Adds Negotiating for Dummies to her Christmas list.

Sellers: Sellers in the Twin Cities are not only facing the challenges of higher mortgage rates, but also a continued decline in showing activity. With buyers facing affordability challenges and fewer people touring homes, sellers may need to work extra hard to attract attention and stand out in the market. Pricing your home competitively, being open to negotiations, and making sure your home is in good condition can help you appeal to buyers. Zillow is basically a dating app for houses. Great photos get you the first date, but the inspection is where things get serious.

As we head into the final months of the year, higher mortgage rates continue to present challenges for buyers and sellers across the housing market. Staying informed about national trends and local market conditions can help you better understand your options and make decisions that work best for your situation. Here’s to hoping mortgage rates get an Ozempic prescription this month and slim down just in time for the holidays!

November Articles

Recipe – Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

DIY –10 Easy Smart Home Upgrades