Option 1: (Traditional)

October is here, which means fall is officially in full swing! As we head into the final stretch of the year, we are seeing the typical fall shift in the real estate market. Now is a good time to take a closer look at how the market is changing and what it could mean for both buyers and sellers. 

National Update October 2026:

According to Freddie Mac, the national 30-year fixed mortgage rate has climbed and is at its highest level in more than a year and a half. The increase in mortgage rates is having an impact on both buyers and sellers.

Buyers: Higher mortgage rates make affordability more challenging, as even a small increase in rates raises a buyer’s monthly payment and reduces their purchasing power. At the same time, there are still more sellers than buyers in the national market, giving buyers more options and greater negotiating power. 

Sellers: Higher mortgage rates are making it more difficult for some buyers to afford a home. At the same time, the larger supply of homes means sellers are competing for a smaller pool of buyers. Pricing competitively and making a home stand out are especially important in a market where buyers have more options and greater negotiating power. 

Local/Twin Cities Update October 2026:

The Twin Cities housing market is beginning to show signs of the seasonal slowdown, with showing activity down 8.8% from this time last year. At the same time, the national 30-year fixed mortgage rate is at its highest level in more than a year and a half, adding another consideration for buyers and sellers as they navigate the fall market in this area. 

Buyers: While overall showing activity is down 8.8% in this local market, demand varies by price range. Showings for homes priced between $300K and $400K have decreased, yet this price range still accounts for the largest share of showings in the Twin Cities. For homes priced between $400K and $500K, interest has actually increased, with showing activity up 1.8% compared to this time last year. Buyers, make sure you are paying attention to the trends in your specific price range when shopping in this area. 

Sellers: With overall showing activity down 8.8% in the Twin Cities, sellers should be prepared to compete for buyers this fall. However, demand is not declining evenly across all price ranges, with homes priced between $400K and $500K seeing an increase in showing activity of 1.8% compared to this time last year. Understanding how buyer activity is trending within your specific price range can help you set realistic expectations as you prepare to sell. 

Whether you are following the national real estate market or buying or selling in the Twin Cities, the market is shifting this fall, and mortgage rates are playing a role. Both buyers and sellers should stay vigilant and pay close attention to market trends to make informed decisions and get the most out of their real estate experience. 

Option 2: (Humor)

Spooky season is finally here! Thank goodness! As we head into the final stretch of the year, we are seeing the typical fall shift in the real estate market. Now is a good time to take a closer look at how the market is changing and what it could mean for both buyers and sellers. Now is also a good time to cover every inch of your house in orange, black and purple, with pumpkins, ghosts and goblins everywhere! (You could say I’m a fan of Halloween…) 

National Update October 2026:

Apparently, the mortgage rates got the memo that it is spooky season too because, according to Freddie Mac, the national 30-year fixed mortgage rate has climbed and is at its highest level in more than a year and a half. That is some seriously scary stuff! The increase in mortgage rates is having an impact on both buyers and sellers. Jump scares for both sides alike! 

Buyers: Higher mortgage rates make affordability more challenging, as even a small increase in rates raises a buyer’s monthly payment and reduces their purchasing power. At the same time, there are still more sellers than buyers in the national market, giving buyers more options and greater negotiating power. This paragraph is kind of like those haunted houses that give you a full candy bar at the end. Terrifying at first, but at least there is an upside! 

Sellers: Higher mortgage rates are making it more difficult for some buyers to afford a home. At the same time, the larger supply of homes means sellers are competing for a smaller pool of buyers. Pricing competitively and making a home stand out are especially important in a market where buyers have more options and greater negotiating power. Trick-or-treating season is basically free marketing for your house! Make sure it looks great from the outside, because you never know which trick-or-treater has a parent who will go home and investigate your house on Zillow. It’s me. I’m that parent. 

Local/Twin Cities Update October 2026:

The Twin Cities housing market is beginning to show signs of the seasonal slowdown, with showing activity down 8.8% from this time last year. Just like my motivation at work, which is also experiencing a seasonal slowdown. Who wants to work when there are decorations to put up and costume ideas to brainstorm?! At the same time, the national 30-year fixed mortgage rate is at its highest level in more than a year and a half, adding another consideration for buyers and sellers as they navigate the fall market in this area.

Buyers: While overall showing activity is down 8.8% in this local market, demand varies by price range. Showings for homes priced between $300K and $400K have decreased, yet this price range still accounts for the largest share of showings in the Twin Cities. For homes priced between $400K and $500K, interest has actually increased, with showing activity up 1.8% compared to this time last year. Buyers, make sure you are paying attention to the trends in your specific price range when shopping in this area. And if you can afford to shop in the $1M+ market, you can afford to hand out the full-sized candy bars on Halloween…nobody likes a stingy pumpkin. 

Sellers: With overall showing activity down 8.8% in the Twin Cities, sellers should be prepared to compete for buyers this fall. However, demand is not declining evenly across all price ranges, with homes priced between $400K and $500K seeing an increase in showing activity of 1.8% compared to this time last year. Understanding how buyer activity is trending within your specific price range can help you set realistic expectations as you prepare to sell. Just like parents who handmake their kids’ Halloween costumes should also set realistic expectations…

Whether you are following the national real estate market or buying or selling in the Twin Cities, the market is shifting this fall, and mortgage rates are playing a role. Both buyers and sellers should stay vigilant and pay close attention to market trends to make informed decisions and get the most out of their real estate experience. And to get the most out of your trick-or-treating experience, parents, don’t forget to bring your own little treat in your Stanley Cup. 😜October is here, which means fall is officially in full swing! As we head into the final stretch of the year, we are seeing the typical fall shift in the real estate market. Now is a good time to take a closer look at how the market is changing and what it could mean for both buyers and sellers.

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