As the crisp air of September rolls in, we’re seeing fresh shifts in the real estate and mortgage markets. Whether you’re thinking about buying, refinancing, or just staying informed, here’s your quick roundup of what’s happening and how it might affect you.
Mortgage Market Snapshot
Lower yields—especially on 10-year Treasuries—are helping push down fixed mortgage rates. Weaker job market data has heightened expectations that the Federal Reserve may cut its benchmark rates soon, which is feeding optimism that borrowing costs will moderate. The drop in rates has prompted more refinancing applications. Purchase activity is also increasing, though affordability (home prices + down payments + monthly costs) remains a concern. Some cooling in home price growth and increases in housing supply in certain markets are helping. Buyer sentiment is improving, as more people believe rates will go down.
Now is a good time to review your mortgage goals—whether refinancing, purchasing, or just staying informed for a future move.
Fall Housing Trends
- More inventory is entering the market, giving buyers a better selection.
- Home prices are stabilizing in many areas.
- New construction is growing, with some builders offering rate buydowns or incentives.
Mortgage Tip of the Month
Refinancing Isn’t Just About Lower Rates
Even if current rates aren’t significantly lower than yours, refinancing could still make sense if:
- You want to use the equity in your home to fund renovations or purchase a 2nd home or investment property
- You need to consolidate higher-interest debt
- You want to shorten or extend your loan term
- You want to convert your loan – if you have an adjustable-rate mortgage, refinancing into a fixed rate locks in stability
- You want to remove PMI
Why Fall Is a Smart Time to Buy
- Less competition from summer buyers
- Motivated sellers before year-end
- Potential tax advantages for closing in 2025
We’re Here to Help
Whether you’re buying, refinancing, or advising clients, we can guide you toward the best options for today’s market. At GuardHill, we focus on building strong relationships by offering the best combination of service, products, price, and ease of process—backed by flexible lending options and fast approvals.
Some Samples of our Recent Closings:
- $4,750,000 – Southampton, NY. Purchase of a second home. Full-Doc
- $3,000,000 – Quogue, NY. Cash-Out refinance of a 3-family investment property using rental income to qualify
- $1,400,000 – Morris County, NJ. Purchase of a primary residence using a combination of income and asset depletion to qualify
- $500,000 – Queens, NY. Purchase of a 4-family investment property vested in an LLC.
- $400,000 – New York, NY. Purchase of a 2nd home co-op using asset depletion instead of tax returns.
Recent Testimonials
“Working with Vicky and the GuardHill team was an outstanding experience from start to finish. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to make the process smooth and stress-free. They provided clear guidance at every step, secured us a fair rate, and made what can often be overwhelming feel as simple as can be. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a trusted partner in the home-buying process. Look forward to being in touch! Enjoy the rest of your summer.”
-J.T.
“Keith and Betsy were incredible and so super helpful. I’ll recommend you to everyone! “
– J.J.
“D’Laine was fantastic to work with, and I would recommend her to any home buyer. As a first-time home buyer in NYC, my partner and I found the process convoluted. D’Laine helped explain confusing things to us and was always very responsive when we needed her. If we ever are to purchase again in NYC, we will definitely work with her again!”
-J.A.
“Wendy made the loan process smooth and stress-free. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and was always available to answer my questions. Her kindness and professionalism really stood out, and the entire process was completed quickly. Highly recommend!”
-G.M.
“Valerie Feder and her team made securing our mortgage seamless. Their professionalism and attention to detail were unmatched. They anticipated potential challenges and had solutions ready before we even knew there was an issue. It’s rare to find such a dedicated group of professionals who genuinely care about their clients’ success and peace of mind. We wouldn’t trust anyone else for our mortgage needs.”
-R.J.
