4 Questions Shaping US Housing Affordability | https://www.michelemovesmountains.com

There’s a lot of talk right now about the questions shaping housing affordability across the US, and I’m seeing the effects firsthand here in North Georgia. While recent trends hint at a cooling in housing inflation—think sellers making more concessions and buyers searching for creative savings—the biggest challenge remains the cost of borrowing. Treasury yields are holding steady near 5%, and average 30-year mortgage rates have climbed above the low-7% range. In just the four weeks leading up to September 13, the median monthly mortgage payment hit about $2,600, up roughly 3% from last year. That’s a real pressure point for many buyers considering a move. Meanwhile, the resale market is tight, with homeowners hanging on to their low-rate loans and keeping new listings limited, while sellers still hope for those peak pandemic prices. Despite these hurdles, industry voices see this as a healthy correction toward stability—not a crash. Strong equity, careful lending, and, for the well-prepared, genuine opportunities for both buyers and sellers remain. In our North Georgia mountain communities, I focus on translating these national trends into meaningful, local insight—helping you navigate what’s next, whether you’re searching for a lakeside getaway or your full-time mountain home.