Housing affordability is at the center of many conversations right now, and it’s something I watch closely for my clients here in Carova and across the Outer Banks. We’re seeing signs of housing disinflation nationally—buyers and sellers aren’t always meeting eye to eye, and more sellers are making concessions that could mean real savings for those determined to find their place in the market. However, borrowing costs remain the biggest challenge: with benchmark Treasury yields near 5% and average 30-year mortgage rates topping the low-7% range, financing continues to stretch affordability. In the four weeks ending September 13, the median monthly mortgage payment hit about $2,600, up roughly 3% from last year. Inventory is tight as many homeowners are holding onto their low-rate loans, and sellers are still aiming for those pandemic-era prices. Industry experts agree that this isn’t a crash, but rather a correction toward stability—with strong equity, responsible lending, and opportunities for both buyers and sellers. In our unique Carova market, my focus remains on strategic guidance and local expertise to help clients make sense of these trends and find the right path forward.
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