As someone who guides Baltimore buyers and sellers from all walks of life, I’m always tuned in to the deeper questions shaping housing affordability right now. Lately, we’ve seen clear signs of housing disinflation—buyers and sellers aren’t always on the same page, and sellers are increasingly open to concessions. That’s opened the door for some households still chasing the goal of homeownership, but the main obstacle remains: borrowing costs. Benchmark Treasury yields have hovered around 5%, and the average 30-year mortgage rate has edged above the low-7% range.
For many of my clients, this translates to real numbers: in the four weeks ending September 13, the median monthly mortgage payment reached about $2,600—a 3% jump from last year—reminding us just how much financing costs stretch affordability. On top of that, the resale market here in Baltimore (and nationwide) is feeling sticky. Many homeowners are holding onto low-rate loans, which keeps listings scarce, while sellers still hope for pandemic-era prices.
But through all this complexity, industry voices aren’t calling this a crash. Instead, it’s seen as a correction toward stability, underpinned by strong equity and sound lending practices. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in Baltimore—especially if you’re navigating this as a newcomer or investor—it’s about understanding where the real opportunities live in a market that’s always evolving.
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