As we move deeper into the fall season, national housing trends show promising signs of renewed momentum. The 30-year mortgage rate declined in September and through mid-October, reaching its lowest level in over a year — nearly 12% lower than in January. This meaningful drop has already begun to ease affordability pressures and stir new buyer interest across the country.

While home sales in September dipped slightly from August, they were up 8.2% year-over-year, showing that lower rates are beginning to have a measurable impact. Because there’s typically a short lag between rate adjustments and buying activity, we may continue to see improvement as we head into November.

📈 Key Market Highlights

• Mortgage rates: Down almost 12% since January 2025
• Home sales: +8.2% compared to September 2024
• Median U.S. home price: $420,700 (+2.3% YoY)
• Condo/co-op median price: $360,300 (slightly lower YoY)
• Active listings: Up 14% from this time last year
• Above-asking sales: 21% of all transactions
• Median time to offer: 33 days (+5 days YoY)
• Cash purchases: 30% of all sales
• First-time buyers: 30%
• Vacation/investment use: 15% of transactions

Though consumer confidence remains mixed — with ongoing concerns about inflation, prices, and job stability — affluent households have shown greater optimism, fueled by gains in stock market wealth and stabilized interest rates.

💬 What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, the recent decline in rates could present a window of opportunity before demand fully rebounds. Sellers may also benefit as affordability improves and sidelined buyers re-enter the market.

As seasonal patterns take hold, we typically see slower listing and sales activity from mid-November through mid-January. However, luxury and second-home destinations — including Naples and other Southwest Florida markets — often defy this trend, continuing to attract steady buyer demand through the winter months.

🧭 Looking Ahead

With inflation data and new Fed decisions on the horizon, all eyes remain on how these economic factors shape buyer confidence and pricing trends heading into early 2026.

---

📊 Want the full report?
The Compass National Market Insights Report for October 2025 offers a deeper dive into these numbers, with expert analysis and regional highlights across the U.S.

👉 Click here to read the full report.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply staying informed, The Bowers Group at Compass Naples is here to guide you with clarity, data, and confidence.

📞 Contact us today to receive the full market insights and a customized look at what these national trends mean for your Southwest Florida property goals.

---