The Season of Opportunity: Why This Fall Could Be a Turning Point for Buyers

Tired of playing the waiting game? The signs of change have already begun, like a cold wind heralding the advent of autumn and shorter days. As we move into the final quarter of 2025, it may be time to evaluate the cost of waiting and ditch the idea that a perfect home with perfect market conditions exists. Buckle up with some hot spiced cider and a warm flannel. Shall we dive in?

Fannie Mae’s Late 2026 Rate Prediction

Many tentative home buyers have been playing the waiting game since 2022, when rates spiked from their ultra-low 2-3% norms to 7-8% highs. Recently, however, rates have started to dip back down in the right direction, hovering in the lower 6% range. Some think it’s wise to still keep waiting, not willing to jump off the sidelines until rates hit 5%. But is this really the right decision?

According to Fannie Mae, they’re predicting that rates won’t fall below 6% until late 2026. Their July 2025 Economic and Housing Outlook estimates a rate drop to be at 5.9% by the end of 2026. That’s still a good long while to keep patient. And even if they do eventually drop below 6%, a surge in buyer activity is  likely.

Is Patience the Right Call in 2025?

Taking the information from above and Fannie Mae’s predictions, does it make sense to still keep holding off? According to ICE Mortgage Technology, home prices are firming up again, with annual home price growth rising to +1.2% in September despite slowing eight months prior. You could potentially put yourself at a disadvantage while waiting for a rate drop, causing yourself higher housing expenses down the line.

For those that want to act before the year ends, we offer unique loan solutions to savvy home buyers, perfect for cutting through the impatience of tentative rate drops and fickle market trends. Taking on a relatively higher rate now and refinancing down the line is always an option.

With our Rate Rebound program, you can refinance your loan if rates drop within 5 years, saving on lender fees as an extra bonus.* With this program, you don’t have to wait to save, allowing you to take action now as a home buyer. This strategy also clears the way for you to consolidate high-interest debt, pay for major expenses like home improvement, college tuition, or a wedding!

Rate Rebound Perks

• Avoid the buying competition now before rates drop
• Waived lending fees
• Peace of mind owning a desirable home without fighting bidding wars
• Take advantage of dropped rates within 5 years’ time*

How Fall Home Buyers Can Take Advantage of Year-End Deals

Not only can you ditch the patience game, but the final quarter of the year offers multiple dividends for savvy home buyers. While the summertime is typically the busiest home buying season due to its favorable weather, there are benefits to pursuing homeownership in the quieter, colder season.

Fall Home Buying Benefits

Realtor.com lists numerous advantages for home buyers this fall and winter, especially for buyers who were unable to compete with the all-cash offers and bidding wars that populate the summer buying season.

• Lower buyer competition, more negotiation power
• Eager sellers offering concessions to sell the property by year’s end
• Financial benefits for buyers closing before December 31^st
  • Property tax deductions for 2025 tax return (if eligible)
  • Mortgage deductions for interest paid between closing and Dec. 31^st
• Closing cost incentives from lenders
• Builder-paid deals for the fall season

It’s the Season of Change — Is It the Right Time for You?

It’s a time of change and fickle markets this fall. There’s a cost to waiting that you have to consider, and there’s also programs and homeownership benefits to weigh as well. Is now your time to shine and take hold of your future? Sellers, builders, and lenders (us) can be your greatest allies during this time. Maximize your potential and crunch the numbers. We’re here to support you, in this season and the next.

Source: Mortgage News Daily, Fannie Mae, Realtor.com, ICE

*CMG Home Loans will cover all customary lender fees, which are lender administrative fees, tax service fees, appraisal fee, and credit report fee. This offer does not cover discount points. Credit cannot exceed total fees. Rate Rebound is only valid on future conventional conforming, government, and jumbo loans in our retail channel (future Construction Loans, All in One, HELOCs, Bond, or HFA loans are excluded). Rate Rebound is only available on loans originated by CMG Home Loans. There may be additional restrictions based on investor. Offer may not be redeemed for cash or credit and is nontransferable. Offer cannot be retroactively applied to any loans. Offer may not be used with any other discounts, promotions, or interest-only/buy-down and second-lien products. This offer is subject to changes or cancellation at any time at the sole discretion of CMG Home Loans. Additional restrictions/conditions may apply. This is not a commitment to lend and is contingent on qualification per full underwriting guidelines. Program will be available on loans disclosed on or after 11/1/22. Program is applicable for refinances 6 months after closing up to 5 years from original note date and with a net tangible benefit which includes a rate reduction of 0.5%, going from an ARM to fixed rate, reducing loan term, movement to a more stable product, or a lower principal and interest payment. By refinancing the existing loan, the total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan.