The Weekly Highlight 10.12.26
Home Court Insight Mortgage rates. Housing. Financing Strategies.
The Week of Oct 12th, 2026 - A quick breakdown of what's happening in mortgage and real estate — and what it could mean for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals.
Mortgage rates finally caught a break, housing inventory continues to shift, and some changes are coming to the mortgage appraisal process.
Here's what caught my attention this week!
Mortgage Rate Update
A weak jobs report and strong Treasury bond demand helped stabilize rates. But we're still watching some important levels that could determine where rates go next. More Info below...
Housing Market
Active listings are up 9% in SC and 12% in NC compared to last September. More inventory could mean more opportunities for buyers to negotiate! More info below...
Industry Update
FHA and conventional appraisal reporting are getting a makeover. Here's what you should know about the upcoming changes below.
Mortgage Rate Update
*Currently the National Average for 30yr fixed mortgage rates = 7.54%
No significant increase this week? We'll Take It! After several consecutive weeks of mortgage rates moving higher, we finally caught a break! Rates didn't move significantly lower, but thankfully, they didn't move higher either.
A weaker September jobs report (just 29,000 jobs added), easing geopolitical concerns, and strong demand for Treasury bonds helped stabilize rates.
The 10-year Treasury yield continues to test an important level around 5.29%. If it breaks above that level, we could see additional upward pressure on mortgage rates.
The takeaway? One week of stability doesn't mean rates are headed lower, but it's certainly welcome news. Economic reports, inflation, and bond-market activity will continue to influence where rates go next.
**Chart below-10yr US Treasury for the last few months. Mortgage Rates typically follow the 10yr UST, so as it goes up or down, usually mortgage rates do as well.(Red=good/lower, Green=bad/higher)
Housing Market Inventory
More Homes for Sale Across the Carolinas!
Housing inventory continues to grow across much of the Southeast, giving buyers more options than they had a year ago.
According to ResiClub's analysis of Realtor.com data, here's how active listings changed from September 2025 to September 2026:
South Carolina: +9%
North Carolina: +12%
Georgia: +9%
Tennessee: +9%
Virginia: +22%
Florida: −10%
With more homes competing for buyers' attention, sellers may be more willing to negotiate purchase prices, contribute toward closing costs, or offer mortgage rate buydowns.
Of course, every market and price point is different, but more inventory can create more opportunities for buyers to negotiate favorable terms!
New Appraisal Update is Almost Here
The mortgage industry is transitioning to a new appraisal reporting format known as UAD 3.6, designed to modernize and standardize how property information is collected.
FHA has begun accepting the new format on an optional basis, while Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are scheduled to begin mandatory implementation on November 2, 2026, with certain transition exceptions available.
Most buyers and sellers won't notice an immediate difference, but it's another important industry change that lenders, appraisers, and real estate professionals need to stay ahead of.
The Game Plan
Opportunities Exist in Every Market! Mortgage rates remain elevated, but increasing inventory in many areas is creating opportunities for buyers to negotiate better terms.
Whether it's seller-paid closing costs, a mortgage rate buydown, or taking advantage of our Rate Rewind program for eligible purchases closing by December 31, 2026, there are strategies worth exploring.
The goal isn't to perfectly time the market. It's to find the right home, at the right price, with the right financing strategy.
Ready to put together your game plan?
Let's WIN Together!
Rate Rewind eligibility and program terms apply. Refinancing is subject to qualification and market conditions. The program covers specified lender processing and underwriting fees, not all refinance costs.
Have a Scenario? Let's Build a Game Plan.
Every buyer, seller and situation is different. If you're wondering how today's rates, seller concessions or financing strategies could work for you or one of your clients, let's run the numbers and build a game plan.
Questions are always welcome. Let's WIN Together!
More About JT Greene
I am licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina, and my team covers 46 states nationwide. Whether you're moving around the corner or across the country, I've got your back with custom mortgage planning and unbeatable service.
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