With mortgage rates holding near 7% as we head toward year-end, buyers and investors across Coastal Georgia—and those considering moves to South Carolina or Florida—are feeling the squeeze on affordability. Persistent inflation and the possibility of another Fed rate hike are keeping borrowing costs elevated, while broader MBS spreads continue to add pressure. For a true drop in rates, we’d need to see steady progress on inflation, more stable long-term yields, positive signals from the Fed, and improvements in mortgage-backed securities spreads. For now, it’s wise to use current rates as your planning baseline and view any future relief as a bonus. After nearly two decades helping clients navigate shifts just like these, I know that understanding the landscape is the first step toward making confident real estate decisions.
