Surviving the Holiday Hustle (and Watching Mortgage Rates!)

The Holiday season… a time for cheer, family gatherings, and, if you’re anything like me, forgetting what day it is somewhere around the third slice of pie. This year, my family and I embraced the festive spirit by hosting our first annual holiday party in our new home! We invited our neighbors from our street, and it was a huge success. The turnout was fantastic, the potluck spread was nothing short of amazing, and most importantly, it was a chance to build a stronger sense of community. Bringing people together during this busy season reminded me how valuable those connections are—not just in real estate, but in life.

The Good News on Mortgage Rates

Let’s start with some tidings of comfort and joy for buyers and sellers alike: mortgage rates are taking a bit of a breather. Last week, we saw rates drop to their lowest levels in more than a month and a half, finally dipping back into the high 6% range. For context, 30-year fixed rates spent most of November over 7%, so this is a welcome reprieve.

To put it in numbers, the average rate fell from 6.84% to 6.68% on Friday, though it ticked back up slightly to 6.72% on Monday. Why the movement? It all boils down to the bond market. With no major economic reports released today, investors are holding steady, waiting for this week’s key data to decide their next move. It’s like a game of chess, but instead of pawns and rooks, they’re playing with your mortgage payments.

What This Means for You

If you’re shopping for a home, these rate dips could be your golden ticket to securing a lower monthly payment. Remember, every fraction of a percentage point matters. If you’re selling, lower rates might nudge some buyers off the fence and into action. That’s a win-win for everyone.

Juggling Real Estate and the Holidays

For those of us in real estate, December is a unique beast. Buyers want to find their dream home before the new year, sellers are eager to close deals, and agents are…well, we’re just trying to keep our phones charged and our holiday cookies from burning while writing offers. The chaos is real, but it’s also what makes this job so exciting.

Here are a few tips to survive (and maybe even thrive) in this holiday madness:

Plan Ahead: Whether you’re buying, selling, or just browsing, get pre-approved for your mortgage now. Rates are still in your favor, so lock one in before Santa heads back to the North Pole.
Flexibility Is Key: The holidays mean everyone’s schedule is a little bananas. Be patient and prepared for things to move quickly—or slowly, depending on the day.
Celebrate the Small Wins: Found a house you love? Got a great deal on staging? Celebrate those victories, no matter how small. Real estate is stressful enough—let’s sprinkle in some joy.

Wrapping It All Up

As we barrel toward the end of the year, the housing market—and the mortgage world—aren’t slowing down. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, now’s the time to take advantage of lower rates and a little end-of-year magic. And hey, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. My golden retriever, Niner, and I are right there with you, navigating the chaos with equal parts enthusiasm and crumbs in the car.

Until next week, stay cheerful, stay caffeinated, and may your holiday season be as smooth as a freshly poured eggnog. Speaking of eggnog, if you like your eggnog with a little something extra in it…try mixing it with Rum Chata. It kinda tastes like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, enjoy!

– That 1 Realtor Guy 🎄