Rising values may leave some longtime owners with taxable gains, making early conversations about timing, records and next steps more important.

Mortgage rates fell this week, but future movement may depend less on the Federal Reserve’s latest decision and more on how clearly the central bank signals its next steps. Inflation, steady employment and possible changes in Fed communication could make rate expectations harder for borrowers to read.

Three in four Americans planning to buy a home within five years say they would overlook red flags in a property – a finding that underscores the role Realtors play in guiding customers through high-stakes decisions.  

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate fell to 6.47% this week, while the 15-year fixed rate dropped to 5.81% – tracking Treasury yields that have retreated since a deal to end the war with Iran was announced.