If you have been thinking about buying a home, selling your current property, or simply keeping an eye on the housing market, mortgage rates are once again making headlines.
After a relatively calm period in August, mortgage rates moved higher following Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh's closely watched speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium. The daily national average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reached 6.87% on Monday, August 31, according to Mortgage News Daily, the highest daily level of 2026 at that point.
And rates have continued to move. Mortgage News Daily reported the average 30-year fixed rate at 6.89% on September 1; another reminder of just how quickly mortgage rates can change. For buyers and sellers, whether here in New York's Capital District or anywhere else in the country, the important question isn't simply, "How high are mortgage rates?"
The better question is:
The Capital District real estate market has remained one of the more resilient investment markets in New York during the first half of 2026. While higher mortgage rates continue to pressure affordability, strong demand, limited inventory, major redevelopment projects, and continued semiconductor and technology investment are supporting both residential and commercial property values.
Key Investment Trends
The region continues to suffer from a shortage of available homes. As of spring 2026, housing inventory across the Capital Region was down approximately 5.5% year-over-year, with only 1.9 months of supply available. Homes are selling quickly, averaging about 40 days on market and achieving roughly 99% of asking price. This limited supply continues to support property values and rental demand.
The U.S. housing market showed renewed momentum in May as existing home sales posted one of their strongest performances of the year. Despite ongoing affordability challenges, elevated mortgage rates, and economic uncertainty, buyers returned to the market in greater numbers, signaling resilience in the nation's real estate sector.

Existing Home Sales Show Positive Growth
Existing home sales increased during May, reflecting stronger demand and improved market activity compared with previous months. The growth suggests that many buyers are adapting to higher borrowing costs and are moving forward with purchasing decisions despite economic headwinds.
Housing experts note that the increase in sales activity was supported by stable...