Fall Market Update

September 24, 2026

Fall market update: the 30-year fixed mortgage rate is back above 7%. The Mortgage Bankers Association reports 7.12% for the week ended September 18 — the highest since May 2024 — while Freddie Mac has the average at 6.95%, the highest since January 2025. The Federal Reserve also raised its benchmark rate 25 basis points on September 16. For Hagerstown-area buyers and sellers, higher rates mean every dollar of price matters more — a well-supported appraisal protects your transaction. Sanicola Appraisals provides certified residential appraisals across Maryland and West Virginia.