The mortgage market is sending a clear message as we head into the final stretch of 2026: waiting for the "perfect" rate is not a strategy.

This week, average 30-year mortgage rates are back above 7%. One September 28 report put the average 30-year fixed rate at 7.36%, up from 7.09% a week earlier.

The Federal Reserve also raised its federal funds target range by 0.25 percentage point at its September meeting, bringing it to 3.75%–4.00%, while emphasizing that inflation remains elevated and uncertainty remains high.

Housing activity is still feeling the pressure. August existing-home sales declined 2% month over month to a 3.98 million annualized pace, while inventory increased to 1.62 million homes, or 4.9 months of supply.

That creates a market where buyers, sellers, and business owners need better planning—not more guessing.

Abdel's Angle

This is where I believe strategy separates professionals from spectators.

For Realtors, this is the time to get closer to your buyers and your database. Don't simply tell people that rates are high. Help them understand what the payment looks like, what programs may fit, how much cash they need, and what happens if their financial picture changes.

For buyers, the question shouldn't only be, "What's the rate today?" It should be, "Does this home and payment make sense for my overall financial plan?"

And for business owners, Q4 is not the time to coast. It's the time to look at your pipeline, relationships, systems, technology, and 2027 goals. AI can help you move faster, but only when the underlying process is clear.

Systems create consistency. Strategy creates direction. Execution creates results.

The professionals who continue building during uncertain markets are the ones who will be positioned when conditions change.

Action Step of the Week

Take 30 minutes this week and review your top 10 prospects or referral partners.

For each person, answer:

  • Where are they today?
  • What is their biggest obstacle?
  • What information do they need?
  • What is the next action?
  • When will you follow up?

Then put that next action into your CRM or calendar.

Don't leave your pipeline to memory. Build a system around it.

Let's Start the Week With Intention

Markets will move. Rates will change. Headlines will come and go.

Your job is to stay focused on what you can control: your relationships, your systems, your preparation, and your execution.

Want to collaborate this quarter? Message me.

Author: Abdel Khawatmi with PRMG-Got Mortgages

Originally published in Abdel Khawatmi’s Monday Market Pulse newsletter on LinkedIn.