Making the Move: Downsizing into a Condo or 55+ Community
- By Steve Oates
- Posted
Blog :: 09-2025
Welcome to my blog, your trusted source for real estate insights, local market updates, and lifestyle information throughout Portsmouth, the NH Seacoast, Southern Maine, and the Greater Newburyport area. Whether you're buying your first home, selling a property, relocating to the region, or simply exploring the communities that make this area so special, you'll find valuable information designed to help you make informed decisions.
Drawing on nearly two decades of real estate experience and a deep appreciation for coastal New England living, I share market trends, community spotlights, buyer and seller tips, new construction updates, waterfront living insights, and local events that shape our communities. My goal is to provide practical advice, local expertise, and a genuine perspective on the places I proudly serve.
Mortgage Rate Outlook 2025–2026 | Payment Examples & Equity Benefits
- By Steve Oates
- Posted
Interest Rates: Outlook for 2025 & 2026
As of September 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is around 6.5%. Most forecasts, including Fannie Mae, expect rates to stay in the mid-6% range through the end of 2025, then gradually ease toward 6.0% or slightly below in 2026.
How Rates Impact Monthly Payments
Here’s what different rates mean for typical 30-year fixed
[...]“Struggling with Payments? Your Home Equity Could Be the Answer”
- By Steve Oates
- Posted
Why We’re Not Seeing a Wave of Foreclosures – and What It Means for You
One of the most common questions I hear is: “When are all the foreclosures coming?” The reality is, despite headlines and speculation, foreclosure activity remains very low. Why? The answer comes down to one major factor: homeowner equity.
Over the last several years, [...]
