Buyers Gain Leverage but Lose $22K in Purchasing Power

Climbing mortgage rates have created a sharp paradox, turning more markets buyer-friendly this fall even as rates above 7% drain shoppers’ purchasing power.

According to the Realtor.com® 2026 Q3 Market Clock report released on Monday, the national market clock now sits at 4 o’clock after moving one hour toward buyer’s territory since the second quarter, signifying a late balanced market…