Mortgage Rates Surge, Agents' Value Soars

0:00It's March 30, Durham news today starts now, AI powered and ready. Freddie Mac dropped their primary mortgage market survey on March 26, showing the weekly average for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage at 6.38 percent. That's down from last year's average of 6.65 percent, with purchase and refinance apps picking up year over year. The very next day, rates climb their 6.7 percent before easing back to 6.64 percent. Lenders adjusted midday as bond markets shifted, turning a rough start into something less painful. Higher rates are squeezing the housing game hard, making it tougher for folks to buy or sell amid falling sales. One slip-up can cost you tens of thousands in cash you don't want to lose. Dave Ramsey jumps in, saying real estate agents are worth every penny of that typical 3 percent commission. 88 percent of buyers and 91 percent of sellers team up with pros who spot issues, negotiate sharp, handle listings and dodge.

1:01Pitfalls. In this volatile market, leaning on an agent's market smarts and experience keep stress low and deal solid, so stay sharp as rates keep dancing.