Mortgage Rates: Why 6% Is the New Normal in North Georgia

Everyone keeps asking me where mortgage rates are headed. Many buyers are waiting for a return to the 3% loans we saw just a few years ago. The truth is, that’s not realistic.

Right now in North Georgia, the average 30-year fixed rate is running between 6.0% and 6.38%, depending on the program. The Georgia Dream Mortgage was even at 5.78% on Sept. 25th.

When we zoom out, the numbers put today’s rates in perspective:

• The 35-year average (leaving out the extreme 1980s) is 5.8%.

• Go back to the mid-1970s and the long-term average is 7.7%.

That means today’s rates aren’t historically high — they’re actually right in line with what’s “normal.”

Looking ahead, industry projections suggest patience is required. Homes.com expects we won’t see 5.5% until late 2026, and Kevin O’Leary has said rates may never fall below 5% again. Whether you agree with him or not, it’s hard to ignore the shift: the era of ultra-cheap money is behind us.

https://nowbam.com/kevin-olearys-blunt-advice-for-buyers-in-todays-housing-market/

For buyers and sellers alike, the real question isn’t about waiting for the “perfect” rate. It’s about your timing, your goals, and what makes sense for your family. The time for blaming rates is over.

If you’re thinking about buying in North Georgia, let’s talk about your options — today’s rates are better than most people realize.