US homebuyers gain leverage as market eases and assumable mortgages revive

Home prices are easing across many U.S. markets, with a larger inventory of homes for sale and reduced competition. Real‑estate agents advise buyers to prioritize their most important criteria, accept compromises, and focus on the total monthly housing payment rather than just the list price. Flexibility can turn setbacks, such as low appraisals, into negotiation advantages.

Assumable mortgages are re‑emerging as a strategy for buyers to lock in lower interest rates from earlier years. By taking over a seller’s existing loan—often at rates set in 2021—purchasers can avoid the higher rates currently offered by banks, providing an additional financial edge in the softened market.