Last week, Freddie Mac reported the biggest weekly drop in 30-year fixed mortgage rates in a year, from 6.50% to 6.35% in the September 11 PMMS. As a result, buyer activity is increasing: mortgage applications jumped in early September as rates eased.

What rate cuts means for sellers

More buyers enter the market when market rates dip, helping demand broadly. But buyers don’t just shop the list price; they shop the monthly payment. That’s why the rate on the buyer’s loan matters so much.

However, a fluctuating market can cause some buyers to hesitate as they hope to time another rate drop. This is where a specific subset of sellers have a stand-out advantage: those with assumable mortgages. An assumable mortgage is a type of home loan that allows a homebuyer to take over the existing mortgage terms from the seller. That’s where the edge comes in: the low-rate holds, even when the headlines and bond markets change. They offer a payment buyers can’t get with a brand-new loan, which makes the listing even more attractive as activity picks up.

And even with 30-year fixed rates dropping, the math still favors low-rate assumable mortgages. For example, on a $450k home, a 3% loan is $720/mo lower in principal and interest payments than a 6.35% loan, which translates into ~$260,000 savings over 30 years.

When properly marketed, that staggering difference drives buyer demand – resulting in more views, more tours, and stronger offers for the home.

What to do if you're thinking about selling

• Check assumability. Grab your latest statement and note the loan type. If it is FHA/VA/USDA, you are likely eligible. Note your current balance and any second liens/HELOCs.
• Price the payment, not just the house. Let the monthly payment story do the heavy lifting. Buyers will often pay a higher list price for the lifetime savings on the low-rate loan. Your house isn’t the only asset you’re selling – your assumable mortgage is valuable too.
• Work with experts. Partnering with experts in mortgage assumptions ensures transparency and simplicity for you every step of the way, from listing to closing. If you decide to work with Roam, we offer additional benefits you can't get anywhere else, such as our 45-Day Protection Plan.

Turn your low-rate into stronger offers on your home. 

Sell with Roam