The hidden leverage you have as a buyer right now

Core inflation just fell to 2.4% year over year, its lowest level in more than five years, and the Fed announces its interest rate decision Wednesday. In this week's update I break down what the inflation data actually means for mortgage rates, why existing home sales fell for a third straight month, and why rising inventory is quietly handing buyers more negotiating power than they have had in months.

What I cover this week:

Consumer prices rose 0.4% for the month on higher gas and energy costs, with annual inflation holding at 3.4% Core inflation fell to 2.4% year over year, the lowest in over five years Wholesale prices came in roughly in line with expectations, though headline and core both rose annually Existing home sales fell 2% from July to August, the third consecutive monthly decline, now at a 3.98 million annual pace Available inventory rose 3.2% from July and 5.9% from a year ago Initial jobless claims at 206,000 with continuing claims elevated at 1.77 million Oil prices climbing on escalating U.S. and Iran tensions

The practical takeaway: fewer closed sales plus growing inventory means sellers are sitting longer. That is your opening to ask for a seller paid rate buydown or closing cost credits. On a $400,000 loan, a quarter point improvement in rate is roughly $65 per month or about $800 per year.

Home buyer leverage is rising as home sales stall and inventory grows.

With fewer homes selling, sellers are becoming more flexible with concessions like rate buy-downs and closing costs. I’ll break down the latest housing market update and how these shifts affect your negotiation strategy.