Mortgage Rates Dip Below 6%: What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

BOLD Real Estate
Sep 15
2 min read

For the first time in months, 30-year fixed conventional mortgage rates have slipped under 6%. As of September 15, 2025, rates are holding at 5.875% (5.995% APR) for qualified buyers in North Carolina. That small shift may not sound dramatic, but for both buyers and sellers, it’s an important turning point.

Why This Drop Matters

A rate starting with a “5” can make a meaningful difference in monthly payments. For example:

At 5.875%, a $100,000 loan has a principal and interest payment of roughly $592/month.
At 6.50%, that same loan is about $632/month.
At 7.00%, it jumps to $665/month.

That’s about $40–$74 less per $100,000 borrowed compared to the higher-rate scenarios.

On a real-world loan of $500,000:

5.875% → about $2,960/month
6.50% → about $3,160/month
7.00% → about $3,330/month

That’s a savings of $200–$370 every month just by having a “5” in front of your rate. Over the course of a year, that’s $2,400–$4,400 back in your pocket.

What It Means for Buyers

For homebuyers, this dip can translate to:

Increased buying power. You may be able to afford more home for the same monthly payment.
Improved affordability. Lower monthly costs can ease the pressure on your budget.
Confidence to act. Many buyers have been waiting for rates to stabilize. Now is a good time to revisit your search.

If you’re relocating to the Triangle, upgrading to a larger home, or looking at luxury properties, today’s market may offer you more flexibility.

What It Means for Sellers

Lower rates aren’t just good news for buyers, they also benefit sellers:

More buyers re-enter the market. A lower monthly hurdle brings sidelined buyers back.
Stronger demand. Increased activity often means more showings and more competitive offers.
Better positioning. Homes priced correctly and marketed well are likely to move faster.

For sellers, this shift is a reminder that timing matters. Listing while rates are favorable can help capture renewed momentum.

Today’s Rate Snapshot (as of 9/15/25)

30-Year Fixed Conventional: 5.875% | 5.995% APR
15-Year Fixed Conventional: 5.125% | 5.322% APR
30-Year Fixed FHA: 5.250% | 6.116% APR
30-Year Fixed VA: 5.250% | 5.583% APR
30-Year Fixed Jumbo: 6.000% | 6.141% APR

Rates shown assume a purchase scenario with 25% down, ~1% discount point, 780 credit score, NC primary residence, and 30-day lock. Actual rates will vary based on your profile and loan details.

The Bottom Line

Mortgage rates dipping below 6% could mark a fresh opportunity in the Triangle real estate market. Whether you’re buying or selling, this change affects your strategy, your options, and your potential return.

If you’re ready to explore your next move, now is the time to run the math and start the conversation. Contact us today at (919) 590-0266 to see how today’s rates could impact your buying or selling plans.