ABOR Region: How Rates Shape Buying Power in August

What does a 7.28% mortgage rate mean for a buyer in the ABOR / Unlock MLS Region today? With a median sale price of $409,000 across 2,854 closed sales in August, the baseline monthly principal and interest payment on a typical home is $2,239. ALEX Intelligence applied a scenario model using current rates to show how buydowns alter affordability. A standard 3-2-1 buydown reduces the rate to 4.28% in year one, cutting the monthly payment by $624 compared to the base rate. The total cost of this buydown is $15,216, or about 3.72% of the median sale price. A shorter 2-1 buydown costs $7,728 and reduces the first-year payment by $426. These figures assume a loan amount of $327,200 on the median price and do not include taxes, insurance, or HOA fees. The data shows that while rates remain elevated, structured buydowns can temporarily improve cash flow for qualified buyers. The market saw 2,854 closings in August, with prices down 4.9% from a year ago. Days on market rose to 45 days, up 7.1% from the prior period. Buyers should note that these calculations are estimates based on median values and current rates; individual terms vary by credit profile and loan type. ALEX Intelligence estimate, not an appraisal. Shopping in ABOR / Unlock MLS Region? Tell us what you want and we'll send matching homes as they list. Data from Unlock MLS. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Model outputs are ALEX Intelligence estimates, not appraisals. Read more Central Texas market data on the ALEX blog: https://alex-companies.com/blog MIT, Nvidia, Google & IBM-Trained. Cross Domain-Expert: Quantum, AI, Ethics, Sovereignty, Intelligence, Philanthropy. Solepoint Planning. VUI AI Cloud Architect. AI Certifications Development. Quant/AI Instructor. Castor Venture Club Member. Associate Broker. George Arnold Alexander III, MPA Director, ALEX Companies Associate Broker, Alexander Tiffany Southwest, LLC dba ALEX.realestate, et.al. Texas License #574878-B · Broker License #565194-BB Broker, ALEX Real Estate · North Carolina License #367733 Independent Broker, ALEX Real Estate · Colorado License #II.100112456 [email protected] · +1 713.918.9951