Blackhawk: How Mortgage Rates Shape Buying Power This Fall

What does a 7.32% mortgage rate mean for a buyer in Blackhawk today? With the median closed sale price at $541,000 across 81 homes over the last six months, monthly payments are sensitive to every basis point. A standard 30-year fixed loan with 20% down on that median price results in a principal and interest payment of $2,973 per month. ALEX Intelligence modeled two common buydown scenarios to show how buyers can manage this rate environment. A 3-2-1 buydown reduces the rate to 4.32% in year one, cutting the monthly payment by $826 compared to the standard rate. The total cost for this three-year buydown is $20,136, or 3.72% of the median sale price. A shorter 2-1 buydown costs $10,224 (1.89% of price) and lowers the first-year payment by $564. These figures are based on the median sale price of $541,000 and a 7.32% note rate from the week of October 22, 2026. While the median days on market has improved to 42 days compared to 88 days in the prior period, affordability remains the primary driver for transaction timing. Buyers should weigh the upfront cost of a buydown against their long-term holding plans and cash flow needs. ALEX Intelligence estimates are based on current rate data and do not constitute an appraisal or financial advice. Want a closer look? Reply or call George at 713.918.9951 and we'll set up a showing. 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