Leander: How Mortgage Rates Shape Buying Power in October

What does a 7.32% mortgage rate mean for a buyer in Leander today? With the median sale price at $462,190 across 113 closed sales in September, the monthly principal and interest payment on a standard 20% down, 30-year fixed loan is $2,540. That figure sets the baseline for affordability in this market. ALEX Intelligence modeled two common buydown scenarios to show how payments shift at current rates. A 3-2-1 buydown reduces the rate to 4.32% in year one, cutting the monthly payment by $706 compared to the standard loan. The cost of that buydown is $17,220, or about 3.73% of the median sale price. A 2-1 buydown offers a smaller reduction, saving $482 in year one for a total cost of $8,748, or 1.89% of the price. These calculations assume principal and interest only at a 20% down payment on the median price. They do not include taxes, insurance, or HOA fees. Buyers should compare these scenarios against their cash reserves and long-term plans. The data reflects September closings; current rates are sourced from Freddie Mac for the week of October 22, 2026. https://alex.realestate 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