Substantiating the Latest Research on Interest Rates and Housing Inventory: August 2025

30-Year Conventional and FHA Mortgage Rates

Conventional 30-year mortgage rates have declined significantly, with current national averages ranging from 6.59% to 6.66% as of August 13, 2025.

FHA 30-year mortgage rates are even more attractive, standing at 6.17% to 6.20% for a fixed rate as of August 12-13, 2025.

This represents a notable dip compared to prior months and years, substantiating the trend toward more affordable borrowing for new homebuyers.

Housing Inventory Surge: Is It a Buyer's Market?

Inventory Increase

Active home listings have surged sharply, with national inventories up 24.8% to 28.9% annually according to the latest reports.

• Realtor.com's Housing Report confirms a 24.8% jump in listings in July 2025 compared to the same month last year
• The overall number of homes for sale continues on a strong upward trajectory—there were more than 1 million homes for sale for the seventh consecutive week, the highest level since December 2019

Market Impact

Growing inventory has led to slower price growth and an increase in price reductions, with one in five sellers slashing prices.

• The average time on market has increased, and buyers are now enjoying greater negotiation power
• While overall inventory is still below pre-pandemic levels in some regions, conditions in major metros—especially the South—now exceed pre-COVID inventory marks, marking a clear shift toward a buyer's market
• Analysts, including those at Realtor.com and ResiClub Analytics, point out that "the pendulum is swinging back toward a balanced market" with significant gains for active buyers in leverage and choice

Summary Table: Rates and Market Conditions (August 2025)

Key Market Indicators

Staten Island: A Prime Example of Buyer-Friendly Conditions

The median price for Staten Island dipped 2.9% year over year in July to $684,800, according to the Staten Island Board of Realtors. This local market data perfectly illustrates the broader national trends we're seeing.

Key Staten Island Market Indicators:

• Median Home Price: $684,800 (down 2.9% year-over-year)
• Pending Sales: Down 30% from July 2024 (349 to 244)
• Closed Sales: Down 27% from July 2024 (339 to 248)
• Days on Market: 71 days (up from 69 days last year)
• Current Inventory: Approximately 1,070 homes available

Despite headlines focusing on declines, "Staten Island's housing market remains fundamentally strong," according to Sandy Krueger, CEO of the Staten Island Board of Realtors. More importantly for buyers, "buyers have a chance to negotiate more thoughtfully in a less frenzied environment".

What This Means for Staten Island Buyers:

• More negotiating power in a measured market environment
• Properties staying on market longer, allowing time for thorough consideration
• Price stability with modest decreases benefiting buyers
• Quality inventory available, including single-family homes that dominate the borough

Staten Island exemplifies how the national trend toward buyer-friendly conditions is playing out in our local NYC market, making it an ideal time for serious buyers to explore opportunities in this unique borough.

Conclusion

The latest research strongly supports the claim that lower mortgage rates—now around 6.59% for conventional and 6.17% for FHA—and the substantial, ongoing growth in home inventory have made the summer 2025 real estate market increasingly buyer-friendly.

Staten Island's recent 2.9% price decline and more measured sales pace perfectly demonstrate these national trends in action locally. With sellers reducing prices and more homes available, buyers benefit from improved negotiating positions and greater choice, confirming it's a buyer's market in many regions across the U.S., including right here in the NYC area.

For personalized guidance on navigating Brooklyn and Staten Island's real estate market in these favorable conditions, contact Real Broker Brooklyn today