Central Florida Market Update: October 26, 2026

Monday Market Update — October 26, 2026. Real numbers, real sources, and what they mean if you're buying or selling in Clermont, Groveland, Minneola, or anywhere in Central Florida.

Rates: the first decline after a long climb, but the Fed meets this week

Freddie Mac's weekly survey (released Thursday, October 22) put the average 30-year fixed rate at 7.32%, down from 7.40% the week before. That's the first weekly decline after seven straight increases and one flat week. The 15-year averaged 6.68%, down from 6.71%. A year ago those numbers were 6.19% and 5.44%. Freddie Mac's chief economist, Sam Khater, said the decline offers “some relief to prospective homebuyers.” (Source: Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, 10/22/2026.)

Don't read too much into one week. The 10-year Treasury, which mortgage rates follow closely, was at about 5.00% Monday morning, and some lenders' quotes could drift higher from here.

The Federal Reserve announces its decision Wednesday, October 28, at 2:00 PM ET. After raising rates a quarter point in September, markets are pricing roughly a 90% chance the Fed holds this week, but futures still show a better than 80% chance of another hike by December. That's the market's read, not my prediction. If your plan is “wait for rates to come down,” there isn't much in the current data to wait on.

What 7.32% costs in real dollars

On Clermont's median-priced home — about $438,000 — with 20% down (a $350,452 loan, principal and interest only):

• At 7.32%: about $2,407/month
• At last week's 7.40%: about $2,426 — this week's drop saves roughly $19 a month
• At the year-ago 6.19%: about $2,144 — $263 a month more than a year ago
• Every quarter-point move changes the payment by about $60 a month
• 15-year at 6.68%: about $3,088/month

Taxes, insurance, and HOA come on top — this is the apples-to-apples rate comparison. For newer communities, see HOA and CDD fees in Clermont, and compare with last week's market update.

What the local market is doing

Clermont (as of October 23): the median sale price over the past 12 months is $438,065, down about 1.7% from the prior 12 months. Closed sales have taken a median of 41 days, and homes are closing at about 96.7% of the asking price. There are 718 homes for sale and 138 under contract — about 3.5 months of supply — so buyers have choices and sellers are still negotiating a few percent off the last list price.

Orlando metro (ORRA, September): the median single-family sale price was $432,360, essentially flat against a year earlier, with active inventory at 12,464 homes and an average of 66 days on the market. ORRA's October report isn't out yet; I'll update the numbers when it is.

What this means for you

Buying: a small rate dip doesn't change the plan. Know the monthly payment you're comfortable with, get pre-approved, and let me find the sellers who are ready to deal. With more homes to choose from and slower sales, you have room to negotiate. If the payment works at today's rate, you're buying the house, not the rate story, and you can look at refinancing later if rates ease.

Selling: buyers shopping at 7.32% are serious, but they have more homes to compare. Priced right on day one, your home competes well. Priced hopefully, it becomes one of the listings that sits. I'll show you exactly where your home lands before we list.

Want the numbers for your exact neighborhood and price range? Call or text me at 315-335-4622, or book a time that works for you:

Book a Call with Troy  ›

If you want a read on what you'd qualify for at today's rates, Frank Pugliese at Columbus Capital Lending (NMLS 1976704) is my go-to — and you're always free to use any lender you choose.

Troy Boss, REALTOR® · LIFESTYLE International Realty · 315-335-4622 · troy@bossregroup.homes

Sources: Freddie Mac PMMS 10/22/26; Mortgage Reports 10-year Treasury (10/26/26, 8:31 AM ET); Fed funds futures and prediction-market odds as reported 10/23–10/26/26; Orlando Regional Realtor Association September 2026 report; Florida MLS-based Clermont market data via Move With Momentum (as of 10/23/26). All payment figures are principal & interest only, for illustration — not a loan offer or lock quote.