MarketWatch: Weekly Real Estate Update for Riverdale, Bronx – 3/16/2026 – 3/23/2026

Did You Know?

* The price of gold – a so-called ‘safe haven” during challenging economic times – has plummeted almost 20% since its high earlier this year…. the 10-Year Treasury continued its climb upwards to 4.42%. (CNBC)

* About 2.2% of rental listings had previously been listed for sale. Often sellers hold on if they don’t get their price. (WSJ)

* Fewer than 2% of Americans have a perfect credit score….850. Here is how you can improve yours…..maybe share with your clients?
1. The most important factor in your credit score is as simple as paying your bills on time, and as agreed. Even one or two days late matters.
2. Up your credit limit and only use 30% or less of it. ie: If you have a $100,000 limit, only use $30,000 or less at a time. 5-10% is best.
3. Credit scores look at history; the longer the better. Building a good credit score takes time.
4.  Every time you take on new credit, it impacts your score. Limit this or eliminate this.
5.  A credit card is considered “revolving” credit, allowing you to borrow, repay, and borrow again. A mortgage is “installment” credit, a fixed sum repaid in regular payments over a set period. Having both helps.

Mortgage Rate Updates:

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 6.22% as of March 19th after trending near its lowest levels of the year in previous weeks according to data from Freddie Mac. The uptick tracked a climb in Treasury yields as investors weighed heightened inflation concerns fueled by the ongoing war in Iran and a pause in interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage edged up this week to 6.22% but remains nearly half a 1% point lower than the same time last year. Potential homebuyers are poised for a more affordable spring homebuying season than last with the market experiencing improvements in purchase applications and pending home sales,” said Sam Khater Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

Source: Freddie Mac