Welcome to Built Different — I’m Levi Wanner, owner of Infinity Homes. Today we’re digging into akey turning point in the housing market that matters for builders, sellers, homeowners — and thebroader economy.According to a recent Market Watch article, mortgage rates on the 3 0n year fixed are hovering nearthe 6 % level. When rates […]

What’s HappeningU.S. existing home sales rose at their fastest pace since February in September as mortgage rateseased. This renewed buyer activity indicates stronger momentum in housing, signaling a shift towardconfidence. For builders, that’s more than a headline—it’s a market signal that buyers are starting to actagain. Why This Matters for BuildersWhen resale inventory moves faster, […]

More buyers are walking away from home purchases than we’ve seen in years — and it’s starting toshow up even in markets like Montana. According to Redfin’s August 2025 data, roughly 56,000home-purchase agreements were canceled nationwide, about 15.1% of all deals that went undercontract that month — the highest August rate since tracking began in […]

You may have noticed: the ultra premium houses, the ones you’d expect to sit a while, are gettingsnatched up faster than normal. That’s no accident. Here’s what’s pushing high-end listings forward —and what builders, agents, and buyers need to know. 1. Cash & All Equity Buyers Dominate at the Top In luxury real estate, the […]

Man, the market just pulled a left turn on us. In August 2025, new home sales jumped 20.5% from July, hitting a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 800,000 units. That’s way above what most economists were expecting, and it’s got everyone scratching their heads. What Just Happened The surge wasn’t just a blip. Year over […]

Rents across the U.S. continue their slow but steady slide — and that’s changing the way renters arethinking about moving, upgrading, or even buying. According to Realtor.com’s August 2025 data, this isthe 25th straight month of yearnovernyear rent declines for 0n to 2nbedroom properties. Key Takeaways Median asking rent (for studios, 1nbed, and 2nbed units […]

If you’ve ever thought the U.S. housing market was frozen in place—think again. In July 2025, the tide began shifting, subtle yet meaningful. Here’s why the market feels built different these days, thanks to modest gains in sales, easing price pressures, and rising inventory. What’s Really Going On Sales Are Pushing Up – Existing home […]

When most of us hear “mortgage rates below 6%”, you can almost feel the sigh of relief—like winning a mini lottery. And yes, it’s good news, but let’s not oversell it. As of mid August 2025, the average rate on a 30 year fixed mortgage has slipped to 6.63%—the lowest since April. Still, it hasn’t […]

Higher Price, but More Perks New homes generally come at a premium. The median sale price for new construction-around 4%  higher than existing homes-is typical, with recent figures showing new-builds priced around $430K vs. $394K for existing homes. But these builds offer customization, modern finishes, energy efficiency, and warranties not typically found in resale homes. […]

Home Price Growth Is Slowing to a Crawl As of late July 2025, the median U.S. asking price rose just 2.2% year-over-year, the smallest increase since mid-2023. Similarly, the median sale price hit an all-time high near $399,000, but growth was only 1.6% YoY. This cooling signals a transition out of hyper-competitive territory — price […]

In today’s market, where home prices remain sky-high and mortgage rates hover in the 6–7% range, young buyers are getting creative — and strategic — with how they afford their first home. But here’s the real story behind the numbers: the biggest financial edge in 2025 isn’t timing the market — it’s tapping into family […]

Hey team-let’s break this down from the frontlines of real estate. The NAR’s May Pending Home Sales Index rose 1.8% MoM and is up 1.1% YoY. It’s not world-shaking-but in a market dragging lower, this uptick is an invitation, not a headline. 1. Stay Relentless When Others Retreat Yes, sales are historically low-existing-home sales are […]

At Built Different, we’re always laser-focused on how shifts in mortgage rates shake out in the real world. And late June brought a welcome jolt: after holding near 6.79%, 30-year fixed mortgage rates dipped to 6.77%-the lowest in three months-which sparked a strong rush of buyer activity. What Just Happened? – Mortgage applications surged 9.4% […]

At Built Different, we keep a close eye on national housing trends because they shape how we build, price, and sell homes here in Montana. Redfin’s latest update (as of June 29, 2025) paints a clear picture: home prices are hitting record highs, but buyer and seller activity is cooling off. Here’s what stands out:- […]