https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/home-sales-edge-up-as-higher-rates-give-buyers-more-bargaining-powerContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/home-sales-edge-up-as-higher-rates-give-buyers-more-bargaining-powerhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/home-sales-edge-up-as-higher-rates-give-buyers-more-bargaining-power#u143378Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:33:40 +0000US existing home sales rose in September for the first time since spring, climbing 1.5% from August. Despite the modest monthly gain, sales remained 2.2% lower than the same period a year ago. Elevated mortgage rates topping 7% continue to restrict overall purchasing power and keep many prospective shoppers on the sidelines. However, this environment has shifted market dynamics to give active buyers increased negotiating leverage. Sellers are responding to mounting inventory and cooling demand by offering price cuts and creative concessions, including paying to lower mortgage rates, which can