By Valerie Sebbag | 555 Properties LLC
Date: September 18, 2025
Mortgage rates in the U.S. have finally eased to levels not seen since early 2023 – a change that’s breathing new life into the NYC real estate market. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is now 6.26%, down from around 6.35% last week. The 15-year fixed rate is averaging 5.41%. AP News+3Bloomberg.com+3AP News+3
This follows the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut to a target range of 4.00–4.25%, a move expected to encourage borrowing and help cool financial pressures in parts of the economy. AP News+3Investopedia+3The Guardian+3
Why This Matters – Buyers & Sellers Both Win
- Buyers are coming back. Lower mortgage rates reduce monthly payments, making homes that were once out of reach feel more affordable.
- Sellers are seeing increased interest and stronger demand. Listings are getting more traction, and homes in good condition, in desirable areas, are seeing quicker sales.
- Investors & refinancers are also active. Many with high-rate loans want to lock in lower rates; others see opportunity in resale or rental properties again.
Crown Heights Real Estate Activity — Spotlight on 555 Properties
In Crown Heights, 555 Properties LLC (my team) has been busy. Here are some key recent deals and listings that show how the lowered rates are aligning with strong neighborhood demand:
| Property | Status | Approximate Price* |
|---|---|---|
| 1375 Carroll Street | In contract | 555prop.com+2StreetEasy+2 |
| 1337 President Street | Closed | ~$5M (reported) – Zillow+1 |
| 1428 Carroll Street | Closed | ~$2.6M – Sold (reported) |
| 1444 Carroll Street | Closed | ~$2M -Sold (reported) |
| 1000 St. John’s Place (“The House of Hills”) | Active | ~$3.7M – high end listing in Crown Heights; prime property. |
| 1659 President Street | In contract | Status confirmed in my brokerage reports. |
*Pricing may vary in public sources; final closed numbers sometimes differ.
These transactions illustrate what we’re seeing: people are committing again, especially for well-positioned, well-priced homes in established brownstone/historic districts or homes with architectural charm & outdoor space.
Why Working With Valerie Sebbag & 555 Properties Makes a Difference
- Local expertise: deep roots in Crown Heights & Brooklyn real estate, understanding of historical pricing, neighborhood dynamics, and what buyers value.
- Track record: multiple high-end closings and in-contract properties show proven ability to deliver.
- Client-first orientation: I work not just to list, but to market smartly, negotiate strongly, and help clients navigate financing/timing.
- Transparent reporting: I try to share what I know as soon as I know it – from off-market updates to seeing what “active for sale” truly means in our local inventory.
Broader Market Signals & Sources
Here are reliable sources confirming the rate drops, Fed action, and broader real estate context:
- Bloomberg – “Freddie Mac US 30-Year Mortgage Rate Falls to 6.26%” (Chris Middleton) – confirms the 30-year & 15-year rate averages. Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-18/freddie-mac-us-30-year-mortgage-rate-falls-to-6-26 Bloomberg.com
- AP News – “Average rate on a 30-year mortgage falls again, dips to lowest level since early October” – notes 6.26% for 30-yr, 5.41% for 15-yr. AP News
- Investopedia – coverage of the Fed’s September rate decision (4.00-4.25%) and impact. Investopedia
- The Mortgage Reports – “Mortgage Rates Inch Down After Fed Cut | Today, September 18, 2025” – perspective on what buyers/refinancers should consider. The Mortgage Reports
- Realtor.com – recent trend data for mortgage interest rates. Realtor
A Few Past Articles You Might Have Covered
To connect this with your earlier work, here are five past themes/articles you’ve done (or could leverage):
- “Brooklyn Brownstones vs. New Development – Where Buyers Are Investing in 2025”
- “Crown Heights Luxury Market Report: Q2 Sales Activity”
- “The Impact of Rising Rents on Multi-Family Investments in Brooklyn”
- “Top 5 Streets in Crown Heights to Watch for Record Sales”
- “NYC Real Estate 2025 Outlook: Interest Rates, Inventory, and Opportunity”
These help set context so readers see this article not as one-off, but part of an ongoing story you’re following.
If you’re considering buying, selling, or investing in Crown Heights or Brooklyn at large, this is a moment you don’t want to wait on. With rates going down, demand growing, and momentum returning, you’ll benefit from having someone who knows the market inside out.
Reach out today:
- Website: https://www.555prop.com
- Call/Text: 917-623-6331
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/555properties
