Sonoma County Homebuyers Gain Buying Power as Mortgage Rates Drop to 6.13%

Imagine saving over $200 a month on the same home, just because mortgage rates dropped.

That’s what’s happening now. Mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest levels in nearly a year. Buyers in Sonoma County now have more purchasing power than they’ve had in months.

What Happens When Mortgage Rates Drop

Mortgage rates are like the price tag on your loan. Higher rates mean higher monthly payments; lower rates mean smaller ones. Even a small drop can make a noticeable difference.

With lower payments you can:

• Pay less each month for the same home

• Or buy more home for the same monthly budget

How Much Home You Can Afford Now

Here’s how the math works in Sonoma County.

• Today’s 30-year fixed mortgage rate: 6.13%

• Median Sonoma County home price (Sept 2025): ~$800,000

Assume 20% down, 30-year fixed loan:

• At 6.50%, the monthly principal + interest payment on an $800,000 home is about $4,552

• At 6.13%, that same loan payment drops to about $4,326

Monthly savings: ~$226

That’s nearly $2,700 per year — or $81,000 over the life of the loan.

What That Means for Buyers

Those savings could free up money for:

• Building a rainy day fund

• Paying off higher-interest debt

• Saving for retirement or investments

• Funding vacations or bucket list goals

Why This May Be Your Window

Mortgage rates don’t usually dip this low without market shifts driving them. Right now, buyers in Sonoma County are in a unique position:

• Rates are at an 11-month low

• Home prices are steady compared to last year

• Purchasing power has increased significantly

Would you like me to build this into a finished blog draft with a custom chart (showing the affordability jump at 6.5% vs 6.13%) so you can post it directly?