A federal housing regulator expanded access to a newer credit score model, letting approved mortgage lenders choose it or the legacy model for eligible mortgages.
One mortgage executive described using the newer model to offer either a lower rate or a $2.7K lender credit for one borrower.
A lender said 1 in 4 borrowers received a more favorable credit result, potentially improving pricing, mortgage insurance costs, or loan eligibility.
Not every lender has adopted the option, and manually underwritten loans still require the legacy score model; pricing adjustments were aligned across both models recently.
Borrowers with limited credit histories, improving finances, or reported rent and utility payments may benefit, so consumers were urged to ask lenders about scoring options.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People
We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day.
We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities.

We’re seeing US home prices continue their steady climb—up about 0.3% month-over-month on a seasonally adjusted basis mid-Q3, though the pace has cooled a bit compared to earlier in the year. On a yearly scale, prices are still up around 4%, which is actually the fastest 12-month growth we've seen nationwide in the past year. This tells me that even with monthly momentum easing, values are holding strong in communities across the country—including right here in the Big Horn Basin.

Mid-Q3 marked what’s being called the strongest buyer’s market on record. Higher housing costs and economic uncertainties have kept demand in check, while inventory has continued to build. Yet, we’re not seeing prices fall off a cliff, largely because many homeowners have strong equity positions and aren’t under pressure to accept deep discounts. I’ve noticed this dynamic in our local markets as well—sellers aren’t rushing, and buyers have more room to weigh their options and negotiate.

For buyers, this means it can pay to be patient, compare properties, and look for negotiating opportunities. For sellers, especially in Park and Big Horn counties, setting a realistic price from the start is key to drawing attention and getting results. My approach as a Pricing Strategy Advisor is always to blend current data with deep local insight, so clients make informed moves—whether they’re relocating, investing, or making Northwest Wyoming home.

Navigating the shifting landscape of US housing affordability means asking the right questions—something I prioritize for every client here in Park and Big Horn counties. Lately, we’ve seen hints of housing disinflation nationwide, as sellers become more flexible and concessions start to crop up. These changes can translate into real savings for buyers eager to call Wyoming home, but the main challenge remains clear: borrowing costs. With Treasury yields near 5% and average 30-year mortgage rates creeping above the low-7% range, that median monthly mortgage payment climbed to around $2,600 in the four weeks ending September 13—about 3% higher than a year ago.

Locally and nationally, the resale market is sticky. Many homeowners are holding tight to their low-rate loans, so listings can be scarce, while sellers often hope for those pandemic-level prices. Industry leaders describe this as a correction toward a more stable market, not a crash—a perspective I share, given the solid equity and responsible lending we continue to see. For buyers and sellers in Northwest Wyoming, these shifts offer both challenges and opportunities. As always, I’m here to help you read between the lines and make informed choices that fit your goals and our unique community.