Homebuyers have received some good news to start the new year, as mortgage rates have fallen from about 7.04% on Jan. 16, 2025, to about 6.15% on Jan. 2, 2026, according to Freddie Mac. House hunters might give it a little more time to see if the rate drops further before pulling the trigger on a purchase and a mortgage, but the declining rate is encouraging for the real estate market. Furniture sales declined An improving real estate market would be a welcome relief for the furniture industry, which s ...