AM Real Estate Ahmed MakkiyahNorthern Virginia Guide
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Real questions from real buyers and sellers, answered plainly in English and Arabic. No names, no sales pitch.

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Last updated October 19, 2026Question 1 of a weekly column; mortgage rate from Freddie Mac (week of October 15, 2026)About a 4-minute read

This week’s question

“Should I wait for rates to drop before I buy?”

Ahmed’s short answer: if you can afford a bigger down payment, with 20% or more as the goal, and the monthly payment fits your budget, buy. Waiting is okay, but if rates fall, prices can rise with them, so what you save on the rate you may pay back in a higher price. The rule is the same whether rates are 6% or 8%. Read the full answer or try your own numbers.

Ahmed Makkiyah Answered byAhmed MakkiyahREALTOR®, Douglas Realty of Virginia · English and ArabicMobile 734.383.6945 · Direct 703.957.0060
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This week’s answer, by the numbers

The latest rate updates every Thursday from Freddie Mac; payment examples worked out below

7.40%Latest U.S. average 30-year fixed mortgage rate1Week of Oct 15, 2026
7.40%The same average the week Ahmed answered, October 15, 20261
20%+The down payment Ahmed tells buyers to aim for when rates are high
$520A month less in principal and interest with 20% down instead of 10%, on a $750,000 example home at the latest rate2

The $750,000 home is an example price for the arithmetic, not a market figure. Payments are principal and interest on a 30-year fixed loan; taxes, insurance and mortgage insurance are not included.

Every question

All Ask Ahmed questions, newest first.

  1. No. 4October 22, 2026How do I keep my mortgage from getting delayed?
  2. No. 3October 20, 2026Why don’t home prices come down when buyers can’t afford them?
  3. Mortgage mathWith a calculatorHow much does a 1% rate change cost per month?
  4. No. 2With a moving diagramWhy are mortgage rates going up?
  5. No. 1October 17, 2026Should I wait for rates to drop before I buy?

A new question every week. Send yours below; your name is never published.

About the column

How Ask Ahmed works.

What is Ask Ahmed?

A weekly column where Ahmed Makkiyah, a Northern Virginia REALTOR® with Douglas Realty of Virginia, answers one real question from a buyer, seller or renter. Each answer is in English and in full Arabic.

How do I send a question?

Use the message form on this page, or text or WhatsApp 734.383.6945. Ask about buying, selling, renting, a town or the market in Northern Virginia.

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No. Questions are published without names or anything that could identify you.

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