The Nadlan Group Real Estate Podcast

Fed Split on December Rate Cut as Inflation and Jobs Pull Policymakers Apart

Minutes released from the Federal Reserve’s December policy meeting reveal just how close the decision to cut interest rates really was. While the final vote appeared decisive on the surface, the discussion inside the room showed deep division and uncertainty about what comes next.
 
According to the minutes from the December 9–10 meeting, members of the Federal Open Market Committee approved a quarter-point rate cut by a 9–3 vote, lowering the federal funds rate to a range of 3.5% to 3.75%. That marked the highest level of dissent among policymakers since 2019.
 
Several officials described the decision as finely balanced. While many agreed that additional rate cuts could be appropriate if inflation continues to cool, others warned that progress toward the Fed’s 2% inflation target has slowed. Some policymakers said they could have supported holding rates steady, reflecting concern that easing too quickly could reverse recent gains.
 
Economic signals remain mixed. Growth has been strong, with the economy expanding at a 4.3% annual pace in the third quarter. At the same time, hiring has cooled, raising concerns that unemployment could drift higher in 2026 even if layoffs remain limited.
 
The minutes also addressed outside pressures. Officials acknowledged that tariffs introduced under Donald Trump have added some inflation pressure, though most believe those effects will fade over time. The Fed’s latest projections still point to more rate cuts ahead, potentially bringing rates closer to 3% over the next two years.
 
As 2026 begins, one message is clear: the Fed is flexible, but divided. Future rate cuts will depend heavily on incoming data, and progress is likely to come more cautiously than markets may hope.
 
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit  Nadlan Capital Group. Contact us today for a tailored consultation, where our expert advice turns potential into profitable reality.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
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Continue reading on our site:
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2026/01/fed-split-on-december-rate-cut-as-inflation-and-jobs-pull-policymakers-apart/
#FederalReserve  #InterestRates  #MonetaryPolicy #EconomicOutlook #RateCuts

FHFA Q3 Report Highlights Foreclosure Prevention Progress and Shifting Refinance Trends

The Federal Housing Finance Agency has released its latest quarterly report, offering a detailed look at how the housing finance system performed in the third quarter of 2025. Overall, the data points to a system that remains stable, with strong foreclosure prevention efforts, only modest stress in delinquency trends, and refinance activity that continues to react quickly to interest rate changes.
 
Foreclosure prevention remains a central focus. During the third quarter alone, the Enterprises—Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac—completed just over 50,000 foreclosure prevention actions. Since conservatorships began in 2008, total prevention efforts now exceed 7.26 million. Importantly, more than 6.5 million of those actions allowed homeowners to stay in their homes, including roughly 2.8 million permanent loan modifications.
 
Forbearance activity increased slightly during the quarter. New forbearance plans rose compared with the prior quarter, and by the end of September, about 33,000 loans remained in forbearance. While that represents only a small share of all serviced loans, it still accounts for more than 6% of loans that are past due, showing that forbearance remains a critical support tool for borrowers under stress.
 
Delinquency rates did edge higher, but they remain well below broader market levels. Serious delinquencies increased modestly, yet Enterprise loans continue to outperform the overall industry, including loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
 
Refinance activity reflected the ups and downs of mortgage rates. As rates eased in September, refinancing picked up, while cash-out refinances declined, signaling a shift back toward rate-and-term transactions rather than equity extraction.
 
Taken together, the Q3 data shows a housing finance system that is holding steady—adapting to higher rates, supporting borrowers in need, and heading into 2026 with careful risk management at the forefront.
 
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit  Nadlan Capital Group. Contact us today for a tailored consultation, where our expert advice turns potential into profitable reality.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
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Continue reading on our site:
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2026/01/fhfa-q3-report-highlights-foreclosure-prevention-progress-and-shifting-refinance-trends/
#HousingFinance #MortgageMarket #ForeclosurePrevention #RefinanceTrends #HousingPolicy

FHA Report Shows Strong MMI Fund Reserves, Signals Room to Support Buyers in 2026

The Federal Housing Administration’s latest annual report confirms something many housing professionals have been watching closely: its main insurance fund remains financially strong, giving the agency flexibility to support homebuyers while keeping risk firmly under control.
The Federal Housing Administration released its Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report to Congress on the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund, or MMI Fund. Submitted through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the report details the fund’s capital position, loan performance, and recent policy updates.
As of September 30, 2025, the MMI Fund’s capital ratio stood at 11.47%. That’s unchanged from the prior year and more than five times the 2% minimum required by law. This marks the eleventh straight year the fund has exceeded that threshold, reinforcing its long-term stability. Today, the fund backs roughly $1.6 trillion in single-family mortgages, making it a cornerstone of financing for first-time buyers and borrowers with limited savings.
The report also shows that the fund’s economic net worth grew by about $16.1 billion during the fiscal year, reaching nearly $189 billion. That growth came from insurance premiums, investment earnings, and strong overall cash flow.
Industry leaders say this strength could matter for affordability. Mortgage Bankers Association President and CEO Bob Broeksmit noted that the elevated capital ratio may give policymakers room to consider options like lowering annual FHA mortgage insurance premiums in 2026—if done carefully.
FHA’s role with first-time buyers remains significant. During the year, the agency insured more than 876,000 single-family mortgages, with 83% going to first-time buyers. FHA also insured over 28,000 reverse mortgages, helping older homeowners age in place.
With reserves well above required levels and loan performance holding steady, FHA enters 2026 on solid footing—positioned to support affordability while maintaining a safe and sustainable insurance program.
 
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit  Nadlan Capital Group. Contact us today for a tailored consultation, where our expert advice turns potential into profitable reality.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com/
 
Continue reading on our site:
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2026/01/fha-report-shows-strong-mmi-fund-reserves-signals-room-to-support-buyers-in-2026/
#FHA #HousingMarket #FirstTimeBuyers #MortgageNews #Homeownership

Mortgage Rates End 2025 on a Calm Note

Mortgage rates wrapped up the final week of 2025 with very little movement, bringing a quiet close to a year filled with sharp swings and long stretches of uncertainty. While a weekly survey from Freddie Mac suggested rates are at their lowest point since October 2024, daily pricing tells a more measured story.
 
In reality, there were a few days earlier this year—most notably in mid-September and late October—when rates dipped slightly lower than where they stand now. That context matters. What stands out most at the end of the year isn’t a new low, but consistency. Today’s rates are nearly identical to yesterday’s and last Friday’s levels, showing that the market has settled into a very narrow range.
 
The key takeaway from this final week is stability. Despite some positive headlines, there has been no meaningful upward or downward momentum. That’s not a sign of strong confidence in either direction—it’s a sign of low activity.
 
Holiday schedules are a big reason why. The bond market, which directly influences mortgage rates, closed early today and will remain fully closed tomorrow. With many traders already out for the holidays, trading volume is thin, and thin markets tend to drift sideways rather than make bold moves.
 
Looking ahead, that calm is unlikely to last forever. Once 2026 begins, traders will return, and the economic calendar will fill back up with reports on jobs, inflation, and growth. Those data points are what typically give mortgage rates clearer direction.
 
For now, lenders and borrowers are entering the new year with rates holding steady and major questions pushed into January. After a year of volatility, 2025 ends not with a spike or a drop—but with quiet consistency.
 
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit Nadlan Capital Group. Contact us today for a tailored consultation, where our expert advice turns potential into profitable reality.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com/
 
Continue reading on our site:
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2026/01/mortgage-rates-end-2025-on-a-calm-note/
#MortgageRates #HousingMarket #InterestRates #Homebuying #RealEstate2026

Mark Zandi Predicts Three Fed Rate Cuts in Early 2026 as Jobs Weaken

A faster pace of interest rate cuts could be coming in 2026, according to Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics. Zandi believes the Federal Reserve may surprise markets by cutting rates sooner and more aggressively than most investors expect.
 
In Zandi’s view, the biggest trigger will be a weakening labor market. He expects job growth to slow further as businesses remain cautious about hiring. Companies are still waiting for clarity around trade policy, immigration rules, and broader economic direction. As long as that uncertainty persists, hiring is likely to stay soft.
 
If unemployment continues to rise, Zandi argues the Federal Reserve will be forced to act. He believes the Fed could deliver as many as three quarter-point rate cuts in the first half of 2026 alone—much faster than current forecasts suggest.
 
That outlook is more aggressive than what markets are pricing in. Data tracked by CME FedWatch shows investors expecting only two rate cuts next year, with the first one likely coming in the spring and another later in the year. Fed officials themselves have been even more cautious, signaling just one cut in their most recent projections.
 
Zandi also points to political pressure as a factor that could speed things up. Former President Donald Trump has been vocal about pushing for lower interest rates, and leadership changes at the Fed in 2026 could increase scrutiny on policy decisions. With economic growth and employment likely to be major political issues, Zandi believes the Fed may face stronger pressure to support the economy.
 
If his forecast proves correct, earlier rate cuts could bring relief to borrowers. Mortgage rates, business loans, and variable-rate debt could all benefit, potentially helping revive housing activity and business investment after a slow period.
 
Still, the outlook remains uncertain. Inflation data, job reports, and global events will ultimately determine how quickly the Fed moves.
 
For now, Zandi’s view serves as a reminder that 2026 may bring sharper policy shifts than many expect—especially if the labor market continues to lose momentum.
 
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit  Nadlan Capital Group. Contact us today for a tailored consultation, where our expert advice turns potential into profitable reality.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com/
 
Continue reading on our site:
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2026/01/mark-zandi-predicts-three-fed-rate-cuts-in-early-2026-as-jobs-weaken/
#HousingMarket #HomePrices #RealEstateTrends #MortgageRates #HousingOutlook

U S Home Prices Rise Again in November as 2026 Outlook Points to More Gains

U.S. home prices moved higher again in November, even though many buyers are still sitting on the sidelines.
 
New data from Redfin shows that the median home-sale price rose 2.3% over a four-week period ending in mid-November. That’s the biggest price increase in seven months, and it comes at a time when buyer demand remains soft.
 
At first glance, rising prices and weak demand may seem like a contradiction. But the explanation is simple: inventory continues to shrink in many areas. With fewer homes available, prices are finding support even when buyers hesitate.
 
The good news for buyers is that price growth is still slower than wage gains and overall inflation. That has helped ease affordability pressure compared with the past few years, even if conditions remain challenging.
 
At the same time, demand is clearly cooling. Pending home sales fell nearly 1% from a year earlier, marking the largest decline in four months. Economic uncertainty, elevated housing costs, and mortgage rates that have started edging higher again are keeping many buyers cautious.
 
Homes are also taking longer to sell. The typical home now goes under contract in about 49 days, the slowest pace for this point in the year since 2019. Fewer buyers are competing, and sellers are waiting longer for offers.
 
Price trends, however, are far from uniform. In fact, prices fell in 18 of the 50 largest metro areas—the highest number of declines in more than two years. Markets like Fort Worth, Dallas, Jacksonville, Miami, and Seattle all posted year-over-year price drops, showing that some formerly strong regions are clearly cooling.
 
For buyers, that unevenness matters. In slower markets, sellers who need to move may be more open to negotiation. Buyers who are flexible on location and timing may still find opportunities, even as national prices rise.
 
Looking ahead to 2026, most housing experts expect prices to keep rising overall, but at a modest pace. Lower-cost metros may continue to attract buyers searching for affordability, while higher-cost cities could see flat or slightly lower prices before stabilizing.
 
The bottom line is this: the housing market is still adjusting. Prices are moving higher again, but demand remains uneven and local conditions matter more than ever. For both buyers and sellers, understanding what’s happening in their specific market will be key in the year ahead.
 
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit  Nadlan Capital Group. Contact us today for a tailored consultation, where our expert advice turns potential into profitable reality.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com/
 
Continue reading on our site:
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2026/01/u-s-home-prices-rise-again-in-november-as-2026-outlook-points-to-more-gains/
#HousingMarket #HomePrices #RealEstateTrends #MortgageRates #HousingOutlook

Home Sellers Pull Listings at Record Pace as Affordability Strains Deepen

Homeowners across the U.S. are increasingly choosing to step back from the housing market rather than lower their asking prices, and new data shows just how widespread that trend has become.
 
According to Realtor.com, seller delistings surged this fall as affordability pressures collided with weak buyer demand. In October, delistings jumped nearly 38% compared with a year earlier. For all of 2025 so far, withdrawn listings are up about 45 percent—the fastest pace since this data has been tracked.
 
Since June, roughly 6% of all active listings nationwide have been pulled from the market each month. That’s unusually high for non-winter months, when sellers typically stay put and wait for buyers.
 
A Market Stuck in the Middle
 
Jake Krimmel, a senior economist at Realtor.com, describes today’s housing market as a standoff. Buyers remain cautious due to high mortgage rates and economic uncertainty, while sellers are holding firm on price.
 
Instead of cutting prices, many homeowners are choosing to remove their listings altogether. While that may protect their expectations, it also tightens inventory and keeps prices from adjusting, leaving the market stuck.
 
An Early Warning Sign
 
What stands out in 2025 is how early this trend began. Delistings usually rise closer to winter, but this year the spike started months sooner. Compared with last year, delistings were already up sharply in June and July—months that normally see strong buyer activity.
 
Higher borrowing costs, softer confidence, and mixed economic signals left many homes sitting longer, with fewer offers coming in.
 
Boomtowns See the Biggest Pullback
 
Former pandemic hot spots are feeling the most pressure. In cities like Miami, Denver, and Houston, a large share of sellers are pulling listings instead of negotiating. In Miami, for example, nearly 45 homes were delisted for every 100 new listings added.
 
Rising insurance costs, higher property taxes, and slower demand are all weighing on these markets. Even so, many sellers appear unwilling to adjust prices, choosing to wait instead.
 
What Happens Next
 
Experts expect delistings to remain elevated through the winter. A real shift may not come until buyers feel more confident—whether through lower mortgage rates, steadier economic conditions, or clearer policy direction.
 
Until expectations reset on both sides, many sellers seem content to step back rather than budge, keeping the housing market in a prolonged holding pattern as 2026 approaches.
 
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit  Nadlan Capital Group. Contact us today for a tailored consultation, where our expert advice turns potential into profitable reality.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com/
 
Continue reading on our site:
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2026/01/home-sellers-pull-listings-at-record-pace-as-affordability-strains-deepen/
#HousingMarket #RealEstateNews #HomeSellers #MortgageRates #HousingTrends

Mortgage Rates Hold Near Recent Lows With Tiny Uptick

Mortgage rates barely moved on Tuesday, staying locked inside one of the tightest ranges we’ve seen in years. The average rate rose by just one one-hundredth of a percent—so small that most borrowers wouldn’t feel any difference in their monthly payment.
 
Even with that tiny uptick, today still counts as one of the strongest rate days of 2025. Yesterday marked the sixth-lowest average rate of the year, and today is essentially tied for seventh. In simple terms, mortgage rates remain very close to their best levels in several years.
 
So why aren’t rates going anywhere?
 
Mortgage rates follow the bond market, and while markets are technically open, this week falls into a quiet stretch on the calendar. Trading volume is light, and many investors are still easing back in after the holidays. When fewer traders are active, markets tend to move sideways. Small changes can happen without a clear reason, but big or lasting moves are unlikely.
That calm probably won’t last much longer.
 
As the new year gets underway, traders will return in full force and the economic calendar will pick back up. Reports on jobs, inflation, and economic growth usually bring more action to the bond market—and that’s when mortgage rates tend to move more clearly. Bigger changes are more likely by late next week, once markets return to a normal rhythm.
 
The bottom line: rates edged up by the smallest amount possible, but they’re still near the best levels seen in years. For now, mortgage rates are stuck in a narrow range. Clear direction will likely have to wait until early January.
 
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit  Nadlan Capital Group. Contact us today for a tailored consultation, where our expert advice turns potential into profitable reality.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com/
 
Continue reading on our site:
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/mortgage-rates-hold-near-recent-lows-with-tiny-uptick/
#MortgageRates #HousingMarket #InterestRates #HomeBuyers #RealEstateNews

Home Prices Ease, but Down Payments Still Block Many Buyers

Homebuyers are finally starting to feel some relief after years of pressure. Mortgage rates are lower, home prices have cooled, and there are more homes for sale than a year ago. Together, these shifts are slowly improving affordability. But for many buyers, especially first-time buyers, one major obstacle still stands in the way: saving enough for a down payment.
 
Across the country, home prices are stabilizing. Recent data shows prices are almost flat compared with last year, rising only slightly overall. Some cities like Chicago, New York, and Cleveland are still seeing gains, while others such as Tampa, Phoenix, and Dallas have seen prices move lower. The key point is that home prices are now rising more slowly than inflation, which means homes are becoming a bit cheaper in real terms.
 
Mortgage rates are also playing a big role. The average 30-year fixed rate has dropped to just over six percent, down from above seven percent earlier this year. That decline can mean real savings. On a typical home purchase, monthly payments today can be around two hundred dollars less than they were a year ago, giving buyers more breathing room in their budgets.
 
Even so, the down payment remains the toughest challenge. According to Realtor.com, the typical buyer still needs about seven years to save for a down payment. That’s a big improvement from the peak in 2022, but it’s still roughly double what was common before the pandemic. As a result, the national homeownership rate has slipped to its lowest level since 2019.
 
There is encouraging news on supply. Active listings are up about twelve percent from a year ago, giving buyers more options. That increase is starting to show results. Pending home sales recently reached their highest level in nearly three years, based on data from the National Association of Realtors.
 
As chief economist Lawrence Yun explains, lower mortgage rates, steady wage growth, and more inventory are helping buyers test the market again.
 
The bottom line is this: affordability is improving, but slowly. Monthly payments are more manageable, and buyers have more choices. Still, until saving for a down payment becomes easier, many households will remain on the sidelines, even as the housing market continues to heal.
 
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit  Nadlan Capital Group. Contact us today for a tailored consultation, where our expert advice turns potential into profitable reality.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com/
 
Continue reading on our site:
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/home-prices-ease-but-down-payments-still-block-many-buyers/
#HousingMarket #HomeAffordability #FirstTimeBuyersv#MortgageRates #RealEstateNews

Mortgage Rate Outlook for 2026 What Forecasts Really Say

Many buyers hoping to enter the housing market are asking the same question: will 2026 finally bring real relief on mortgage rates? The short answer is yes—maybe a little—but expectations need to stay realistic.
 
According to a report from Investopedia, most forecasts for 2026 point to only modest improvement. Instead of a sharp drop, mortgage rates are expected to hover mostly in the low six percent range. Even if the Federal Reserve moves forward with rate cuts, mortgage rates may not follow in a straight line.
 
Mortgage rates are hard to predict because they depend on many moving parts. Inflation, job growth, housing demand, and the bond market all play major roles. While the Fed controls short-term rates, mortgage rates are tied more closely to long-term Treasury yields. That’s why rates can sometimes rise even after the Fed cuts interest rates—markets may already have priced those changes in, or inflation worries may push rates higher.
 
Looking across forecasts from major housing and lending groups, the message is consistent. Projections from lenders, economists, and housing organizations all cluster around the same idea: rates in 2026 are likely to stay fairly stable, mostly in the lower six percent range. None of the outlooks suggest a return to the ultra-low rates buyers saw earlier in the decade.
 
One common mistake buyers make is waiting on the Fed. Rate cuts don’t guarantee cheaper mortgages, and in some past cycles, mortgage rates actually increased after Fed cuts due to bond market reactions.
 
There’s also a risk of waiting too long. Even small rate declines could bring more buyers back into the market, increasing competition. More competition can mean fewer concessions, higher prices, and lost opportunities.
 
The practical takeaway is simple. Instead of trying to time the market perfectly, buyers should focus on readiness—steady income, manageable debt, and finding a home that fits their needs and budget. If the right home comes along and the payment works, waiting for a “perfect” rate that may never arrive could end up costing more in the long run.
 
Bottom line: 2026 may bring some rate relief, but it’s likely to be limited. Preparation and flexibility will matter far more than chasing headlines.
 
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit  Nadlan Capital Group. Contact us today for a tailored consultation, where our expert advice turns potential into profitable reality.
 
🔍 If you’re looking to get the best possible mortgage in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals and Americans, and want to run an auction between more than 3,000+ lenders, click here👇
https://nadlancapitalgroup.com/
 
Continue reading on our site:
https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/12/mortgage-rate-outlook-for-2026-what-forecasts-really-say/
#MortgageRates #HousingMarket2026 #HomeBuyers #RealEstateOutlook #InterestRates