The Nadlan Group Real Estate Podcast

November Inflation Report Arrives After Shutdown What Markets Should Expect

Investors and economists are closely watching Thursday’s release of the November Consumer Price Index, or CPI, which will be the first inflation report published since the U.S. government shutdown ended last month. While the report is highly anticipated, it also comes with important limitations that could make it harder for markets to draw firm conclusions.
 
According to economists surveyed by Dow Jones, November’s CPI is expected to show headline inflation at 3.1% year over year, with core inflation—excluding food and energy—around 3.0%. The most recent data available came from September, when both measures were running at 3.0%. October’s CPI was never released due to the shutdown, creating a significant data gap.
 
That gap is what makes this report unusual. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has confirmed that the November CPI will not include normal month-over-month comparisons wherever October data is missing. Data collection didn’t begin until nearly halfway through November, meaning the report may not fully reflect price behavior across the entire month.
 
Economists say the most important takeaway won’t be the fine details, but where inflation lands overall. The difference between inflation starting with a “2” versus a “3” carries psychological and policy significance. Some economists believe inflation could come in slightly below expectations, possibly at 2.9%, while others see a realistic range between 2.9% and 3.1%.
 
A reading below 3% could support stocks and raise expectations for additional interest rate cuts in 2026. However, not everyone expects a major market reaction. Many analysts say a 0.1% difference won’t be enough to shift Federal Reserve policy, especially with so much missing data.
 
The shutdown continues to cloud the broader inflation picture. October CPI was canceled entirely, and key reports like PCE inflation remain unscheduled. Until those gaps are filled, policymakers and investors will have limited visibility into true inflation trends.
 
For now, Thursday’s CPI will offer a partial snapshot—but uncertainty is likely to remain elevated heading into 2026. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 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/november-inflation-report-arrives-after-shutdown-what-markets-should-expect/
#HousingAffordability #HomeInsurance #RealEstateTrends #ClimateRisk #Homeownership

Rising Insurance and Property Taxes Make Homeownership Harder in High Risk Areas

Homeownership is becoming harder across the U.S., but in some parts of the country, rising insurance premiums and property taxes are quietly making it even more difficult to afford owning a home. These growing costs are hitting hardest in areas exposed to natural disasters, and experts warn the pressure is likely to intensify in 2026 and beyond.
 
New data cited by Realtor.com shows that higher housing density in climate-risk zones is adding a hidden financial burden for homeowners—one that many buyers don’t fully understand until after they’ve already purchased a home.
 
Over the past six years, property taxes have climbed 27%, and homeowners insurance now accounts for a record 9% of total monthly housing costs. In many regions, these expenses are rising faster than wages, meaning even buyers with stable mortgage payments are finding it harder to manage the full cost of ownership. Looking ahead, Cotality projects average insurance premiums will rise another 8% in both 2026 and 2027, further squeezing household budgets.
 
A growing share of U.S. housing is also located in high-risk areas. About 12% of all homes are now exposed to serious hazards like wildfires, floods, hurricanes, hail, and severe winter storms. That represents roughly $4.3 trillion in potential reconstruction costs if those homes were destroyed. By 2050, that share could rise to 20%, pushing reconstruction exposure to more than $7 trillion.
 
As rebuilding costs increase, insurers respond by raising premiums to manage risk. Homeowners in high-risk regions often pay significantly more for coverage, especially in places facing multiple hazards throughout the year. Cities like Miami, for example, deal with flooding, hurricanes, and other climate threats on a recurring basis—each one adding to insurance costs.
 
What makes this more challenging is that many of the hardest-hit markets were already struggling with affordability. Adding higher insurance and tax bills on top of expensive home prices can quickly push monthly costs beyond what many buyers expect, particularly first-time buyers.
 
Despite these rising costs, people continue moving to high-risk regions, drawn by jobs, lifestyle, and long-term migration trends. States like Florida, California, Louisiana, and parts of the Northeast dominate lists of the highest-risk housing markets.
 
The takeaway is clear: rising insurance premiums and property taxes are becoming a major factor in housing affordability. For buyers and homeowners alike, the true cost of homeownership now goes far beyond the mortgage payment. Factoring in long-term risks and ongoing expenses is becoming essential when deciding where—and whether—to buy.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 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/rising-insurance-and-property-taxes-make-homeownership-harder-in-high-risk-areas/
#HousingAffordability #HomeInsurance #RealEstateTrends #ClimateRisk #Homeownership

Mortgage Applications Slip After Fed Rate Cut as Borrowers Stay Cautious

Mortgage activity cooled again following the Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate cut—another reminder that Fed policy changes don’t automatically translate into stronger borrower demand.
 
According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, total mortgage applications fell 3.8% for the week ending December 12. This continues a pattern seen after earlier Fed rate cuts this year, where mortgage demand softened instead of picking up.
 
Even though the Fed lowered its benchmark rate on December 10, mortgage rates actually moved slightly higher in the days that followed. Investors appeared to interpret the Fed’s messaging as a signal that the current rate-cutting cycle may be nearing its end.
 
MBA Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni explained that mortgage rates inched up after the Fed meeting, and as a result, application volume declined. He also noted that activity typically slows toward the end of the year, which added further pressure to weekly totals.
 
Refinance activity slipped 4% from the prior week, but it remained sharply higher than last year—up 86% year over year. Refinancing now accounts for 59% of all mortgage applications, the highest share since September, showing that many homeowners are still watching closely for savings opportunities.
 
Purchase applications showed mixed results. On a weekly basis, they declined modestly, but they remained 13% higher than the same time last year, suggesting underlying demand is still present despite affordability challenges.
 
Borrowers are also adjusting how they finance homes. FHA loans made up nearly 20% of applications, VA loans rose slightly, and adjustable-rate mortgages accounted for more than 7% of total demand. These shifts highlight how buyers are searching for ways to manage monthly payments as rates remain elevated.
 
While weekly data softened, monthly numbers were more encouraging. Applications for new home purchases rose 3.1% year over year in November, supported by growing housing inventory and more buyer choice.
 
Affordability remains the key challenge, especially for new construction buyers. More than a third of new homebuyers used FHA loans, and nearly one in four chose adjustable-rate mortgages.
 
The takeaway is clear: mortgage demand remains highly sensitive to rate movements and market expectations. Even with Fed rate cuts, higher mortgage rates and seasonal slowdowns continue to limit short-term activity. Still, improving inventory and steady annual gains suggest buyer interest hasn’t disappeared—it’s just more cautious.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 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-applications-slip-after-fed-rate-cut-as-borrowers-stay-cautious/
#MortgageRates #HousingMarket #FedPolicy #HomeBuying #InterestRates

Mortgage Rates Edge Lower After Jobs Report, But Market Remains on Alert

Mortgage rates edged slightly lower on Tuesday, but the move was far more modest than many expected after the release of November’s jobs report. This report carried extra weight because it was the first full employment update since before the government shutdown, creating the potential for a sharp reaction in financial markets.
 
Instead, mortgage rates settled back near where they were late last week.
 
The reason comes down to how the jobs data landed. Employment numbers were somewhat weaker overall, which normally supports lower rates. But they weren’t weak enough to signal serious trouble in the labor market. Investors continue to view job growth as cooling gradually—not collapsing—and that distinction matters. Because the data didn’t change the bigger picture, markets avoided aggressive moves.
 
As a result, mortgage rates remain stuck in the same narrow range they’ve held since early September. Each attempt to break meaningfully higher or lower has failed so far, keeping rates confined to familiar territory. This kind of sideways movement doesn’t reflect confidence—it reflects uncertainty, with markets waiting for a clearer signal.
 
Even though Tuesday’s reaction was calm, the risk of volatility is still high. The next major catalyst arrives Thursday with the release of the Consumer Price Index, or CPI. Inflation data is just as important as jobs data for interest rates, because it directly influences how flexible the Federal Reserve can be with policy.
 
If CPI comes in hotter than expected, mortgage rates could move higher quickly. If inflation shows further cooling, rates may drift toward the lower end of their recent range. Until then, markets are likely to remain cautious.
 
For borrowers, the takeaway is simple: rates are slightly better for now, but the calm may not last. Stability ahead of major inflation data often masks the potential for sudden movement. Economic reports—not headlines—will determine what happens next.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 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-edge-lower-after-jobs-report-but-market-remains-on-alert/
#MortgageRates #HousingMarket #InterestRates #EconomicData #Homebuying

Rural Vacation Home Prices Jump as Remote Work Drives Migration

Home prices across the U.S. surged after the pandemic, but some of the fastest growth didn’t happen in major cities. Instead, rural and vacation-focused communities saw dramatic price increases as remote work reshaped where Americans chose to live.
 
New research from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies shows that home prices in non-metro counties jumped about 36% between March 2020 and March 2023—roughly double the pace seen in the three years before the pandemic. The gains were even stronger in rural vacation counties, where prices soared nearly 47% over the same period.
 
These vacation markets—often located near coastlines, mountains, lakes, and scenic destinations—were especially appealing to remote workers seeking more space, natural amenities, and flexible lifestyles. At the same time, these areas typically have limited housing supply, which pushed prices higher as demand surged.
 
Remote work played a major role in this shift. For the first time in more than a decade, rural counties saw positive net migration. From 2017 to 2019, rural areas lost nearly 78,000 residents. But between 2021 and 2023, they gained more than 540,000 people. That sudden influx placed intense pressure on housing markets that weren’t designed for rapid growth.
 
Price increases were widespread across the country. Non-metro home prices rose more than 40% in both the Northeast and West, about 36% in the South, and over 31% in the Midwest. But vacation-heavy counties stood out even more, with price growth topping 50% in parts of the West and Northeast.
 
The study also found that rural counties closer to metro areas, with lower population density and smaller towns, tended to see slightly faster price growth—suggesting buyers want rural living without being completely disconnected from jobs and services.
 
While rising prices boosted homeowner wealth, they created serious challenges for local workers. Many of these communities rely on seasonal and service-based jobs with lower wages, and rapid price growth has made housing increasingly unaffordable. Researchers warn that without support like housing vouchers, tax relief, or first-time buyer programs, workers may be priced out of the very communities that depend on them.
 
Building new homes in rural areas remains difficult due to infrastructure costs, labor shortages, and limited utilities. The study emphasizes the need for more housing options, including manufactured and affordable homes, to keep these markets sustainable.
 
If remote work remains common, pressure on rural and vacation housing markets is likely to continue—making planning, policy, and investment critical in the years ahead.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 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/rural-vacation-home-prices-jump-as-remote-work-drives-migration/
#HousingMarket #RuralHousing #RemoteWork #HomePrices #RealEstateTrends

Gen Z Veterans Fuel Strong Comeback in VA Home Loan Activity

The VA home loan program made a strong comeback in fiscal year 2025, reversing the slowdown seen the year before and reaffirming its importance for military homebuyers navigating a challenging housing market.
 
According to a new analysis from Veterans United Home Loans, total VA loan activity jumped nearly 27% year over year. Loan volume rose to more than 528,000 loans in fiscal 2025, up from about 416,000 in 2024. That rebound was driven by a steadier home-purchase market and a sharp increase in refinancing, showing renewed confidence among veterans and service members despite higher prices and mortgage rates.
 
One of the most notable trends is who’s driving the growth. Generation Z has officially become the largest group of VA loan users, accounting for 38% of all VA loan activity in 2025. Even more impressive, Gen Z veterans were the fastest-growing segment by a wide margin. Their VA purchase loans surged 38% year over year, far outpacing every other generation.
 
Veterans United says the VA loan benefit is especially critical for younger buyers entering the market for the first time. Features like zero down payment, flexible credit guidelines, and competitive rates are helping Gen Z compete in an environment where affordability remains tight.
 
VA-backed purchase loans overall rose 8.5% in fiscal 2025, climbing to nearly 324,000 loans. That marks a meaningful turnaround after purchase volume declined the year before. While millennials still account for the largest number of VA purchase loans, their growth was much slower compared with Gen Z, highlighting a generational shift in the market.
 
Refinancing also played a major role in the VA program’s resurgence. Total VA refinances jumped more than 73% year over year. About a quarter of those were cash-out refinances, as homeowners tapped equity built during recent years of strong price growth or adjusted their loans to manage monthly payments.
 
Geographically, Gen Z VA buyers are gravitating toward a mix of large metro areas and traditional military hubs. Texas, the Carolinas, and California saw the strongest growth, reflecting job opportunities, military connections, and long-term stability.
 
Overall, the rebound in VA lending shows the program remains a powerful tool—especially for younger veterans facing affordability pressures. As Gen Z moves deeper into peak homebuying years, their influence on the VA loan market is only expected to grow.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 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/gen-z-veterans-fuel-strong-comeback-in-va-home-loan-activity/
 

Mortgage Rates Hold Steady as Markets Brace for Key Jobs Report

Mortgage rates edged slightly lower at the start of the week, keeping the average top-tier 30-year fixed rate right in the middle of the tight range it has held since early September. The move was modest and reflects a quiet Monday in financial markets, with no major economic reports or breaking news to push rates meaningfully in either direction.
 
When markets are this calm, lenders typically hold steady—and that’s exactly what happened. But this period of stability may be short-lived.
 
The focus now shifts to Tuesday morning, when a major economic report could bring volatility back into the picture.
 
At 8:30 a.m. Eastern, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the Employment Situation Report. This is the first official jobs report based on data collected after the recent government shutdown. The report was originally scheduled for early December but was delayed because the shutdown disrupted data collection and processing.
 
That delay makes this release especially important—and potentially more unpredictable than usual.
 
The monthly jobs report is the most influential economic release when it comes to interest rates. It includes two critical data points: nonfarm payrolls, which measure how many jobs were added or lost, and the unemployment rate, which reflects overall labor market health.
 
While both matter, markets have recently been paying closer attention to the unemployment rate. It’s seen as a clearer signal of whether the labor market is cooling or holding firm—and that has direct implications for interest rates.
 
How mortgage rates react will depend on how the numbers compare with expectations. If unemployment comes in lower than expected, it could push rates higher and test the upper end of the recent range. If unemployment is higher—or job growth looks weaker—it could keep rates contained or even pull them toward the lower end of the range.
 
Because this report follows a data gap caused by the shutdown, the risk of surprise is higher than normal.
 
For borrowers, the takeaway is simple: rates are stable for now, but the calm may not last. A quiet start to the week doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing, especially with such an important economic report just ahead.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 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-steady-as-markets-brace-for-key-jobs-report/
#MortgageRates #JobsReport #HousingMarket #InterestRates #EconomicUpdate

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Expand Balance Sheets as Market Exit Talks Grow

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are quietly expanding their role in the mortgage market, and that move is raising new questions about what it could mean for mortgage rates, housing affordability, and their future as publicly traded companies.
 
Recent financial data shows that both government-sponsored enterprises have significantly increased the amount of mortgage-backed securities they hold on their balance sheets. Over the five months leading up to October, their retained mortgage portfolios grew by more than 25%, bringing total holdings to roughly $234 billion. That’s the largest combined portfolio the two have held since 2021.
 
Some analysts believe this growth isn’t finished. If current trends continue, estimates suggest Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could add as much as $100 billion more in mortgage-backed securities by 2026.
 
Why does this matter? While federal officials haven’t publicly explained the recent buying activity, policymakers have repeatedly said they want to use the financial strength of Fannie and Freddie to help lower housing costs and support mortgage affordability. At the same time, the firms appear to be positioning themselves for a potential exit from government conservatorship—nearly two decades after the 2008 housing crisis.
 
By increasing their retained portfolios, Fannie and Freddie can support mortgage bond prices, improve earnings stability, and reduce the supply of mortgage-backed securities available to private investors. All of that can help keep mortgage rates from rising too quickly while also strengthening their balance sheets ahead of a possible return to public markets.
 
It’s important to remember that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac don’t issue mortgages directly. Instead, they buy loans from lenders, package them into mortgage-backed securities, guarantee those bonds, and sell them to investors. When they choose to hold more of those securities themselves, fewer bonds hit the open market—often helping stabilize borrowing costs.
 
This strategy isn’t new. In the decades before the housing crash, retained portfolios were a major source of profit for both firms. But when the market collapsed, those large holdings became a major risk, leading to massive losses and federal takeover.
 
Today, however, the situation looks different. Even after recent growth, Fannie and Freddie remain well below their regulatory portfolio limits, with more than $200 billion in remaining capacity.
 
Whether this strategy ultimately leads to lower mortgage rates will depend on economic conditions, investor demand, and regulatory decisions. Still, one thing is clear: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are becoming more active players again—and their moves could shape the mortgage market in the years ahead.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 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/fannie-mae-and-freddie-mac-expand-balance-sheets-as-market-exit-talks-grow/
#MortgageRates #HousingFinance #FannieMae #FreddieMac #HousingMarket

Falling Home Prices Are Cutting Into Homeowner Equity Across the U S

After years of rapid gains during the pandemic housing boom, U.S. homeowners are beginning to see their home equity slip. As home prices cool across many parts of the country, the explosive growth in equity has slowed—and in some cases reversed.
 
According to new data from Cotality, homeowner equity declined 2.1% in the third quarter compared with a year earlier. That drop represents a total loss of nearly $374 billion in equity nationwide. For the average homeowner, this meant a decline of about $13,400 in equity during the quarter.
 
While that may sound concerning, it’s important to keep the broader context in mind. Even after this pullback, homeowners with mortgages still hold a massive $17.1 trillion in total equity, showing that most remain in a strong financial position after years of price appreciation.
 
One area drawing closer attention is negative equity. The number of homeowners who owe more than their home is worth rose 21% year over year, bringing the total to about 1.2 million households. Many of these owners bought recently, near market peaks, often with small down payments and higher mortgage rates.
 
Cotality’s Chief Economist Selma Hepp says this shift reflects a market normalizing after extreme price gains. As affordability pressures mounted, more first-time and lower-income buyers relied on minimal equity positions, leaving them more vulnerable as prices softened. At the same time, many homeowners tapped into their equity through cash-out refinances and home equity loans while values were rising.
 
Despite the recent decline, long-term gains remain significant. Home prices are still roughly 52% higher than they were in early 2020. Even after rates jumped, homeowners still gained equity—about $25,000 on average in 2023 and nearly $5,000 in 2024—highlighting just how much growth occurred before the slowdown.
 
Equity trends also vary widely by region. Markets like Boston, Chicago, and New York continue to see gains, while cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and Houston are experiencing more pressure after sharp pandemic-era runups.
 
The bottom line is this: homeowners are giving back some equity, but most are still far ahead compared with pre-pandemic levels. Going forward, equity trends will depend on price stability, interest rates, and job growth as the housing market continues to rebalance. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 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/falling-home-prices-are-cutting-into-homeowner-equity-across-the-u-s/
#HomeEquity #HousingMarket #RealEstateTrends #Homeowners #MarketUpdate

Home Flipping Slows in Q3 2025 as Profits Fall to Lowest Level Since 2008

Home flipping activity continued to cool in the third quarter of 2025 as higher home prices and shrinking profit margins made deals harder to find.
 
According to ATTOM’s latest Home Flipping Report, investors flipped just over 72,000 homes between July and September. That accounted for 6.8% of all home sales—down from both the previous quarter and the same time last year. It’s another sign that the flipping market is losing momentum after years of strong activity.
 
Profitability took an even bigger hit. The average return on investment dropped to 23.1%, down from 26.5% in the second quarter and nearly 30% a year ago. ATTOM says this is the weakest level of returns since the 2008 housing crash, ending a 15-year stretch where margins stayed comfortably above 25%.
 
Gross profits are shrinking too. The typical flipped home was bought for about $260,000 and resold for $320,000, leaving a median gross profit of $60,000. That’s down sharply from both last quarter and last year, as rising acquisition costs and renovation expenses squeeze investors.
 
Flipping activity declined in most markets, but some Southern and Midwest metros remained relatively active. Cities like Columbus, Georgia, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Spartanburg, South Carolina posted the highest flip shares. Among large metros, Birmingham, Memphis, Dallas, and Phoenix led the list.
 
Still, profit margins dropped in more than 60% of metro areas. Some markets saw dramatic declines, while only about one in five metros managed returns above 50%. At the other end of the spectrum, large Texas markets struggled the most, with cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston posting single-digit returns.
 
Cash remains king in the flipping world. Nearly 63% of flipped homes were purchased with all cash, and the average flip took about five months from purchase to resale. FHA buyers also played a slightly bigger role, reflecting continued demand from first-time buyers drawn to lower down payment options.
 
The takeaway is clear: the easy money era of home flipping is over. With tighter margins, higher prices, and longer timelines, investors now need sharper discipline, better market selection, and tighter cost control to succeed.For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
 
🔍 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-flipping-slows-in-q3-2025-as-profits-fall-to-lowest-level-since-2008/
#HomeFlipping #RealEstateInvesting #HousingMarket #MarketTrends #PropertyInvestment