The Nadlan Group Real Estate Podcast

Homebuyers Pay More Attention to Climate Risk After Disasters, Redfin Finds

Homebuyers pay much closer attention to climate risk when natural disasters strike—but that awareness often fades faster than you might expect.
 
New data from Redfin shows that interest in climate-risk information on home listings spikes sharply during events like wildfires and hurricanes, then gradually drops back to normal once the headlines fade.
 
A clear example came during the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. In the three months before the fires, Redfin users clicked on climate-risk details on California listings about 4.2% of the time. Just days after the fires began, that number jumped to nearly 6%, and it peaked at almost 8% as conditions worsened. But by the end of March, engagement had returned to pre-fire levels—and stayed there.
 
Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather says this pattern is consistent: people focus on climate risk when danger feels immediate, but the urgency doesn’t last. That short window, she notes, is critical for educating buyers and homeowners about long-term risk and preparedness.
 
The same trend appeared during the 2024 hurricane season in Florida. Climate-risk clicks rose sharply after Hurricane Helene and surged even higher as Hurricane Milton approached. At one point, more than 16% of users viewing Florida listings clicked on climate-risk data. Yet within weeks, engagement fell back to normal levels.
 
Nationally, these spikes are smaller because disasters mainly affect local search behavior. Still, even modest increases show that climate events do influence buyer attention—at least temporarily.
 
Surveys suggest climate risk matters deeply to buyers. Nearly 68% of Americans say living in a low-disaster-risk area is non-negotiable. Yet many still buy in high-risk regions due to jobs, family ties, or affordability. That may be starting to change: for the first time since 2019, more people moved out of flood-prone areas than moved in last year.
 
Insurance costs are becoming a major factor. In high-risk states like Louisiana and Florida, soaring premiums are stopping deals altogether, forcing buyers to rethink what they can truly afford.
 
The takeaway is clear: disasters briefly sharpen focus, but climate risk doesn’t go away when the news cycle moves on. As extreme weather becomes more frequent and insurance costs rise, buyers who factor climate risk in early—and consistently—may be better positioned for the future.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/homebuyers-pay-more-attention-to-climate-risk-after-disasters-redfin-finds/
#MortgageRates #FederalReserve #HousingMarket #InterestRates #Homebuying

Why the Latest Fed Rate Cut Didn’t Matter for Mortgage Rates—Again

Once again, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates—and once again, mortgage rates didn’t cooperate. By the end of Friday, mortgage rates had climbed back near the highest levels of the week, closing out another stretch where borrowers saw no real benefit from a Fed move.
This keeps reinforcing one of the biggest misconceptions in housing finance: Fed rate cuts do not automatically lead to lower mortgage rates.
 
Here’s the simple truth. The Fed Funds Rate applies to extremely short-term loans—often overnight borrowing between banks. Mortgage rates, on the other hand, are long-term loans that stretch out over 30 years. Because of that, they respond to completely different forces. Inflation expectations, economic growth, and investor demand matter far more to mortgage rates than the Fed’s overnight target.
 
Timing makes the disconnect even stronger. The Fed meets only eight times a year, but mortgage rates move every single day. Markets almost always know what the Fed will do well in advance, so rates often adjust before the announcement ever happens. In fact, every Fed rate cut in 2025 was priced in with more than a 90% probability ahead of time. This week was no exception, which is why rates barely reacted.
 
Another reason mortgage rates stayed put is that markets now see very few cuts ahead. Expectations have narrowed significantly. Investors are pricing in just one more rate cut by early 2026, a view that’s been solidifying for months. As expectations tighten, so does rate movement, keeping both Treasury yields and mortgage rates stuck in a narrow range.
 
At this point, Fed decisions themselves matter less. What matters now are things markets can’t predict in advance—like upcoming inflation and labor data. The November jobs report and the Consumer Price Index will be far more influential. If both point toward economic cooling, rates could fall. If inflation runs hot, it could cancel out any labor weakness.
 
There’s also confusion around the Fed’s bond purchase plans. This is not quantitative easing. The Fed isn’t trying to push mortgage rates lower—it’s simply preventing liquidity from tightening too much. That move was expected and already priced in.
 
The takeaway for borrowers is clear: don’t rely on Fed cuts to lower mortgage rates. Rates will move based on inflation, jobs, and market sentiment—not headlines. The smartest approach is still focusing on personal timing, affordability, and long-term plans—not predictions no one can make with certainty. 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/why-the-latest-fed-rate-cut-didnt-matter-for-mortgage-rates-again/
#MortgageRates #FederalReserve #HousingMarket #InterestRates #Homebuying

Why No One Can Predict Mortgage Rates With Certainty Right Now

Mortgage rates moved higher on Friday, finishing the week near their highest levels in more than three months. That result frustrated many borrowers—especially because it came just days after the Federal Reserve announced a rate cut. At first glance, that may seem contradictory, but it highlights a critical truth about how mortgage rates actually work.
 
The Federal Reserve’s rate cuts do not directly control mortgage rates. The reason comes down to both timing and the type of rates involved. The Fed Funds Rate applies to extremely short-term lending, often overnight loans between banks. Mortgage rates, by contrast, are long-term loans that stretch out over 30 years. Because of that difference, mortgage rates are driven by long-term expectations around inflation, economic growth, and investor demand—not by the Fed’s short-term policy moves alone.
 
Another key factor is timing. The Fed adjusts rates only a handful of times each year, while mortgage rates move daily. Financial markets typically react well before a Fed decision is announced. By the time a rate cut actually happens, it may already be priced in—or investors may react negatively if new information changes the outlook.
 
That’s exactly what happened this week. While there was a brief improvement in rates after the Fed’s announcement, it didn’t last. By Friday, rates had fully reversed and ended higher, showing that the Fed cut itself wasn’t the main driver.
 
Looking ahead, next week’s economic data will matter far more. Reports on retail sales, inflation through the Consumer Price Index, and the November jobs report—along with revisions to October data—will shape expectations for growth and inflation. Strong data could push rates higher, while signs of cooling could bring some relief.
 
The key takeaway is this: predicting short-term mortgage rate movements is mostly guesswork. Markets react to data that hasn’t been released yet, making certainty impossible. Borrowers are better served by focusing on their own financial readiness and timing, rather than trying to chase a perfect rate that no one can reliably predict. 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/treasury-secretary-bessent-pushes-plan-to-loosen-financial-rules-set-after-2008-crisis/
#FinancialRegulation #USBanking #EconomicPolicy #FSOC #FinTechAI

Treasury Secretary Bessent Pushes Plan to Loosen Financial Rules Set After 2008 Crisis

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is signaling a major shift in how the U.S. government approaches financial regulation, proposing to roll back some of the strict oversight put in place after the 2008 financial crisis. In a letter released Thursday, Bessent outlined a new vision for the Financial Stability Oversight Council, or FSOC, arguing that the current regulatory framework may be placing unnecessary strain on financial institutions and limiting economic growth.
 
Since its creation in 2010, FSOC has focused on preventing another systemic collapse by imposing tighter supervision and stronger safeguards on large financial firms. Bessent’s proposal would move the council in a different direction, encouraging regulators to reassess whether today’s rules are overly burdensome or even counterproductive.
 
Bessent argues that regulators often examine rules in isolation, without fully accounting for how multiple layers of oversight interact. He says the combined effect of these regulations is rarely evaluated and may unintentionally reduce flexibility, limit lending, and slow the broader economy. Rather than strengthening stability, he suggests that excessive regulation could weaken it by making financial institutions less adaptable.
 
As chair of FSOC, Bessent has significant influence over its priorities. His proposal comes ahead of a scheduled council meeting, where he is expected to formally outline changes to its mission and direction. While no immediate regulatory rollbacks are included, the letter sets the tone for a shift in philosophy—from strict risk containment toward balancing stability with growth.
 
The proposal also aligns with the Trump administration’s broader push for deregulation across the economy. Supporters believe easing regulatory pressure could encourage investment, expand credit availability, and make the financial system more competitive. Critics, however, may worry that relaxing oversight could increase systemic risk if safeguards are weakened too far.
 
In addition to regulatory changes, Bessent announced the formation of a new working group focused on artificial intelligence in finance. The group will study how AI can strengthen the financial system while monitoring potential risks tied to its rapid adoption.
 
Overall, Bessent’s plan doesn’t rewrite the rules overnight, but it marks a clear shift in direction—one that is likely to spark debate over how to balance economic growth, innovation, and financial stability 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/treasury-secretary-bessent-pushes-plan-to-loosen-financial-rules-set-after-2008-crisis/
#FinancialRegulation #USBanking #EconomicPolicy #FSOC #FinTechAI

Housing Market Forecast for 2026 Shows More Balance and Slow Inventory Recovery

Housing conditions across the U.S. are expected to move toward a more balanced footing in 2026, according to new forecasts from Realtor.com. After years of volatility, the market is showing early signs of stabilization, with slower price growth, rising inventory, and modest gains in home sales.
 
Home prices are projected to rise about 2.2% next year, a far cry from the rapid appreciation seen during the pandemic. Mortgage rates are expected to average around 6.3%. While that’s still high by historical standards, it represents some relief compared with recent peaks and should help ease affordability pressures. Existing-home sales are forecast to increase by roughly 1.7%, climbing off a near 30-year low, while the number of homes for sale is expected to grow nearly 9%.
 
Together, these shifts point to a market that’s becoming less overheated and more evenly matched between buyers and sellers. Price growth is slowing, incomes are rising, and for the first time since 2022, the share of income needed to cover a typical mortgage payment is expected to dip below 30%—an important affordability benchmark.
 
That said, the recovery will be slow. Many homeowners remain locked into ultra-low mortgage rates from previous years, limiting how many homes come onto the market. Most moves in 2026 are likely to be driven by life changes rather than rate shopping, keeping turnover relatively low.
 
Even so, inventory is steadily rebuilding. Supply is expected to rise faster than sales, giving buyers more leverage and pushing the market closer to balance. By 2026, the national market is projected to average about 4.6 months of supply—generally considered a healthy level.
 
Renters are also likely to see continued relief. With new multifamily construction adding supply, rents are expected to fall about 1% nationwide, extending a cooling trend that’s already lasted more than two years.
 
Overall, 2026 isn’t shaping up to be a boom year—but it does look like a turning point. Buyers should find slightly better negotiating power, sellers will face more competition, and affordability should improve gradually. It’s a slow normalization, but after years of strain, that progress matters. 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/housing-market-forecast-for-2026-shows-more-balance-and-slow-inventory-recovery/
#HousingMarket2026 #HomePrices #MortgageRates #RealEstateTrends #HousingAffordability

FHA Loan Demand Rises as Borrowers Look for Relief From High Mortgage Rates

As mortgage rates on traditional home loans remain stubbornly flat, many homeowners are finding that refinancing no longer delivers the savings they were hoping for. With conventional rates offering little relief, borrowers are increasingly turning to FHA loans, which are now standing out as one of the few areas where rates have meaningfully improved.
 
New data from the Mortgage Bankers Association shows a sharp rise in refinancing activity, driven largely by falling FHA rates. Refinance applications jumped 14% last week alone and were up 88% compared with a year earlier. Refinancing now accounts for more than 58% of all mortgage applications, a notable increase from the prior week.
 
The main reason behind the surge is the drop in FHA loan rates. The average 30-year fixed FHA rate fell to 6.08%, the lowest level since September 2024. Borrowers responded quickly. FHA refinance applications surged 24% in just one week as homeowners moved to lock in savings while the window is open.
 
By contrast, conventional mortgage rates have barely budged. The average 30-year fixed conventional rate edged slightly higher to 6.33%, and upfront costs increased as well, with higher points and fees for borrowers putting down 20%. For many homeowners, that small movement isn’t enough to justify refinancing.
 
Housing analysts say this gap explains the shift. Many borrowers expected conventional rates to fall more by now, but instead they’ve stayed elevated — and in some cases have risen after recent Fed rate cuts. With uncertainty lingering, borrowers are chasing the lowest available option, and FHA loans are filling that role.
 
Purchase demand remains mixed. Overall purchase applications dipped slightly week over week, but they’re still well above last year’s levels. FHA purchase applications rose 5%, as buyers look for lower down payment requirements and more manageable monthly payments in an expensive market.
 
For now, FHA loans are providing one of the clearest paths to lower rates for both refinancers and buyers. As long as conventional rates remain stuck and markets stay sensitive to Fed signals, FHA demand is likely to stay strong — especially for first-time buyers and homeowners seeking payment relief.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/fha-loan-demand-rises-as-borrowers-look-for-relief-from-high-mortgage-rates/l
#MortgageRates #FHALoans #Refinance #HousingMarket #HomeBuyers

Mortgage Rates Slide to Weekly Lows After Fed Meeting

Mortgage rates moved lower on Thursday afternoon, giving borrowers the best pricing seen so far this week. For most lenders, rates dropped to their lowest levels since last Thursday, offering a welcome shift after several weeks of choppy movement.
 
This improvement followed a familiar post–Federal Reserve pattern. After a Fed decision, bond markets often continue moving in the same direction they were headed late the previous day. This time, that follow-through worked in borrowers’ favor. Instead of rates rising—as they did after the last two Fed meetings—bond yields declined further, allowing lenders to reprice mortgages more competitively.
 
The reason comes down to how markets digest Fed decisions. Even after the official announcement and press conference, investors often take additional time to reassess the Fed’s policy stance, economic outlook, and messaging. On Thursday, that delayed reaction pushed bond prices higher, which directly translates into lower mortgage rates.
 
This outcome was notable because recent Fed meetings produced the opposite effect, with rates climbing for days or even weeks afterward. This time, the bond market moved calmly and constructively, easing some of the pressure that had built earlier in the month.
 
As of Thursday afternoon, mortgage rates now sit near the middle of the range they’ve occupied over the past three months. While the improvement isn’t large enough to signal a major trend change, it does provide short-term relief for buyers and homeowners who closely track daily rate movements. Most major lenders showed modest pricing improvements, which can still make a meaningful difference in monthly payments or closing costs.
 
For borrowers, the key takeaway is timing. Even small daily shifts can impact affordability, especially in a market where rates have been stubbornly elevated. While volatility remains a factor—particularly around economic data and Fed-related news—today’s move shows that rate pressure can still ease when bond markets cooperate.
 
For now, this dip offers a brief but helpful window, reminding borrowers that rate momentum doesn’t always move in one direction.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-slide-to-weekly-lows-after-fed-meeting/
#MortgageRates #HousingMarket #FederalReserve #InterestRates #HomeBuyers

Fed May Cut Rates Further as Job Numbers Appear Overstated

The Federal Reserve’s priorities appear to be shifting, with growing concern about the labor market beginning to outweigh inflation worries. While inflation is still above the Fed’s 2% target, signs of weakening job growth are pushing policymakers toward a more cautious, supportive stance — one that could open the door to additional rate cuts heading into 2026.
 
This week, the Fed cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point, marking the third reduction this year. The decision passed by a 9–3 vote, highlighting rising unease about employment conditions even as inflation pressures persist.
 
During his press conference, Fed Chair Jerome Powell repeatedly emphasized that the labor market may be softer than headline numbers suggest. He noted that job growth has been cooling gradually and may have turned negative in recent months. Surveys of both households and businesses show declining hiring demand and a shrinking supply of available workers — a slowdown happening faster than the Fed previously expected.
 
A key issue behind these concerns is a potential overcount in job data. Powell pointed to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ birth-death model, which estimates job creation from new businesses. He said the model may have overstated employment growth by about 60,000 jobs per month since April. With reported job gains averaging under 40,000 per month during that period, this would imply actual job losses of roughly 20,000 per month.
 
This wouldn’t be the first major revision. Earlier this year, the BLS estimated payrolls were overstated by more than 900,000 jobs over a 12-month period, with final revisions expected in February. Powell made clear that if employment is already declining, the Fed must be careful not to worsen the situation with overly restrictive policy.
 
Still, the Fed remains divided. The latest dot plot shows several officials opposed the recent cut, and seven see no rate cuts at all in 2026. Others believe more easing will be necessary if labor conditions deteriorate further.
 
While inflation remains elevated, Powell suggested that recent price pressures tied to tariffs may be temporary. If inflation continues to cool while job growth weakens, the Fed may increasingly prioritize protecting employment.
 
Markets are already reacting. Stocks rose as investors interpreted Powell’s comments as signaling a more flexible path ahead. Many economists now believe additional rate cuts are likely if labor data continues to soften.
 
As 2026 approaches, it’s becoming clear that jobs — not inflation alone — may be the decisive factor guiding the Fed’s next moves.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/fed-may-cut-rates-further-as-job-numbers-appear-overstated/
#FederalReserve #LaborMarket #InterestRates #EconomicOutlook #MonetaryPolicy

Powell Says Rate Cuts Alone Won’t Fix U S Housing Market Problems

The Federal Reserve’s latest quarter-point rate cut has reignited hopes that lower interest rates could jump-start the U.S. housing market. But Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell was quick to push back on that idea, warning that modest rate cuts are unlikely to deliver meaningful relief for buyers or sellers.
 
Speaking after the Fed’s decision, Powell said housing activity remains weak and stressed that the sector’s problems run far deeper than interest rates alone. While borrowing costs matter, he made it clear that a small reduction in the federal funds rate won’t fix the underlying issues holding the market back.
 
When asked whether rate cuts could improve affordability—especially for first-time buyers—Powell was direct. A 25-basis-point cut, he said, is unlikely to make a noticeable difference for households struggling with high prices and limited options. Today’s affordability crisis, he explained, is driven by structural problems that monetary policy can’t easily solve.
 
The biggest challenge is supply. Powell emphasized that the U.S. simply does not have enough homes. Years of underbuilding, combined with the “lock-in effect,” have kept inventory tight. Millions of homeowners refinanced into ultra-low mortgage rates during the pandemic and now have little incentive to sell. Moving would mean giving up a low rate and taking on a much more expensive loan.
 
As a result, housing supply remains constrained, keeping prices elevated even as buyer demand cools.
 
Powell also stressed that housing supply is largely outside the Fed’s control. Interest rate policy can influence demand, but it cannot create more homes. Long-term solutions, he said, require more construction and a wider range of housing types to meet demand.
 
High mortgage rates have added to the strain, staying elevated despite Fed cuts because they’re driven by long-term bond markets, not short-term policy moves. These conditions have pushed many sellers to pull listings altogether. October delistings jumped sharply, and year-to-date delistings are far higher than last year.
 
The takeaway is clear: rate cuts alone won’t revive the housing market. Until supply increases and affordability improves, buyers—especially first-time buyers—are likely to face continued challenges in a market stuck between high prices, tight inventory, and costly borrowing.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/powell-says-rate-cuts-alone-wont-fix-u-s-housing-market-problems/
#HousingMarket #MortgageRates #FederalReserve #RealEstateTrends #Affordability

U S Housing Market Expected to Level Out in 2026 as Buyers Shift to Value Cities

After years of rising prices and limited inventory, the U.S. housing market is expected to find more stable footing in 2026. New projections from Realtor.com suggest home prices will continue to rise, but at a slower and healthier pace, while home sales are expected to improve modestly as mortgage rates ease and incomes gradually catch up.
 
That said, not all markets will perform the same. Some metro areas—especially in the Northeast and Midwest—are expected to outperform the national average. These places are often called “value hubs”: smaller or secondary cities where home prices remain lower than nearby major metros, but demand is steady and supply is tight.
 
Realtor.com ranked the 100 largest metro areas based on projected sales growth and price appreciation. The top performers include cities like Hartford, Rochester, Worcester, Providence, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, and Grand Rapids. These markets share several traits: relatively affordable home prices, limited new construction, older housing stock, and buyer populations that tend to be older and financially stable.
 
Age plays an important role. Many of these metros have median ages well above the national average of 40. Older buyers are often more financially secure and less sensitive to rate swings, which helps keep demand steady even in higher-rate environments.
 
Affordability is still the biggest driver of buyer behavior. These markets act as “refuge cities” for buyers priced out of expensive areas like New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C. The median list price across the top 10 markets is about $384,000—well below the national median of roughly $415,000—making them attractive to first-time buyers, remote workers, and relocating households.
 
Another key factor is inventory. Many of these metros still have far fewer homes for sale than before the pandemic. Hartford, Worcester, and New Haven remain more than 70% below pre-2020 inventory levels. With supply this tight, prices continue rising faster than the national average—even as the broader market cools.
 
Looking ahead, Realtor.com expects mortgage rates to drift toward the low-6% range in 2026. That won’t bring back pandemic-era affordability, but it should be enough to support stronger activity in these value-focused markets. While the national housing market may calm, momentum in these overlooked metros is expected to continue.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/u-s-housing-market-expected-to-level-out-in-2026-as-buyers-shift-to-value-cities/
#HousingMarket #RealEstateTrends #HomePrices #HousingForecast #MortgageRates