The Nadlan Group Real Estate Podcast

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

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