The Nadlan Group Real Estate Podcast

Home Sellers Hold Back as Housing Market Faces Slowdown: What Buyers Can Expect

The August 2025 housing market saw a significant slowdown, with home sellers pulling back in response to sluggish buyer demand, particularly from low-income homebuyers. This led to a drop in new listings, setting a record low for the month. 
 
The market is now more balanced between buyers and sellers, with less competition and longer time on the market. Despite this cooling trend, there are still opportunities for buyers, especially in regions where inventory is holding steady.
 
Key Factors Driving the Slowdown:
Affordability Crisis: High home prices have continued to discourage potential buyers, leaving those who remain in the market with more options and less competition.
Stalled Home Values: Zillow’s Property Value Index shows flat home prices for the past year, marking the second-slowest monthly gain since 2018.
 
Slower Sales: Homes are taking longer to sell, with the average time increasing to 27 days in August, a full week longer than the previous year.
Sellers Respond to Market Challenges:
 Many sellers are holding off, particularly those with substantial equity and low mortgage rates. New listings in August dropped by 7.3% compared to July, as homeowners feel little urgency to sell in a challenging market. About 37% of recent sellers reported job changes as their reason for selling, and a weak labor market could lead to fewer homeowners needing to move.
Regional Variations:
In markets like Miami, Tampa, and Austin, buyers have more bargaining power due to increased inventory, while San Francisco and parts of the Northeast remain seller-friendly due to low inventory.
Seattle has shifted to a more balanced market, benefiting buyers with a 22% increase in inventory.
National Market Insights:
Home values: The typical U.S. home value is $363,946, with the median monthly mortgage payment at $1,855.
Inventory & Listings: New listings fell by 7.3%, and total inventory decreased by 1.3%. However, listings remain 22.2% below pre-pandemic levels.
Price Cuts: 25.8% of listings saw price cuts in August, with 28.8% of homes selling above asking price.
What Buyers Can Expect Moving Forward:
 Despite the slowdown, buyers may find increased negotiating power in a less competitive market. However, as the market stabilizes, more sellers could re-enter, shifting the balance back in favor of sellers. Buyers ready to act now may secure deals and options that were previously unavailable. While the housing market faces affordability challenges, it remains a desirable goal for many, with buyers needing more patience and flexibility than before.
 
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit Nadlan Capital Group.
Continue reading on our site: Home Sellers Hold Back as Housing Market Faces Slowdown: What Buyers Can Expect | ‎נדל"ן ולעניין - השקעות בארה"ב
#HousingMarket2025 #Homebuyers #SellerPullback #RealEstateTrends #AffordabilityChallenges

Mortgage Rates Rise Despite Fed Rate Cut: Here’s Why

On the day of the Federal Reserve’s September 2025 policy announcement, mortgage rates unexpectedly rose even though the Fed cut its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points. This highlights that mortgage rates are influenced more by bond market movements than the Fed’s headline rate decision. Rates are primarily tied to yields on mortgage-backed securities and Treasury bonds, so investor reactions to Fed guidance can have a greater impact than the cut itself.
The situation underscores the volatility borrowers can face around Fed events. Mortgage rates may spike or dip rapidly depending on market interpretation of guidance and economic data. For homeowners and buyers, this means timing mortgage or refinance decisions carefully, monitoring bond yields, and focusing on market trends rather than relying solely on headline Fed moves. In short, while the rate cut was intended to support economic growth, cautious messaging from the Fed led to higher mortgage rates in practice, illustrating the complex interplay between monetary policy and lending costs.
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
Continue reading on our site: https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/09/mortgage-rates-rise-despite-fed-rate-cut-heres-why/
#MortgageRates #FederalReserve #FedRateCut #BondMarket #Homebuying
 

The Best Time to Buy a Home in 2025: Why October 12–18 Is the Sweet Spot for Homebuyers

According to Realtor.com's 2025 Best Time to Buy Report, the week of October 12–18 is shaping up to be the best time to purchase a home this year. During this period, homebuyers can take advantage of favorable market conditions, including an increase in available inventory, lower prices, and reduced competition compared to earlier in the year.
Several factors contribute to this ideal window:More Homes for Sale: By mid-October, home inventory typically peaks, offering 32.6% more listings than at the beginning of the year. Buyers will have a wider selection of homes to choose from, easing frustration caused by limited options in recent years.
Lower Prices: Homes in mid-October are usually listed 3.4% below the seasonal peak, which could mean savings of over $15,000 for the average U.S. home priced at $439,450.
Less Competition: Due to affordability concerns and high mortgage rates, buyer demand has slowed in 2025, making it a less competitive time to buy. This results in fewer multiple-offer situations, giving buyers more time to make decisions.
Fewer Hasty Decisions: Homes are taking longer to sell, allowing buyers to negotiate more effectively, as listings in October typically stay on the market for an average of two weeks longer than in the peak season.
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.

Which U.S. Households Benefit Most From the Increased SALT Deduction Cap?

The recent increase in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap, raised from $10,000 to $40,000 under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," provides significant savings for homeowners in high-tax states. This change, effective in 2025, allows taxpayers to deduct up to $40,000 in property, sales, or income taxes paid to state and local governments, benefiting homeowners in areas with high state and local taxes.
Top States for SALT Savings:New York leads the way, with typical homeowners expected to save $7,092 annually due to the combination of high state and local taxes and high property values. Other high-tax states such as California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts also see substantial savings, with homeowners saving between $3,800 and $4,000 annually.
Lowest Savings: States like South Dakota, Alaska, Nevada, and Tennessee, which do not have a state income tax, see much smaller benefits from the increased SALT cap, with savings typically ranging from $1,000 to $1,100 annually.
Who Benefits the Most?Households in high-tax states with expensive homes, like Massachusetts, where 85.5% of homeowners stand to benefit, will see the largest impact. Other states with high shares of beneficiaries include New Jersey (84.2%), Oregon (79.8%), New York (75.8%), and California (74.3%).
Metro Areas with Highest Savings:Nassau County, New York, tops the list, with homeowners saving $7,200 annually, the highest savings among the top 100 metro areas. Other metro areas with significant savings include San Francisco, San Jose, and New York City, where savings range from $5,473 to $6,843.
Impact on Homebuyers:The SALT cap increase could help homebuyers in high-tax states like New York and California stretch their homebuying budgets. In markets like Illinois, where potential tax savings are high relative to home prices, the increase could lead to more demand and higher budgets for buyers.
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.

Builders Hope for Lower Rates to Unclog Housing Market Traffic Jam

The September 2025 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) showed that builder confidence remained stagnant at 32, marking the 17th consecutive month the index has been below 50. While this reflects a struggling housing market, there was a glimmer of optimism in the report: sales expectations for the next six months reached their highest point in six months, suggesting a potential for future growth despite ongoing challenges.
The primary concern for builders remains affordability, and mortgage rates continue to play a significant role in this. Although there was some hope that recent drops in mortgage rates could alleviate the stagnation, rates spiked again, adding uncertainty to the outlook. Builders are hopeful that a consistent period of lower rates could increase buyer traffic and stimulate sales, breaking the ongoing market congestion.
Pricing pressures are another challenge, with 36% of builders reducing prices by an average of 5% in September. Additionally, 64% of builders are offering sales incentives, above historical averages, to encourage buyers. Regional variations in builder confidence are significant, with the weakest confidence reported in the West due to affordability issues, particularly in states like California and Washington. In contrast, the South, Midwest, and Northeast experienced more stable confidence levels, reflecting the differences in housing costs across the U.S.
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
Continue reading on our site: https://www.forumnadlanusa.com/2025/09/builders-hope-for-lower-rates-to-unclog-housing-market-traffic-jam/

Mortgage Applications Surge as Rates Drop: Opportunities for Homeowners and Buyers

Mortgage activity surged last week as declining interest rates prompted homeowners and prospective buyers to act quickly. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending September 12, 2025, the Market Composite Index rose 29.7% week-over-week, with an unadjusted increase of 43%. 
 
Refinances drove much of this surge, jumping 58% week-over-week and 70% year-over-year, as homeowners rushed to lock in lower rates. 
 
The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage for conforming loans fell from 6.49% to 6.39%, and borrowers with larger loans pushed the average refinance loan to the highest level in the 35-year history of the MBA survey.
 
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) also gained popularity, accounting for 12.9% of applications—the highest share since 2008—offering rates roughly 75 basis points lower than traditional 30-year fixed loans. 
 
Purchase applications increased modestly, up 3% week-over-week and 20% year-over-year, reflecting renewed buyer interest as affordability improves slightly. Rates declined across most loan types, including jumbo, FHA, 15-year fixed, and 5/1 ARMs, enhancing affordability and encouraging refinancing.
 
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit  Nadlan Capital Group.
Continue reading on our site: Mortgage Applications Surge as Rates Drop: Opportunities for Homeowners and Buyers | ‎נדל"ן ולעניין - השקעות בארה"ב
#MortgageApplications #RefinanceSurge #LowInterestRates #Homebuyers #HousingMarket

Federal Reserve Cuts Rates for First Time in 2025 Amid Economic Uncertainty

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage points to a range of 4%–4.25%, marking its first rate cut of 2025 after holding rates steady in five consecutive meetings. 
 
The decision comes amid signs of slowing economic growth, a softening labor market, and elevated inflation. The Fed emphasized its commitment to achieving maximum employment while maintaining inflation near 2%, citing ongoing uncertainty about the economic outlook.
 
The rate cut has already impacted mortgage rates, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage falling 15 basis points week-over-week to 6.35%, the largest weekly decline in a year. Analysts note that even modest rate reductions can stimulate housing demand by improving affordability for buyers and encouraging refinancing. 
 
Lower rates are expected to unlock additional home purchase and refinance activity, giving the housing market a potential boost in the coming months.
 
The move coincides with labor market pressures, including rising initial unemployment claims and increasing long-term unemployment, highlighting the challenges facing both workers and consumers. 
 
The Fed’s decision also occurs amid political and administrative complexities, including recent appointments to the Fed Board and broader economic policy considerations.
 
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit Nadlan Capital Group.
 
Continue reading on our site: Federal Reserve Cuts Rates for First Time in 2025 Amid Economic Uncertainty | ‎נדל"ן ולעניין - השקעות בארה"ב
#FederalReserve #InterestRateCut #MortgageRates #HousingMarket #EconomicOutlook

Renters Gain Breathing Room as Rents Show First Decline Since March

In August 2025, the U.S. rental market experienced its first decline in rents since March, signaling the start of the seasonal slowdown. 
 
According to Realtor.com, median asking rents for 0–2 bedroom apartments in the 50 largest metro areas fell by $46 year-over-year to $1,713, a 2.6% drop from the previous peak in August 2022. 
 
Smaller units saw similar declines, with studios dropping to $1,430, one-bedrooms to $1,593, and two-bedrooms to $1,897. Despite this easing, rents remain 17% above pre-pandemic levels, highlighting ongoing affordability pressures.
 
Although rental affordability is improving, barriers to homeownership persist, including rising first-time buyer age, down payment requirements, limited inventory, and credit constraints. Nevertheless, more than half of renters plan to buy a home within the next one to two years, reflecting cautious optimism.
 
As renters make trade-offs on amenities, location, and convenience, easing rents give them more flexibility to optimize housing costs and living conditions. The seasonal slowdown and improved affordability suggest that renter mobility will continue to rise, offering households greater opportunities to balance financial reality with lifestyle preferences.
 
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit Nadlan Capital Group.
Continue reading on our site: Renters Gain Breathing Room as Rents Show First Decline Since March | ‎נדל"ן ולעניין - השקעות בארה"ב
#RentalMarket #RentDecline #HousingAffordability #RenterMobility #HomeownershipGoals

Federal Reserve Announces 0.25% Rate Cut: What It Means for the Economy

On September 18, 2025, the Federal Reserve announced a 0.25% reduction in the benchmark federal funds rate, marking its first rate cut since early 2024. This decision is part of the Fed's strategy to stimulate economic growth in response to slower-than-expected domestic recovery and global economic challenges. 
 
The federal funds rate influences borrowing costs throughout the economy, and this rate cut aims to encourage consumer spending and business investment by making borrowing more affordable.
 
The U.S. economy faces several hurdles, including a slowing manufacturing sector and global economic uncertainties, particularly in China and Europe. The Fed's move is intended to counteract these headwinds and support the U.S. economy by providing additional liquidity.
 
In conclusion, the Fed's 0.25% rate cut reflects its commitment to supporting the economy amid ongoing challenges. While the cut may offer some relief to borrowers and investors, the economic outlook remains uncertain, and the Fed will continue to monitor key indicators as it makes future decisions.
 
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit  Nadlan Capital Group.
Continue reading on our site: Federal Reserve Announces 0.25% Rate Cut: What It Means for the Economy
#FederalReserve #InterestRateCut #EconomicGrowth #MortgageRates #Investing

Mortgage Rates Hit 3-Year Low Ahead of Fed Decision: What This Means for Borrowers

Mortgage rates have reached their lowest levels in nearly three years, with the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage dropping to 6.13%, the lowest since late 2022. This decrease comes as investors in the mortgage-backed securities (MBS) market anticipate a Federal Reserve rate cut, which is widely expected this week. 
 
The rate reduction follows a common pattern where mortgage rates fall ahead of Fed decisions. However, historical trends suggest that rates may rise again shortly after the Fed's announcement, even if a rate cut occurs, as seen in September 2024.
 
While the anticipated Fed rate cut has sparked hope for long-term rate relief, experts suggest that its effect on long-term mortgage rates may be limited. Willy Walker, CEO of Walker & Dunlop, explained that during non-recessionary periods, such as the current economic environment, rate cuts tend to have a less significant impact on long-term rates. 
 
Some analysts predict that a sell-off in the 10-year Treasury bonds following the Fed's rate cut could lead to slight rate increases in the weeks that follow.
 
For now, borrowers looking to refinance or purchase homes are presented with a favorable opportunity to lock in low mortgage rates. However, given the potential volatility following the Fed’s rate cut and the unpredictable nature of market reactions, borrowers should stay informed and be prepared for possible shifts in the coming weeks.
 
For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit  Nadlan Capital Group.
 
Continue reading on our site: Mortgage Rates Hit 3-Year Low Ahead of Fed Decision: What This Means for Borrowers
#MortgageRates #FedDecision #InterestRates #RefinanceOpportunity #MortgageMarket