Marry the House, But Only Date the Interest Rate
Jeff advises potential homebuyers in this uncertain financial climate to find a property that is right for them instead of focusing on the high rates. With the shortage of available houses on the market, the window to snap up a property is short and likely has many other applicants. Is the answer to buy now and refinance later when rates drop? Guests Ciro De Palma, Luke Manke, and Bill Orr reveal updates on new loan types, the advantage of cash over financed offers, and the state of home insurance.
Hey Fed, Why Such High Rates?
Jeff tries to make some sense of the continued high interest rates facing the mortgage industry by breaking down some of the contributing factors. Although unemployment has remained under four percent over the past two years, suggesting a robust economy, the Fed shows no indication that it plans to lower rates anytime soon. What implications will this have for those already struggling with high home prices? Guests Michelle Wilde-Powell and Charles Giscombe provide ideas for thinking outside the box when it comes to mortgages.
What Exactly is Stagflation?
Jeff defines the most recent buzzword that many are concerned will be the next step for the economy – stagflation. This is characterized by an economic situation in which the inflation rate is high or increasing, the economic growth rate slows, and unemployment remains steadily high. Is the US headed in that direction and can the Fed do something about it? Guests Mikke Pierson and George Gonzales shed some light on business growth strategies and second mortgages as a solution to consolidate debt.
The Importance of the Human Factor in Real Estate
Jeff examines the potential impact of AI on the mortgage industry, where the latest sector to be affected is the appraisal process. Appraisals are under scrutiny as many push for the efficiency that AI could potentially offer. How much would electronic models miss out on that experienced human professionals bring to the table? What are the employment implications if AI makes some jobs obsolete? Guests Shaun Dennison and Wendy Van Wessel share non-QM products and home equity strategies
Positive Trends in the Marketplace
Jeff notes that there are some bright spots in the market despite the current challenges of high interest rates and low inventory. Unseasonably cold weather in SoCal has not kept prospective buyers from scoping out available homes, regions of the USA are enjoying a 15% decrease in housing prices, and the overall economy is looking strong. Will the Fed take these as a sign to lower rates? Guests Tony Masci and Charles Giscombe have some innovative loan solutions for entrepreneurs and those with non-traditional incomes.
The Ever-Evolving Real Estate Landscape
Jeff navigates the complex terrain of today’s real estate landscape, where, even though rates have stabilized, they are still much higher than in recent years. With the potential for property values to appreciate, could now be a good time to buy? How will the recent settlement between the National Association of Realtors and the Justice Department alter the way real estate commissions are structured and how will it impact both sides of a transaction? Guests Jennifer Martinez and Connie Hernandez offer some perspectives on changes ahead in the market.
Extreme Weather Conditions Complicate Homebuying
Jeff outlines the difficulties that extreme weather and natural disasters cause in the real estate market in the wake of the heavy rains in California. Such events have an impact on property values and lending decisions alike, so how can homeowners and potential buyers prepare for the challenges they may face? How will the lowering of the national average credit score affect rates? Guests Wendy Van Wessel, Tomas Trujillo, and Jennifer Conrad encourage researching alternative loan options and stress the importance of staying informed.
The Baby Boom Tsunami
Jeff sheds some light on the impact of the phenomenon known as “the baby boom tsunami,” a term given to the group of baby boomers projected to be selling their homes over the next decade. How many homes could this add to the market? How is the current lack of sufficient properties affecting housing prices and affordability for first-time homebuyers? Guests Chris Piro and Tiffany Nguyen advise on the various lending products open to borrowers in all types of financial situations.
Why Won’t the Fed Lower Interest Rates?
Jeff explores the various economic indicators that determine how the Fed structures interest rates. With mortgage rates over 7% and higher inventory causing home prices to wane, economic factors like stubbornly high 3% inflation make Fed rate cuts unlikely soon. Could the stock market’s performance offer cautious optimism about the health of the economy? How can homebuyers navigate the high-rate environment until rates become more manageable? Guests Jamal Bransford and Charles Giscombe share some alternative options to make that happen.
Is Mortgage Rate Stability on the Horizon?
Jeff considers the potential for future mortgage interest rate stabilization or even decreases ahead as a possible bright spot in market volatility. With inflation impacting so many areas of the economy, many obstacles are still in the way of creating the housing needed amid a continued inventory shortage. Are corporate greed and supply chain issues largely to blame? Guests Nina Penny and April Lopez provide insights into reverse mortgages and popular loan products and programs.
