The war in Iran continues to create uncertainty across global markets, but what does that actually mean for the U.S. housing market?In this live housing market update, we’ll discuss how geopolitical tensions could impact oil prices, inflation, mortgage rates, and buyer confidence heading into the second half of the year. We’ll also break down the latest housing data and answer your real estate and mortgage questions live.

Start Here 👇🏻✅ Ready to become a homeowner? Start your stress-free journey today: http://www.theeducatedhomebuyer.com/start New podcast episode every Monday. Next week: our mortgage rate forecast for the second half of the year. Search "The Educated HomeBuyer" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

Everyone thought mortgage rates would be lower by now... but they were wrong.

Inflation surprised the market, the Fed changed its outlook, and new uncertainty has completely shifted the mortgage rate forecast. In this episode, we break down what happened with mortgage rates in the first half of the year, where rates could go in the second half, and what buyers should focus on instead of trying to perfectly time the market.

We also discuss why predicting mortgage rates is so difficult, what could finally push rates lower, and how to make a smart home buying decision when nobody knows exactly what comes next.

✅ Ready to become a homeowner? Start your stress-free journey today:
http://www.theeducatedhomebuyer.com/start

Topics Covered:

• Why mortgage rates didn’t fall like many expected
• How inflation impacts mortgage rates
• What the Fed’s latest outlook means for buyers
• Why global events can create rate volatility
• Whether mortgage rates could still move lower
• Should you buy now or wait for lower rates?
• The biggest mistake buyers make when trying to time the market

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Mortgage Rate Forecast: What Changed?
• 00:35 - Why Experts Were Wrong About Lower Mortgage Rates
• 02:10 - How Inflation and Global Events Impact Interest Rates
• 04:25 - The Fed’s Next Move and What It Means For Mortgage Rates
• 07:15 - Will Mortgage Rates Finally Drop Below 6%?
• 10:40 - Why Predicting Mortgage Rates Is So Difficult
• 14:05 - What Lower Rates Could Mean For Home Prices
• 17:30 - Should You Buy A House Now Or Wait For Rates To Fall?
• 21:45 - The Biggest Mistake Home Buyers Make With Interest Rates
• 25:00 - How To Make A Smart Home Buying Decision In Today’s Market

Trying to decide if you should buy a house now or wait for lower mortgage rates? This episode will help you understand the market, avoid emotional decisions, and create a plan based on your goals.

Housing market update for this week: inventory finally topped last year, with 841,000 homes versus 831,000. Sellers are getting more realistic on price, and mortgage rates sit at 6.65%. Josh Lewis and Jeb Smith break down what it means for buyers, then answer your questions live.

In this episode: national and Orange County inventory, new listings and pending sales, price reductions at 39%, mortgage spreads at 2.02, jobs week data, Cleveland Fed inflation nowcast, real home prices by state from Visual Capitalist, and California's proposed AB 736 transfer tax.

We answer YOUR mortgage and real estate questions live every Wednesday. Drop a question in the comments or join us live next show.

Get connected with Josh's mortgage team or a realtor anywhere in the country:
https://jebsmith.net/start
https://theeducatedhomebuyer.com/start

New podcast episode every Monday. Next week: our mortgage rate forecast for the second half of the year. Search The Educated HomeBuyer on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

• 0:00 Housing Market Update: Inventory Finally Tops Last Year
• 9:45 Jobs Week: JOLTS, ADP + Payrolls Preview
• 12:38 Real Home Prices, New Inflation Data + Fed Hike Odds
• 17:50 Mortgage Rates Today: 6.65%
• 18:55 LIVE Q&A: Ask Us Anything Mortgage or Real Estate
• 19:25 Max Seller Concessions on a Second Home?
• 20:35 Who Builds the Cheapest New Construction Homes?
• 22:20 Roof Replacement Cost
• 23:55 New Construction Tips
• 27:50 Realtor Commission
• 31:20 FHA vs VA vs Conventional
• 36:25 Is a $1,000 HOA Document Fee Normal?
• 37:50 California's Proposed Transfer Tax: AB 736
• 39:42 Can I Beat a 6.2% Rate?
• 43:00 Pay Down PMI or Wait It Out?
• 45:40 Offering Below the Competition
• 50:20 Is It a Good Time to Refinance?
• 51:00 75 Days on Market, Is That Normal?

Josh Lewis, BuyWise Mortgage, NMLS #1942
Jeb Smith, Realtor

#housingmarket #mortgagerates #realestate