A cooling labor market, rising housing inventory, and growing uncertainty around the Fed’s next move are shaping a complex end to the year for real estate. In this month’s market update, Gabi Brennesholtz and Ruben Gonzalez break down the latest unemployment trends, what October’s existing home sales reveal about buyer behavior, and how affordability challenges are reshaping who’s entering the market. They also dig into NAR’s newest survey insights—from cash buyers to rising down payments—and explain why December’s Fed meeting could trigger meaningful rate volatility.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the latest unemployment and claims data suggest about the labor market’s direction
• Why existing home sales remain flat despite easing mortgage rates—and how rising inventory is shifting buyer behavior
• How affordability challenges are pushing the average first-time buyer age to 40 and driving down-payment trends to record highs
• What the NAR’s newest survey reveals about cash buyers, investor participation, and today’s longer buying cycles
• Why December’s Fed meeting is essentially a 50/50 call—and how that uncertainty may impact mortgage-rate volatility
• What a 50-year mortgage would really mean for buyers, equity, and long-term wealth building

_______________________________________________________________________

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction & overview of this month’s market update

00:51 Unemployment data, claims reports, and what they signal about the labor market

03:12 What the Fed will consider in the upcoming meeting and why uncertainty is unusually high

04:29 October existing home sales, rising inventory, and regional price trends

06:13 NAR survey insights: cash buyers, buyer age, down payments, and shifting buying cycles

12:34 Upcoming Fed meeting and what to expect

14:21 50-year mortgage question: viability, affordability impact, and long-term wealth concerns

17:59 Final takeaways & closing remarks

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

A prolonged government shutdown is creating fresh challenges for the housing market—from delayed closings to missing economic data just as the Fed prepares for another potential rate cut. In this month’s market update, Ruben Gonzalez and Gabi Brennesholtz unpack the real-world impact on homebuyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. From stalled USDA loans to surprising strength in existing home sales, they break down how lower mortgage rates, supply trends, and economic uncertainty are shaping a complicated but opportunity-filled market.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How the government shutdown is delaying closings and disrupting flood insurance and USDA lending
• Why conventional and FHA loans remain largely unaffected—and what that means for buyers
• How missing data could influence the Fed’s next move and mortgage rate trends
• Why lower mortgage rates are boosting existing home sales even amid broader economic concerns
• What rising inventory and steady prices reveal about the balance between supply and demand
• How buyers and real estate professionals can take advantage of today’s “market of the moment”

_______________________________________________________________________

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:47 Government shutdown and what it means for real estate

05:33 The Fed’s next move: Missing data and the outlook for another rate cut

08:36 Housing data recap: Rising sales, steady prices, and growing inventory

11:17 What lower rates mean for Q4 and early 2025 housing activity

13:27 Takeaways: Why now may be the right moment for buyers to act

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Despite a recent dip in mortgage rates and a slight bump in new home sales, many buyers are still sitting on the sidelines—and the uncertainty isn’t just about interest rates. In this episode, Ruben Gonzalez and Gabi Brennesholtz break down what the latest Fed decision signals, how buyer psychology is shaping demand, and why pricing trends are diverging sharply by region. With affordability improving but confidence lagging, this month’s market update is all about finding clarity in a mixed market.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why falling mortgage rates aren’t immediately translating into higher home sales
• How the Fed’s recent quarter-point rate cut and labor market concerns are influencing rate movement
• What to watch in the treasury markets for clues about where mortgage rates are headed next
• Why buyer psychology and economic uncertainty continue to limit existing home sales
• Where price trends are diverging regionally—and what it means for buyers and investors
• How investors might capitalize on year-end opportunities, including bonus depreciation

_______________________________________________________________________

Timestamps:

00:00 Fed rate cut recap and what it means for the economy

02:40 Why mortgage rates don’t move in lockstep with Fed decisions

04:11 How treasury markets provide clues about future rate movement

07:28 The impact of falling rates on new home sales vs. existing homes

10:44 Regional pricing trends and where affordability is improving

13:50 Year-end opportunities for investors and motivated buyers

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Despite a modest uptick in summer sales, year-over-year numbers remain nearly flat—and inventory is quietly building across much of the U.S. In this episode, Ruben Gonzalez and Gabi Brennesholtz unpack the latest housing data and dive into the broader economic forces shaping the market, from elevated mortgage rates and sticky inflation to signs of cooling in the labor market. Whether you're advising clients or planning investments, this conversation explores where to find opportunity amid uncertainty.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why home sales remain sluggish despite a rise in inventory and slight seasonal price adjustments
• How regional variations—like the Northeast’s resilience and the South’s continued slowdown—are influencing national trends
• What inflation and labor market data reveal about the economy’s current health and the Fed’s likely next move
• How buyer uncertainty is shaping seller concessions, new construction deals, and investor behavior
• Where real opportunities lie for both seasoned investors and move-up buyers in today’s slower-paced market
• What to expect from mortgage rates for the rest of the year—and why major shifts likely won’t happen overnight

_______________________________________________________________________

Timestamps:

00:00 Market Update Overview

01:44 Regional Pricing Trends

06:27 Labor Market Weakness Emerging

08:47 Inflation and Fed Policy Outlook

11:56 Where Buyers and Investors Can Find Opportunity

16:23 What’s Ahead for Mortgage Rates

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

New legislation, shifting buyer behavior, and stubborn mortgage rates are all shaping the real estate landscape. In this episode, Ruben Gonzalez and Gabi Brennesholtz unpack the latest tax bill and its implications for homeowners and investors, explore emerging trends in inventory, price reductions, and new construction, and provide timely guidance for navigating today’s complex market. Whether you're advising clients or considering a move, this episode offers actionable insights to help you stay competitive and informed.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the recent tax bill means for mortgage interest deductions, standard deductions, real estate investors, and homeowners
• Why increased inventory and price reductions aren’t necessarily translating into higher home sales
• How shifting buyer and seller motivations are driving a rise in delistings and longer days on market
• What new construction trends reveal about pricing strategy—and how resale homes can stay competitive
• How rising inflation and global tariffs could keep mortgage rates elevated through year-end
• What assumable mortgages are and how they can benefit both buyers and sellers in today’s high-rate environment

_______________________________________________________________________

Timestamps:

00:27 What the new tax bill means for mortgage interest deductions and standard deductions

02:19 Key tax benefits for real estate investors, including bonus depreciation and opportunity zones

05:23 June housing data: Why home sales remain flat despite rising inventory

07:14 The rise in delistings and what it reveals about today’s sellers

10:41 How new construction is reshaping local pricing strategies and buyer expectations

12:10 Inflation concerns and their impact on mortgage rates and first-time buyer affordability

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

Rising inventory and steady mortgage rates are reshaping today’s housing landscape. In this episode, Ruben Gonzalez and Gabi Brennesholtz break down June’s housing data, discuss the Fed’s latest rate projections, and highlight how shifting supply and demand dynamics are creating opportunities—and challenges—for buyers and sellers alike. Whether you're preparing to list or considering a move, this episode delivers timely insights and strategic guidance to help you thrive in a market defined by higher inventory, cautious buyers, and persistent affordability concerns.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why rising inventory isn’t translating into increased home sales—and what that means for market conditions
• How the latest Fed meeting impacts mortgage rate expectations for the rest of 2025
• What buyers should know about timing, inventory, and long-term affordability
• Why pricing ahead of the market is now critical for sellers
• How to guide contingent buyers and sellers through dual transactions with clarity and strategy
• The top communication strategies real estate professionals are using to build confidence amid uncertainty

_______________________________________________________________________

Timestamps:

00:00 Current State of Home Sales & Regional Market Trends

03:16 Federal Reserve's Impact on Mortgage Rates

09:01 Strategies for Buyers and Sellers in Today's Market

14:12 Navigating Contingencies and Equity Challenges

17:15 Final Thoughts and Market Outlook

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, more regions are shifting from seller’s markets into buyer-friendly territory. In this episode, Ruben Gonzalez and Gabi Brennesholtz discuss the latest national and regional housing data, identify where inventory is rising fastest, and explore actionable strategies for both buyers and sellers. Whether you're navigating a cooling Sunbelt market or operating in the still-tight Northeast, this episode offers a timely roadmap for success in today’s shifting environment.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Which regions are experiencing the sharpest shift toward buyer’s market conditions
• How sellers can adjust pricing and timing strategies to stand out in a more competitive market
• What “reverse offers” are and how they’re being used to revive buyer interest
• Why rising inventory levels are creating new opportunities for motivated buyers
• What’s driving continued mortgage rate volatility and what it means for buyers this year
• How top agents across the country are adapting their marketing, pricing, and communication strategies in response to regional trends

_____________________________________________________________

Timestamps:

00:00 National Market Insights

01:48 Regional Market Breakdown

08:00 Buyer's Market Strategies & Opportunities

16:11 Interest Rates and Their Impact

20:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

As April unfolds, the ripple effects of market volatility are starting to show. With the stock market on a bit of a rollercoaster and mortgage rates staying stubbornly high, Ruben Gonzalez and guest Joy Powell dig into what it means for home sales, inventory, and the opportunities—and challenges—buyers and sellers are navigating right now.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How the recent stock market crash is impacting the real estate market
• What the unusual activity in the bond market is telling us
• What the March NAR numbers tell us about home sales, prices, and inventory
• Where inventory is rising the fastest across the country
• How buyers and sellers should adjust based on their location and current trends
• Why mortgage rates remain high and what to expect in the months ahead

_____________________________________________________________

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to This Month’s Market Update

00:30 Stock Market Crash and Real Estate Impact

02:02 Unusual Bond Market Activity

07:39 Current Home Sales, Prices, and Market Trends

13:44 Future of Mortgage Rates and Fed Policy

19:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.