Between Two Doors

  Housing Market Analysis Empowering Realtors, Homebuyers & Sellers with the Latest Insights: May 16th 2025 1. Mortgage Rates in a Rangebound Market Even with daily headlines about inflation, tariffs and fiscal policy, 30-year rates have hovered between high-6% and just under 7%: May 14, 2025 national average: 6.86% (30-year fixed) 15-year fixed average: 6.08% Rates have remained “rangebound” despite CPI prints and jobs data Fed’s pause on benchmark changes keeps markets in a “wait-and-see” mode What this means: Buyers know the range. Competitive pricing and rate-buy-down strategies can keep your clients in the “sweet spot” below 7%   . 2. Strong Purchase Demand Persists Contrary to many forecasts, mortgage demand continues to hold firm—even with higher rates: New listings have normalized as spring winds down Demand has stayed between 7.25%–6.64% all year Realtor tip: Share this narrative with prospects—rates aren’t chasing buyers away What thi...

  📈 Market Overview Calm meeting favored by investors Investors prefer stability and certainty, which was observed in the latest discussions. Interest rate discussions Analysis of market movements within a 20-25 basis point range. Initial market decline earlier in the week ahead of Fed meetings. Slight positive reaction observed on Fed day; market bounced back quickly. 🏦 Federal Reserve Insights Fed Chair Powell's stance Emphasis on “data dependent” and “wait and see” mentioned multiple times. Consistency in message from previous congressional testimonies. Changes in Fed statement Minimal adjustments; focus on GDP report influences acknowledged. Increased risks of higher unemployment and inflation discussed. Reference to tariffs affecting price increases, but no immediate changes to rates expected. 📊 Future Predictions Anticipated timeline for rate changes Stability expected until at least September; possible rate cuts post-September. Emphasis on nearing significant decisions ba...