Weekly Mortgage Market update: July 17th, 2025

 


Weekly Mortgage Market Update
July 17, 2025

Mortgage rates have held in a narrow band around 6.7–6.8% over the past two weeks, despite headline-grabbing chatter about a potential Fed Chair shakeup; the Fed’s July 30 meeting is expected to pass without change, with markets eyeing a possible cut in September. Meanwhile, the newly enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill” delivers permanent tax wins for homebuyers—mortgage insurance premiums remain deductible, the cap on deductible mortgage debt jumps from $500K to $750K, and the SALT deduction limit increases to $40K through 2029—boosting affordability, especially in higher-cost markets. For Realtors and buyers, now is the time to lock competitive rates, educate clients on these new tax benefits, and prioritize those first-contact opportunities when borrowers most often choose their lender.

1. Market Snapshot: Rates Remain in a Tight Range

Despite a flurry of headlines about potential Fed Chair changes and political back-and-forth, mortgage rates have been remarkably stable over the past two weeks. According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the 30-year fixed rate inched up by just 3 bps to 6.75% as of July 17 — still within a 40 bp trading band that’s hovered between 6.67% and 6.77% since early July Freddie Mac.

Why it matters for Realtors & Homebuyers:

  • Affordability headwinds persist, but minor rate fluctuations can sway timing decisions for buyers.

  • Lock windows: A quarter-point move can change monthly payments by roughly $50–$60 on a $300K loan.

2. Fed Watch: Eyes on July 30 & Beyond

The Federal Open Market Committee meets next on July 30, 2025, with no rate change expected. Many analysts now anticipate a potential rate cut in September, following the traditional seasonal pause in August Realtor.

Action Tip:

  • Encourage clients to “rate shop now” and consider locking if they’re moving forward before the new school season.

  • Use this window to reinforce your expertise on timing rate locks and rate-locking protections.

3. Big “One Big Beautiful Bill” Wins for Housing

On July 4, President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” enacting key tax provisions that directly impact homebuyers and homeowners:

ProvisionWhat It DoesWhy It Matters
Permanent Mortgage Interest DeductionRestores and permanently makes mortgage insurance premiums deductible as interest.Borrowers in a 33% tax bracket save ~$133/month on a $400 mortgage-insurance payment Bipartisan Policy Center.
$750K Mortgage CapExtends the cap on deductible mortgage debt from $500K to $750K permanently.Buyers financing up to $750K in conforming loans can fully deduct interest — a huge win in higher-cost markets Bipartisan Policy Center.
SALT Deduction Cap Raised to $40KIncreases the state-and-local tax deduction cap from $10K to $40K (through 2029).High-tax-state homeowners (e.g., CA, NJ, NY) gain up to $30K extra deductions, potentially boosting purchasing power MarketWatch.

What Realtors Should Do:

  1. Educate clients on these tax benefits — many aren’t aware they can save thousands.

  2. Position yourself as the local expert, sharing easy-to-digest infographics or short videos explaining the changes.

  3. Co-market with your lending partner on these topics in your next open house or client newsletter.

4. Staying Ahead: Leverage Your Network & Triggers

  • Trigger campaigns (e.g., price-drop alerts, anniversary greetings) remain one of the most effective ways to reconnect.

  • Call the first person on your list: 79% of borrowers get their mortgage from the first lender they talk to — make sure it’s you Mortgage News Daily.

  • Join town-hall events and CallStars alliances to keep your pipeline fresh with timely insights.

About Between Two Doors
Between Two Doors is a podcast where I talk with Realtors about their journey, aiming to connect home buyers and sellers with agents on a more personal level. I ask “right brain” questions that go beyond transactions, focusing on the experiences, values, and passions that make these professionals great at what they do.

Listen to more episodes at: https://www.betweentwodoors.com

Sponsored by:
Premier Lending, Inc.
https://www.natecarver.com

NMLS Numbers:
NMLS: 2004738
Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). Equal Housing Opportunity.
https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.com

📞 Contact: 972-832-5761

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