Real Estate From The Trenches

Real Estate and the Shutdown: What Stops, What Slows, What Moves

October 2, 2025

Federal Government shutdown and impact on residential real estate market and industry

The federal government officially shut down at midnight last night, after Congress failed to pass a funding bill. While this doesn’t bring the housing market to a halt, it does throw a wrench into some key parts of the residential real estate process.

Most loan activity through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will continue, since they’re not federally funded, but deals involving the federal government directly will see delays or stoppages. USDA loans are paused completely. FHA and VA loans are still technically operational, but with fewer staff and slower processing, timelines are going to slip.

Mortgage and Auto Loans Surge—Is Rising Debt Putting Homeowners at Risk?

August 5, 2025

In the second quarter of 2025, household debt across the U.S. soared to an eye-opening $18.39 trillion—up by $185 billion in just three months. What's driving this surge? A couple of key areas stand out, and homeowners and buyers alike should take notice.

Mortgage Market Check-In: Debt Climbs, but Risks Remain Low

August 5, 2025

Right now, mortgage debt across the U.S. is climbing, with homeowners owing a total of almost $13 trillion by mid-2025. While that might sound concerning, the reality is that today's lending standards are far stricter compared to the shaky practices that led to the housing crisis in 2008.

How the Senate’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” Could Put Thousands Back in Your Pocket—and Boost Affordable Housing Across America

July 2, 2025

Here’s an update on the One Big Beautiful Bill, fresh from its tight Senate win and heading to the House.

The Real Estate Freeze: What Today’s Fed Drama Means for Your Move

June 20, 2025

Pulte vs Powell on Fed Rates and the impact on homebuyers

When Interest Rates Collide with Real Life

It’s easy for the average home buyer or seller to feel like interest rates are just a far-off number—something the Fed talks about on CNBC that doesn’t really affect your day-to-day life. But make no mistake: today’s interest rate debate is very real, and very personal, for anyone thinking about buying or selling a home.

DOJ Seeks Early Termination of Multiple Redlining Settlements

June 16, 2025

In recent weeks, the U.S. Department of Justice has moved to terminate or seek early termination of several redlining-related consent orders with banks, citing substantial compliance with the terms of the original settlements. These actions mark a shift in approach and have sparked conversation across the financial and regulatory landscape.

Key updates include:

Mortgage Leaders See Easing Rules, Rising Optimism Under Trump

May 21, 2025

Trump rolls back regulation on mortgage industry

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is signaling a more optimistic tone in the early months of President Trump’s return to the White House. Speaking at a recent secondary mortgage market conference in New York, MBA President Bob Broeksmit outlined what he sees as a positive turn for the mortgage and housing finance industries, crediting early regulatory pullbacks and a more industry-friendly approach out of Washington.

According to reporting from Mortgage News Daily, Broeksmit said the group jumped in right after the election, getting in front of key decision makers and making their case. Since January, the MBA has had steady conversations with the administration, Congress, and housing agencies, pushing for fewer regulatory barriers and more space for the industry to operate.

Mortgage Rates Hit New Low for 2025 – Will the Trend Continue?

February 28, 2025

Mortgage interest rates remain a key factor for homebuyers and real estate investors, and recent trends indicate a shift in borrowing costs. As of early 2025, current mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest level this year, with the 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaging around 6.5%. This marks a decrease from the 7.5% peak seen in late 2023. While rates are still higher than the historic lows of under 3% in 2020 and 2021, this downward trend may create opportunities for buyers looking to lock in a lower home loan interest rate.

Historically, mortgage rate trends have been influenced by economic conditions, inflation, and Federal Reserve policies. In the 1980s, mortgage rates soared past 18%, making today's levels appear moderate by comparison. The question many are asking now is: Will mortgage rates go down further in 2025? While some analysts predict possible rate cuts later in the year, the timing remains uncertain.