- Kreg & Nick - Weekly Mortgage Update
- Authors
- Nick Steinhauer
Is Inflation Actually at 1.2%?
Inflation data is sending mixed signals, the Fed is standing pat on rates, and a controversial new tax idea for homeowners is gaining traction on X. At the same time, quiet moves inside Fannie and Freddie — plus a surprise front-runner for the next Fed Chair — could reshape mortgage rates in 2026.

Mortgage Rates See Their Strongest Move Lower in Three Years
Mortgage rates just made their strongest move lower in years after a surprise $200B government intervention late Thursday night. At the same time, the latest jobs data looks better on the surface — but much weaker underneath. And quietly, rents are now falling nationwide, setting up a major shift in the inflation and rate outlook ahead.

Let’s Look BACK on Our 2025 Projections
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” might be the most accurate way to describe the housing market we just lived through. In this issue, we break down what actually happened in 2025, how eerily accurate our forecasts were, and the signals smart buyers and homeowners should be watching as we head into 2026.

Are Historically High De-Listing a Good Thing?
The Fed cut rates by 25 basis points this week, marking its third cut of 2025 as Chair Powell highlighted a cooling labor market and stubborn inflation. His more cautious tone signaled growing concern about downside economic risks. With key jobs and inflation data returning this week, markets are finally set to get clarity—and mortgage rates could react quickly.

First the 50-Year Mortgage...Now Assumable or Portable Mortgages 🥴
Assumable and portable mortgages sound helpful, but they could actually make affordability worse. NAR is now calling for a big rebound in 2026 with home sales jumping 14%. And after months of delays, this week’s jobs data could shake up the market fast.

Fed Cuts and Mortgage Rates Spike Again 🤦‍♂️
The Fed cut rates, but Powell’s comments sent mortgage rates higher and dampened hopes for more cuts this year. A missing jobs report and rising layoffs hint at a cooling labor market. Meanwhile, home sales just hit a 30-year low — this housing market’s frozen solid.

Gold Stores Wealth. Real Estate Builds It.
Gold is at record highs and some investors are questioning whether it’s time to turn shiny profits into properties that actually build wealth. Meanwhile, Washington drama is heating up as the CFPB faces a potential shutdown—raising big questions for future homebuyers and lending rules. And just to keep the markets guessing, the latest CPI print is landing this Friday, adding even more uncertainty (and potential volatility) to the days ahead.

Property Tax Spike Hits New Build Buyers — Here’s How to Protect Yours.
Property taxes are back in the spotlight — and not in a good way. A new lawsuit and state-level proposals are exposing just how costly “underestimated” taxes can be for Ohio homeowners. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself (and your clients) before the next bill hits.

Powell Cuts Rates and Mortgage Rates Go Up...What?!
Powell cuts rates...but mortgage rates rise. What’s driving this upside-down market, and could 2025 repeat last year’s rate surge? Trump’s $100K visa fee is shaking up housing demand and wages—including right here in Central Ohio. Meanwhile, Nvidia is betting $5 billion on Intel’s Columbus-area mega-fab, setting the stage for more jobs, higher pay, and a tech boom in our backyard.











