Nick Steinhauer

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.

Labor Market Stumbles, Mortgage Rates Celebrate

We break down the August jobs report, where slowing job growth and rising unemployment sent mortgage rates tumbling to their lowest point of 2025. With the Fed poised to cut rates in September, buyers and agents alike are staring at a rare window of opportunity. Plus, we explore Gen Z’s “Great Lock In” trend — and how channeling that same focus could set them up to unlock homeownership in 2026.

From Hawk to Dove: How Powell’s Jackson Hole Pivot Could Fuel the Market

The End of Trigger Leads Is Here — And That’s Great News for EVERYBODY

A new law finally kills off those annoying trigger leads that flood buyers with spam calls, Trump’s rumored Fannie & Freddie IPO could either drop rates or shake up the market, and I’ve discovered a loan program that lets asset-rich, income-light buyers finally qualify.

The "Spread" and Why It Matters

I'm de-mystifying the real reason mortgage rates are still high—the spread between the 10-year Treasury and 30-year mortgage rates—and why that gap matters more than the Fed. I also reflected on the legacy of Hulk Hogan and what I've learned from his larger-than-life personality. Plus, don't miss your early shot at Rebel 2026 VIP tickets (Aug 5) and the Big Summer Bash on Aug 12.

Big Win for Buyers: New Credit Score Approved for Mortgages

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now accept VantageScore 4.0, giving lenders a real alternative to FICO. Only 1.1M first-time buyers purchased homes in 2024—the lowest since 1989. Rumors of Powell's resignation are swirling, but a premature exit could shake market stability.

Bitcoin Might Soon Help You Buy a House

From Bitcoin potentially counting toward mortgage assets, to Buy Now, Pay Later loans creeping onto credit reports, the game is changing fast. Plus, NAR’s top economist just laid out a playbook for finishing 2025 strong—and it’s packed with opportunity if you know where to look.

⛽️ Conflict, Crude, and Closings: How the Israel-Iran Tension COULD Affect Rates

Geopolitical tension is heating up—and it’s not just overseas. Oil prices, inflation risk, and Fed policy are all on the table as conflict in the Middle East threatens global markets (and mortgage rates). Plus: why the MBA’s credit report reform won’t move the needle for buyers, and a fresh look at inflation data that’s cooler than expected—but still not cool enough for the Fed to cut.

🏛 Fannie & Freddie: Time to Release or Keep Them on a Leash?

Fannie and Freddie might finally break free from government control—and the fallout could shake up rates, guidelines, and your closings. The HELPER Act is gaining steam, offering VA-style perks to teachers and first responders. Plus, a simple strategy to spark listings without making a single cold call.