- Kreg & Nick - Weekly Mortgage Update
- Authors
- Nick Steinhauer
Why This Ceasefire Feels Different ➡️ And What It Could Mean for Mortgage Rates
This week's newsletter has more genuinely good news than we've had in months — a potential end to the Iran war that's already moving mortgage rates, fresh data showing first-time buyers are surging back into the market, and a can't-miss conversation with NAR's chief economist on what the second half of 2026 looks like. If you've been waiting for a reason to feel optimistic, this might be it.
Today's the Day ➡️ OHFA Rate Sale Is Live
If you have a first-time homebuyer in your pipeline, stop what you are doing and read the second article first. Then come back for the story about why pausing Ohio's data center tax breaks matters for Columbus real estate, and what Kreg and I brought home from Chicago that could change how your next client finds you. Big week.
Kevin Warsh Just Took the Wheel at the Federal Reserve. Now What?
New Fed chair. $19 trillion inventory wave. OHFA rate sale June 1st. This week's newsletter covers what the Warsh era means for mortgage rates, why the baby boomer wealth transfer is actually a housing supply story, and why Ohio first-time buyers need to get pre-approved right now — before the window closes.
The Housing Market Has a Dark Side...
The housing market has a Dark Side — and a New Hope. This week we break down what's actually driving foreclosures and rate anxiety nationally, why central Ohio is already in Return of the Jedi mode, and why the Bank of Mom and Dad is becoming one of the most important conversations you can have with a buyer in 2026. Let's get into it.
The Housing Market Has a Generational Problem
The housing market is changing fast — and this week's newsletter is packed with data you actually need. From a generational shakeup that's locking first-time buyers out of the market, to a student loan deadline that could blindside millions of borrowers before July, to some genuinely great news if you live in Ohio. Grab your coffee — this one's worth reading.
Is AI Actually the Enemy of Homeownership?
Nearly 60% of Americans think AI will make homeownership harder to reach, but Kreg and I think they have it completely backwards. We also break down the new crypto-backed mortgage that just launched, why it's genuinely interesting, and why it could be a high-wire act without a safety net for the wrong buyer. Plus, March's jobs report looked great on the surface until you read the fine print.
Tasty Rates for a Busy Spring/Summer Are Souring Fast
In less than a month, mortgage rates have moved a half point in the wrong direction and central banks around the world are the reason why. There's a social media rumor circulating about VA appraisal changes that could cost you your credibility if you repeat it before it's verified. And buried in this week's news are two Fannie and Freddie rule changes that are good for buyers and effective right now.
The Real Force Controlling Mortgage Rates (And It's Not the Fed) 🛢️
The economy lost 92,000 jobs in February and rates still climbed — oil prices are the explanation nobody is talking about. This week we break down the hidden force that controls your rate sheet more than Jerome Powell ever has. Plus, we've got good news on the trigger leads front that's worth sharing with every buyer in your pipeline.
The Tariff Ruling You Didn’t Know Could Impact Mortgage Rates
A Supreme Court ruling just put guardrails on tariff-driven inflation—markets reacted, and mortgage rates even dipped. At the same time, Kentucky is testing a bold senior property tax freeze that could reshape affordability. Plus, one agent just turned content into $190M in volume—here’s what all three mean for your business.
Is Ohio A New Migration Destination?
For decades, people quietly left Ohio—year after year, more moved out than in. That streak just snapped: 2025 marked Ohio’s highest net domestic in-migration on record, with 12,000 more Americans choosing to move here than leave. Affordable homes and real economic momentum are pulling people back—and it’s reshaping the state’s housing story.