A Shift in Mortgage Rates We Haven't Seen in Years!

Back to the daily grind! The kids are off to school, and it’s time to refocus. But first, let’s recap an action-packed weekend! We are here to breakdown the latest and greatest!

Let’s gooo!

We are posting regular content to Instagram (Nick | Kreg) and Facebook (Nick | Kreg) to help you and your buyers stay informed. Be sure to follow us!

Read time: ~5 minutes

Rates ended FLAT compared to last week, and volatility was LOW. Rates remain in the low 6% range for most loan types without paying discount points. Paying discount points can get you in the high 5's.

A Shift in Mortgage Rates We Haven't Seen in Years!

Every year around this time, Nick and I step back and look at where mortgage rates have been and where they seem to be heading. History doesn’t repeat itself perfectly, but it often gives us clues. And as we close out 2025 and look ahead to 2026, we’re seeing something we honestly haven’t seen in years: a market with real tailwinds at our backs.

On paper, the difference between 2024 and 2025 mortgage rates doesn’t look dramatic at all. In fact, the lowest 30-year fixed rate was actually a tad lower in 2024 (6.11%) than it was in 2025 (6.13%). And when you look at the averages, they’re closer than most people would expect with the average at 6.72% in 2024 versus 6.60% in 2025.

But here’s what really matters: the direction rates are moving.

This time last year, rates were heading higher as we rolled into January, which made things harder for buyers and slowed momentum across the market. This year feels very different. Rates have been slowly trending down as we finish 2025, and all signs point to that trend continuing into 2026.

That momentum matters. For buyers, sellers, and all of us in the real estate professional. When rates are falling, confidence improves, affordability gets a little better, and opportunities open up, even if the rate itself doesn’t change much.

The "Way Too Early" Venezuela Impact on Mortgage Rates!

Unless you have been living under a rock, you've heard about the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture and extradition of President Nicolás Maduro on drug trafficking charges. Since we're mortgage nerds, we are here to give you the deets on how this will likely play out for mortgage rates 🙂

When big global events happen, money tends to move fast. Investors usually look for “safe places” to park their money, and U.S. Treasury bonds are one of the first stops. Mortgage rates closely follow those bonds. Right now, the early reaction suggests mortgage rates are not going to spike, which is good! There’s a high likelihood they stay flat or dip slightly in the short term.

Why? Uncertainty often pushes investors toward safety, which can keep rates from rising. That’s one reason many analysts now believe the Federal Reserve is even more likely to leave rates unchanged at its January 2026 meeting.

The longer-term impact depends heavily on oil prices. Venezuela has massive oil reserves, but its current production is relatively low. If the country stabilizes and becomes more cooperative with the U.S., sanctions could be lifted and oil production could increase! More oil in the market usually means lower gas and energy prices, which helps cool inflation. Lower inflation gives the Fed more room to keep rates steady or potentially cut them, which we all know would be good for mortgage rates!

On the flip side, if Venezuela remains unstable and oil supplies are disrupted, energy prices could rise, pushing inflation and mortgage rates higher.

Are We In Real Estate Bubble?!

Every year, the UBS Real Estate Bubble Index comes out, which is always intriguing to me. Because let's be honest, we've been hearing about "housing bubbles" for the past decade. That's why I love data driven reports like the Global Real Estate Bubble Index.

Reading reports like these reminds me why I appreciate the Midwest. Unlike overheated coastal markets, Columbus isn’t showing signs of a classic bubble. Home prices are rising steadily (around 2–3% annually), not the double-digit jumps seen elsewhere. Inventory is improving, giving buyers more options and easing aggressive competition.

True bubbles are usually fueled by speculation, rapidly accelerating prices, or heavy leverage. Columbus is different. Growth is supported by real fundamentals: strong job gains, steady population inflows, and incomes keeping pace with home prices.

These are the facts we should all be shouting from the rooftops! Columbus is NOT in a housing bubble! Rising listings and longer days on market show the market is balancing out. Plus, Columbus remains more affordable than many U.S. metros, with local incomes still aligned with housing costs.

Rebel 2026 - The AI Edge Every Realtor Needs in 2026

You know her, you love her. Our local celebrity, Lauren Lucas, is taking the Rebel stage to show you how AI can actually work for your business — right now. She has worked with professionals across the country, helping them actually apply AI in their businesses — not just talk about it.

AI isn’t coming - it’s already here, and it’s a tool you can control.

Lauren breaks down how real estate professionals and entrepreneurs can use AI to save time, simplify marketing, and create better content without burning out or hiring a full team.

Mark Your Calendars 📅 The big event will be on Thursday February 5th, 2026

Two Ways We Can Help

1. Let’s collaborate – schedule a zoom meeting

2. Tough deal?  Let us help!

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all. Have a wonderful week!