Mortgage Rate Snapshot (National Averages) - 30-year fixed: ~6.08% – 6.23% - 15-year fixed: ~5.5% – 5.6% - FHA 30-year: ~5.94% - VA 30-year: ~5.70% Trend: - Rates are holding in the low-6% range, near three-year lows. - The weekly Freddie Mac average is 6.11%, essentially flat from last week. Key takeaway:Rates are stable, not crashing. The market is in a sideways holding pattern waiting on inflation and labor data. What’s Moving Mortgage Rates 1) Federal Reserve stance - The Fed has paused rate cuts until more data supports easing. - This is keeping mortgage rates relatively range-bound. 2) Inflation and jobs data - Recent economic reports show: 3) Treasury yields - The 10-year Treasury climbed to about 4.26%, putting mild upward pressure on mortgage rates. Housing Market Data (Latest National Indicators) Sales activity - Existing home sales: +5.1% month-over-month. - New home sales: essentially flat month-to-month. Home prices - National price growth: Interpretation:The U.S. housing market is clearly in a low-growth, rebalancing phase after the rapid appreciation of 2020–2022. Affordability & Refinance Trends - A January rate dip made 4.8–5 million homeowners eligible to refinance. - That pushed affordability to the best level in four years. 2026 Outlook (Current Consensus) - Many forecasts call for mortgage rates around ~6% for most of 2026–2027. - Home prices are expected to be flat to slightly positive this year. - Some regions are shifting from strong seller markets to more balanced conditions as inventory rises. What This Means (Agent Talking Points) For buyers - Rates are stable, not volatile. - Affordability has improved vs. 2024–2025. - Waiting for huge rate drops is unlikely in the near term. For sellers - Price growth is modest, not explosive. - Strategy, presentation, and pricing matter more than timing. For investors - Refi opportunities are returning. - Slower price growth = more predictable underwriting.

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Master of influence and persuasion. Author of 7 best-selling business books, including Exactly What to Say™. Producer of the most-listened-to nonfiction audiobook of all time. With experience spanning 59 countries and 800+ industries, Phil has helped millions elevate their results through the power of better conversations. http://url8757.onereal.net/ls/click?upn=u001.0wd2GgQTkgJzNdXQsqdnMLdsnNLpP2sk30LD3OrAvsnj5Ct4ZzJ4PcDVFqy4RwGCrrtu_BzBG9r9ACZu3kY1kCesOqsgvHu-2FNl8EgqAQbLvZwzYcdAPXC0P-2FvtPW4Fkax3eUsYqDA0LTa-2F-2FJIyt7cnpBDeLzudDRh1-2BZYpqDdp7MwfPhHqxp5sc-2Fp-2FNgdMugcoYdfj875TYfPdwg4ISvFnLtHdGy1Uaw6VWECNSERl9kQ1izxoHR3YWX-2FqTao-2Fr6JC-2FT-2FMlH4IsGYYe6nMEcFmxmL4CxTHVJC3Lo3WqRouW0bmVpL4wm56CIGqYz9BIbvKC-2FHxIffAaP4kGD9JzZTEKQvsyMVDzgMGEXxXP9SM0o78SSnA-2FMzPzAWsCubtFueHV-2BFE2iPIYR2aaLxFY9KZuv3-2BR-2FI5p-2FOzYTm3qAgNKZ3wWWQy-2F1KRlCywPxTg06272RCqDUpioFBWqz1L7H-2FBz8rtaAsxs4zuLj0uTvmv1lag-2Bw15oZpimDBJGqwK9TeMnIhzwD-2FUgeOEWh2HJPMlaEfeJsDwbyWFSQib-2B76NYsyFLftrku1tg492sJwF-2BLaSatuPkJg8ddpNfDYyU33IOMaqrqSw0Zksrc-2FbNK14QBcK6No2tLeR0p-2FUvBjHHQ-2Bh-2FD3bstoJlfVDlVidAC3ZJxfyvcmeRn8dABL098bbttTmMQVSbeMYZhTNYURtbFtBvCFWSwPStggAciIHVQ-2Fd3rcm0O9U9LBtqvH9sUycJtrNFNKPl32OyhjOAJSLWNDxLge4z-2FwQNMz8tZDd3yjpQI4oz8gza0k47B7xrkSbLH2a17bOshhZvw-2Bc-2BC5j-2BRL2Dv0a9WRM08MXVY-2B6EUDJG3FzajDoxBZtTDsBGzWxQN8y93y6AKXeSQW-2B3s0CeNGMSPMG5CCNnZ0ykc3kEZ0Ou5ne2fzFq49jVW00kYcB9YTG2XXFcU5i-2BxbMvAmqS9QU2eN1bY0S30SxJJB-2BPPaIzoGB4ilSlqv72ihnxpqijD4J-2BP0ETQmqeOVsk6N1pDwTLgLM4WunPKeRGrWZjnxbKNGxg-3D-3D

🔥 Give a warm welcome to our newest MVP in the community — MKristo “MK” Bruce! 🔥 We’re excited to introduce @Mkristo Bruce, Branch Manager and top mortgage pro with Guild Mortgage — and a guy who brings championship-level leadership both in business and in life! MK isn’t just any mortgage expert — he’s a local Washingtonian, raised in Seattle, a Washington State University alum, and a former NFL standout who played for the Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars. After his pro football career, he shifted into business and leadership — building strong relationships and serving his community with heart. Today, MK brings that same relentless work ethic and team-first mindset to helping families make the biggest financial investment of their lives — finding the right home loan with confidence and clarity. What makes MK stand out: 🏡 Trusted mortgage advisor known for honest, thorough service 🤝 A leader deeply connected to community ⭐ Exceptional reviews from clients who rave about his care, responsiveness, and passion 📈 A relationship-builder who understands both people and numbers Whether someone is buying their first home, refinancing, or planning their next move — MK has the experience and heart to make it smooth, successful, and stress-free. 👉 Drop a comment and show some love for MK — and if you or someone you know could use top-tier mortgage expertise, you now know who to call! 206-226-4648 [email protected]

The quick takeaway The U.S. economy is cooling but stable, and mortgage rates are volatile, not collapsing. This is no longer a rate-driven frenzy market. It’s a strategy-driven housing market. National Economic Snapshot Inflation - Inflation has eased from peak levels but remains above the Fed’s long-term target. - Progress is uneven, which is why rate cuts are slower and more cautious than headlines suggest. Federal Reserve - The Fed is firmly in a “wait and see” stance. - Cuts are being discussed, not rushed. - The Fed is prioritizing economic stability over housing stimulus. Labor Market - Job growth continues but is cooling gradually. - Wage growth is slowing, which reduces inflation pressure but also caps buyer urgency. Consumer Sentiment - Consumers are cautious, not fearful. - Big purchases are being analyzed more carefully, especially housing. Mortgage Rate Update (What Actually Matters) Where rates are behaving - Rates are range-bound, not trending sharply down. - Daily swings are driven by inflation reports, bond yields, and Fed commentary. - Buyers waiting for “massive drops” are still waiting. Why rates aren’t crashing - Inflation isn’t fully defeated. - Strong employment keeps upward pressure on rates. - Global uncertainty keeps bond markets volatile. What buyers are doing - Buying based on payment comfort, not rate optimism. - Using temporary buydowns, seller credits, and creative financing. - Accepting refinance later, but not betting their life on it. Housing Market Implications (Nationwide) This is NOT 2021 - No panic buying. - No blind over-asking offers. - No forgiveness for bad pricing. This IS a professional market Homes that are: Overpriced homes - Sit. - Get negotiated. - Eventually chase the market down. How Agents Should Position This (Talking Points) For Buyers - “Rates matter less than purchase price and monthly payment.” - “You can renegotiate the rate later. You can’t renegotiate price.” - “This is the most leverage buyers have had in years.”