Housing Market Update

December wrapped up the year with a calm housing market and a big update from the Federal Reserve.  

• Mortgage rates and the 10-year Treasury stayed mostly the same all month. 
• Some reports showed job losses in the private sector. 
• While most people are still working, unemployment has slowly increased. 
• These signs show the job market is cooling, but not in trouble. 

Federal Reserve updates 

• The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by 0.25% in December. 
• This move was expected, and markets were ready for it. 
• The Fed said it wants to be careful before cutting rates again known. 
• Inflation is improving, but it’s still higher than the Fed’s goal. 
• Because of that, the Fed may pause and watch how the economy reacts. 

What this meant for buyers and homeowners 

• Buyers who stayed pre-approved were ready to act when the right home came along. 
• Homeowners didn’t see big rate drops yet, but a slower economy could bring refinance options in 2026. 

Bottom line December ended with steady rates, a careful Federal Reserve, and a slower economy — setting the stage for possible opportunities in the new year. 

November was a quieter month for the housing market, with most changes happening behind the scenes. 

• Mortgage rates stayed mostly the same as investors waited for important economic reports that were delayed by the government shutdown. 
• The 10-year Treasury moved a little up and down but stayed in a tight range, helping keep mortgage rates fairly steady. 
• Some inflation signals showed prices are still high, especially for services, while job numbers showed people are still finding work. 
• Overall, the market was calm, but many were waiting for clearer data to know what comes next. 

Federal reserve update

• The Federal Reserve showed mixed opinions on what to do next, with most members wanting to keep rates steady for now. 
• Toward the end of the month, the government reopened, allowing delayed jobs and inflation reports to be released again. 
• These new reports will help the Fed decide its next move at its December meeting. 

What this meant for buyers and homeowners 

• Buyers had a good chance to plan ahead, since rates didn’t change much during the month. 
• Homeowners were encouraged to keep an eye on rates, as small drops could create chances to refinance and lower monthly payments. 
• Realtors could use this time to reconnect with buyers who had been waiting and help them get ready to act. 

Bottom line 

November was about staying patient and getting prepared. With fresh data coming and the Fed’s next decision ahead, the market could start to move more — and being ready will matter. 

October was a calm month for the housing market, with many people waiting to see what would happen next. 

• Mortgage rates stayed mostly the same throughout the month. 
• This was mainly because some important economic reports were delayed due to the government shutdown 
• Without new information, the bond market stayed steady, which helped keep mortgage rates from moving much. 

Federal Reserve updates 

• The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by 0.25% near the end of the month. 
• This was expected, so rates didn’t change much right away. 
• The Fed said they are watching the job market closely, which has started to slow down. 
• They also announced they will stop pulling money out of the economy in December, which could help keep rates lower over time. 

What this meant for buyers and homeowners 

• Buyers had a good chance to get pre-approved while rates were steady. 
• Homeowners were encouraged to look at refinancing, since even a small drop in rates could lower monthly payments. 
• Realtors had a good reason to check back in with buyers who paused their search earlier this year. 

Bottom line 

October was more about getting ready than making big moves. With the Fed changing its approach and new economic data expected soon, rates could shift — and being prepared can help you take advantage of it.