Mortgage rates are holding near 10-month lows—but don’t assume they’ll stay there. Learn why rates move, what drives them, and what smart buyers and homeowners should do next.
Published on 09/03/2025
The most recent S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index, released on August 26, 2025, and covering data through June 2025, offers a clear snapshot of national and regional trends. From May to June, nationwide home values saw a modest 0.1% increase before seasonal adjustment. After adjusting for seasonal trends, prices slipped by 0.3%. Compared to a year ago, home values are up 1.9%, with the 20-City Index mirroring this with a 2.1% annual gain and a -0.3% monthly drop (SA). This data, reflecting a three-month average of April, May, and June closings, highlights a shift toward stabilization (see the attached chart for details).
Published on 09/02/2025
As we wrap up August 2025, the real estate markets in Colorado, Texas, and Florida are firmly tilting toward buyers, with inventory levels continuing their upward climb and providing more options than we've seen in years. This ongoing surge—national inventory up nearly 25% year-over-year in July—means homes are lingering longer, price cuts are commonplace, and negotiation power is shifting. For borrowers eyeing homeownership and agents guiding them through it, this is an opportune moment to act strategically, especially with mortgage rates stabilizing around 6.5%.
Published on 08/27/2025
After Powell's Jackson Hole speech, mortgage rates hit their lowest levels since Oct 2024. But don’t get too comfortable—more movement could be coming after Friday’s inflation data and next week's jobs report.
Published on 08/27/2025
In today's post, I want to dive into a timely economic topic that's buzzing in real estate circles: how potentially overstated inflation figures could pave the way for favorable conditions in the housing market, especially with the Federal Reserve's upcoming meeting on September 17, 2025.
Published on 08/20/2025
Mortgage rates stayed mostly flat this week, holding near 10-month lows. Here’s what happened from August 18–20 and why upcoming economic data could shake things up.
Published on 08/20/2025
Mortgage rates are holding near 10-month lows after early August’s jobs report and mixed inflation data. Here’s what homebuyers and homeowners need to know.
Published on 08/14/2025
Mortgage rates just hit their lowest levels since October 2024 following a big shift in the bond market. Here’s why it matters for homebuyers and homeowners.
Published on 08/05/2025
On July 29, 2025, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index released its latest data, showing a modest 0.4% increase in home values from April to May (non-seasonally adjusted), while the seasonally adjusted numbers reflect a slight 0.3% decrease. Year-over-year, home prices are up 2.3%, marking the smallest annual gain since July 2023. For real estate agents in Colorado, Texas, and Florida—where Efficient Lending, Inc. proudly originates residential mortgages—these numbers carry significant implications for your business. Let’s break down the good, the bad, and the actionable insights to help you navigate this market and better serve your clients.
Published on 07/30/2025
Confused by the housing market? You're not alone. Here's why the market feels hot and cold at the same time—and what it means for you as a homebuyer.
Published on 07/30/2025
A new proposal suggests removing capital gains taxes on primary home sales to boost the housing market. Here’s what it could mean for homeowners and buyers.
Published on 07/23/2025
As a homeowner or real estate professional, understanding inflation is critical to making informed financial decisions. At Efficient Lending, Inc., we’re committed to helping our clients in Colorado, Texas, and Florida build generational wealth through smart mortgage strategies. One tool gaining attention in the economic landscape is Trueflation, a blockchain-based, real-time inflation index that claims to offer a more accurate and timely alternative to the traditional Consumer Price Index (CPI) reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In this post, we’ll explore what Trueflation is, evaluate its reliability compared to BLS data, and discuss how borrowers and real estate agents can leverage this metric to spot market opportunities.
Published on 07/22/2025
The financial world is abuzz with speculation about the future of the Federal Reserve, particularly regarding who might replace Jerome Powell as Chair and whether an interest rate cut is on the horizon for the July 29-30, 2025 meeting. Recent reports highlight Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller as a leading candidate to succeed Powell, alongside discussions of a possible rate cut this month. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments based on credible media sources.
Published on 07/18/2025
As real estate agents, understanding the broader economic landscape is essential for guiding clients through today’s dynamic housing market. This week’s market update from Michael Nelson highlights critical economic indicators—Federal Reserve minutes, unemployment claims, and home price appreciation data—that offer valuable insights for your business. Here’s what these updates mean for real estate agents and how you can leverage them to better serve your clients.
Published on 07/16/2025
A new credit scoring update could impact who qualifies for a mortgage and at what rate. Learn what this means for first-time buyers and why now is the time to speak with your loan officer.
Published on 07/16/2025
Buying a house before your divorce is finalized? Here’s why it could create legal and financial complications—and how to plan smart.
Published on 07/08/2025
From mental health benefits to stronger communities, homeownership offers more than just a return on investment—it offers a better quality of life.
Published on 06/25/2025
Mortgage rates held steady this week—but not for the reasons you think. Here’s why working with a loan officer beats doing your own research when timing the market.
Published on 06/20/2025
When exploring mortgage options, hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) often catch the attention of home buyers seeking affordability and flexibility. But what exactly are hybrid ARMs, and how do they stack up against the infamous ARMs tied to the 2008 financial crisis? In this blog, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of hybrid ARMs and clarify how they differ from the riskier loans of the past, helping you decide if they’re right for your home-buying journey.
Published on 06/18/2025
The National Association of Realtors repealed a rule that kept some listings hidden—thanks in part to pressure from homebuyers, tech platforms, and even the DOJ. Learn how this boosts your home search.
Published on 06/13/2025
