Hey community!

The U.S. real estate market continues to send mixed signals, and if you’re buying, investing, or wholesaling, staying ahead of these shifts gives you a measurable advantage. Over the past two weeks, two major trends have emerged around mortgage rates and builder sentiment. Both impact affordability, seller motivation, and the structure of deals across the country. Here’s what’s happening and why it matters for your strategy right now.

 

🧮 1. Mortgage Rates Tick Up Again: Affordability Remains Challenged
 

Source: Associated Press, Nov 13 2025.

The average 30-year fixed rate rose to 6.24%, up from 6.22% the prior week.

What’s happening:

• After a brief dip, mortgage rates are nudging upward again.

• The average for a 15-year fixed also ticked to ~5.49%.

• With affordability still tight (high monthly payments), many buyers are holding back.
   

🎯 Why it matters for you

• Buyers/Investors: Higher rates mean bigger monthly payments and tighter underwriting margins. Expect your “what can I afford” calculation to be more conservative.

• Wholesalers: The rate environment shifts negotiating power; motivated sellers become more open to creative financing (seller carry-back, rate buydowns) because the landscape for typical buyers is tougher.

🏗️ 2. Home-Builder Sentiment Remains Very Weak: Inventory & Buyer Traffic Worries
 

Source: Reuters, Nov 18 2025.

The housing-market sentiment index hit 38 (well below the 50 “neutral” mark). About 41% of builders reported price cuts to drive sales, the highest since May 2020.

🔑 Key takeaways:

• Builder confidence is still in deep contraction territory.

• Buyer traffic and labor/financing worries are weighing on the new-home market.

• Builders may become sellers of deals (or use incentives), which creates opportunity.
   

🎯 Why it matters for you:

• Buyers/Investors: This weakness suggests that new-build and recently finished inventory may see downward pricing pressure or better incentives. That's a deal-spotting zone.

• Wholesalers: Builders or developers with overstocked lots or slow sell-through may be ready for off-market deals or partial sell-outs. You can position yourself to facilitate those.