When you work in the mortgage origination industry, nearly our entire purpose is to help people either get in homes or, with refinances, stay in those homes.
But most of the time, we’re behind desks pushing paper, taking phone calls from borrowers or agents while the glow of our computer screen showcases an endless stream of forms, charts, appraisals, and emails.
It’s easy to forget that in our own small way, we’re helping those borrowers build a life full of memories yet to come when they sign those closing docs and get handed those new set of keys.
With the recent and ongoing wildfires devastating thousands of homes in Southern California, we’ve had a stark reminder at The Mortgage Minute that what we do is more than just push papers towards approvals. We are helping those borrowers start or continue their lives in a place that’s more than walls and a roof—it’s memories, stability, and a sense of belonging.
Our hearts go out to those impacted by these devastating fires. If you’re in a position to help, we encourage you to do what you can, no matter how small.
In the meantime, we’ll continue our underlying mission: to engage, inform, and empower industry professionals so that they may close more deals. Because when we do, it’s more than just another transaction. It’s helping a house become a home.
Market Sentiment & Economic Calendar
The first weeks of January have brought a mix of surprises and clarity to the economic landscape. While last week’s jobs report painted a picture of a resilient labor market, the impact on borrowing costs has been immediate. Mortgage rates remain elevated, a direct result of Treasury yield movements fueled by strong employment data.
This morning’s release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) provided fresh insights into inflation, confirming that price pressures remain but are gradually easing. December’s data showed a slight cooling in core inflation.
For now, the message is clear: Borrowers still on the fence should consider acting soon, as rate volatility could persist.
What to Watch:
Wednesday, January 15:
Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December: Overall Core CPI declined 0.2% month-over-month versus 0.3% forecast, and 3.2% year-over-year versus a forecast of 3.3%. This positive data is showing trend lines in the right direction on the 30-year UMBS.
Thursday, January 16:
Retail Sales for December: Expected to rise 0.5% month-over-month. Strong retail data could signal economic resilience but may also lead to higher borrowing costs as the Fed maintains a cautious stance on rates.
Friday, January 17:
Housing Starts for December: Forecasted at 1.33 million units annualized. Steady growth here could signal sustained demand for housing, despite affordability challenges posed by elevated mortgage rates.
With rates unlikely to see significant dips in the near term, this is an excellent time to follow up with leads sitting on the fence.
Share how today’s data may influence mortgage rates, and emphasize the importance of locking in a rate before markets become more unpredictable. Acting now could save thousands in the long run.
They Don't Call it the American't Dream
In news that has surprised absolutely no one, the American dream is still alive and well (though it might need a jolt of caffeine to wake from its more recent slumber).
In a recent survey, 75% of Americans still see owning a home as essential to their dreams. Leading the charge are Gen Z and millennials (sorry, not sorry, boomers), who, despite dealing with the worst housing affordability issues in decades, seem the hungriest and most determined to make it happen.
These buyers are doing more than just window shopping, because 70% of Gen Z and 69% of millennials say owning a home remains one of their biggest life goals, outpacing older generations. To them, it’s both a place to call home and a long-term wealth builder. Over half of these potential buyers see it as the key to financial stability in the long run.
For mortgage pros, this should be music to your ears. These groups are your next big client base. There are buyers out there eager, optimistic, and ready to take the plunge. All they need is a guide to help them navigate affordability challenges and craft creative solutions to turn their dreams into reality.
As we said at the start, this business isn’t just about closing deals. It’s about making sure the next generation gets their shot at the dream.
Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow (‘s Housing Costs)
In the real estate world, there seem to currently be two camps: the nervous nail-biters and the cautious optimists.
Yes, there is certainly potential for new challenges—rising building costs, potential labor shortages, and continued affordable housing issues.
But here’s the real takeaway: housing prices nearly always trend in one direction—up.
Whether it’s tariffs driving up material costs or labor shortages slowing down new builds, these pressures are only adding fuel to the fire. Borrowers holding out for a market dip? They’ll likely be waiting forever.
Now is probably the cheapest real estate will ever get.
(That’s an evergreen sentence. Feel free to write that down and use it whenever.)
Mortgage payments, on the other hand? There’s always room for improvement. Rates go up, sure. But unlike housing prices, they ebb and flow and eventually drop—which means this is your moment to shine!
Borrowers sitting on the sidelines need to hear why the time to act is now. When you take consistently rising housing prices into consideration, waiting only makes homeownership more expensive for them in the long run.
Educate your clients, help them cut through the noise and see the big picture, and get them ready to move when the moment’s right.
Sure, the market has its challenges, but it’s also filled with opportunity. It’s up to you to make sure your borrowers don’t miss out.
Did You Know?
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Mortgage Maker, 27201 Puerta Real Suite 300, Mission Viejo, California 92691, United States, (650) 502-5002
