This week’s market feels like a mixed drink — smooth in some spots, spicy in others, and totally worth sipping on. From oil prices to rent trends, Fed drama to fast dinners, here’s your quick roundup to keep you (and your clients) in the know.
Join Blake Corkill, Director of Lending at 21st Century Lending, for a powerful agent training session designed to bridge the gap between real estate and lending. Whether you’re a new agent or just need a refresher, this class unpacks the key things you should know about the mortgage process—from pre-approvals to funding—and how to use that knowledge to better serve your clients and close transactions faster. Expect smart tips, real-world scenarios, and straight answers to the questions you didn’t even know you should be asking. This isn’t just about loans—it’s about becoming a more confident, informed, and effective agent.Meeting ID: 458 375 3521Passcode: 34Zg4p
🛢Oil Prices dip below $56 a Barrel – First Time Since 2021
Oil has officially dropped below $56 per barrel, hitting its lowest level in nearly four years. Why it matters: Lower oil = lower shipping, energy, and production costs Lower costs = less inflation pressure Less inflation = 👏 better news for mortgage rates Cheaper gas now could lead to cooler inflation readings later, and that’s exactly what the Fed wants to see before cutting rates.
🏘️ Rents Up Year-Over-Year, But Finally Cooling
Zillow’s latest report shows:: 🏡 Rent are up 21.3% from last year💵 Down 2.4% from August – the first real drop in months📈 Rental affordability is now the best its been in four years This is big for inflation (and for your future buyers).When rent growth slows, inflation tends to cool – and that’s the first domino in seeing mortgage rates drop even further.Plus, renters finally have breathing room. It’s a perfect time to check in with your renter database and start the “Let’s talk about owning” conversation again.
💡 From the 333 Program — How to Sell Listings Fast
In this week’s 333 Program, we covered some awesome strategies to help listings move quicker — even in a cautious market. If you missed it, reach out to Kiana, and she’ll send you the recorded Zoom. You’ll walk away with practical ideas to make your listings pop, position your sellers competitively, and close faster. Pro Tip: Combine strong listing strategy with smart financing — like temporary rate buydowns and local city/county programs — and you’ll stand out every time.
💰 Loan Strategy Spotlight: 2-1 Buydowns & Local Programs
With buyers battling payment sensitivity, 2-1 Buydowns are back in style. Why they work: Year 1: Rate reduced by 2% Year 2: Rate reduced by 1% Year 3 onward: Normal rate resumes (but most refinance by then) It’s the perfect bridge product while we wait for long-term rates to cool. Also — don’t sleep on your city and county programs. Many areas have new or expanded down payment assistance, closing cost credits, and grant funds available. If you need help tracking what’s live in your market, we can help.
🔮 Market Takeaways
✅ Oil prices down = cooling inflation potential ✅ Rents easing = affordability returning ✅ Rate cuts could be on deck as early as October 29 ✅ 2-1 Buydowns + local programs = secret weapon for buyers ✅ Pasta is faster than takeout — confirmed 🍝
🏦 Rates are subject to daily change Let’s stay ahead of the market together.
