Essential insights to help you make smarter moves in a shifting market.
📌 MARKET HIGHLIGHT: Mortgage Rates See Sharpest Climb in Over a Year
The real estate industry just hit a turning point. According to Bloomberg, U.S. mortgage rates surged to 6.83% this week—the largest weekly increase since early 2024. The spike follows a new wave of tariffs imposed on foreign imports, which rattled bond markets and pushed up yields on the 10-year Treasury—the benchmark that mortgage rates closely follow.
Why This Matters to You
Rising mortgage rates don’t just slow down homebuying—they redefine the buyer pool. Many potential clients who were prequalified just weeks ago may no longer meet lending criteria or will need to settle for significantly less. For agents and brokers, this means:
- Fewer ready buyers in the short term
- Greater urgency to educate and reassure clients about long-term value
- Stronger demand for creative financing solutions and rate-buydown options
- A need to reframe the conversation around timing and affordability
In essence, your role shifts from just selling homes to helping clients navigate economic uncertainty—and that’s where the opportunity lies.
How Connekter Keeps You Ahead
In volatile conditions, most agents lose traction—but our clients gain momentum. Connekter helps you:
- Target high-intent leads—people who need to move regardless of rate shifts (relocations, divorces, downsizing, etc.)
- Use intelligent automation to stay in touch with uncertain buyers until they’re ready
- Position yourself as a trusted advisor, not just a transaction closer
We provide the data, tech, and timing you need to turn hesitation into action.
Pro Tip: Double down on education. Share content about rate-buydowns, local lender incentives, and why waiting may cost more in the long run.
📰 OTHER STORIES TO WATCH
1. Property Taxes Top $10,000 in Key U.S. Counties
More than 50 U.S. counties now report annual property taxes exceeding $10,000, even though the overall growth rate slowed. Areas like Westchester, NY, and Bergen, NJ, lead the list.
Source: Bloomberg – Property Taxes
What This Means for You:
- Buyers may shift away from traditional hotspots due to tax burdens.
- Secondary markets are gaining traction.
- Your messaging matters: help clients understand how taxes affect total ownership costs.
2. Nashville’s $3B Transit Plan Spurs Zoning Reform Calls
The city’s new mass transit initiative is a catalyst for zoning reform, encouraging more multi-family and mid-density development near future transit hubs.
Source: Bloomberg – Nashville Transit Plan
Opportunity Zones Are Emerging:
- Great timing for developers seeking new construction opportunities.
- Growing demand for urban living near transport hubs.
- With Connekter, you can connect with both buyers and investors looking to move fast in upcoming hot spots.
3. Homes Are Selling Slower Than Any Time Since 2019
Redfin reports that the average time on market has jumped to 47 days. While prices are still rising, the pace has significantly cooled.
Sources:
What It Means:
- Buyers have more time—and more options.
- Sellers need smarter pricing and staging strategies.
- Agents must fine-tune their lead nurturing systems to keep buyers engaged through longer decision cycles.
4. 1 in 4 Americans Delayed Major Purchases in 2025
Redfin reveals that 24% of Americans have put off buying a home, car, or making other large purchases due to economic uncertainty sparked by new tariffs.
Source: Redfin
How to Respond:
- Focus on buyers with urgent needs like relocations, family changes, or time-sensitive investment goals.
- Use emotional intelligence in your marketing—people want stability and financial security.
- Let Connekter help you target high-intent buyers and reduce lead waste.
✅ TAKEAWAYS & ACTION ITEMS
- Brace for a more selective market.
Only the most prepared and targeted agents will thrive. - Tailor your message by region and client type.
One-size-fits-all no longer works. - Invest in smarter lead generation.
Connekter helps you focus where it matters—buyers who are ready, able, and motivated. - Automate without losing the human touch.
Stay in control of your pipeline while saving time.
Let’s Talk Strategy
Want to stand out in this challenging market? Book a free call with our team and learn how Connekter can drive real growth for your real estate business.
Have questions about these market shifts or how they affect your region? Let’s chat—our team is here to support you.
