Market Perspective

AI is changing how buyers and sellers search for real estate information: 82% of Americans use AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for housing market research.* While consumers still consider agents the go-to experts, AI now plays a major role in how clients find you online. Think of AI as your digital referral partner. Traditional SEO was once the key to getting found, but it’s no longer just about showing up on Google. It’s about being helpful and visible across the web so AI

With a lack of major economic data, mortgage markets were relatively quiet over the past week. The Federal Reserve minutes caused little reaction, and mortgage rates ended the week slightly higher.

During another light week for economic data due to the government shutdown, mortgage markets were relatively quiet. One report revealed that consumers were far less optimistic than expected about the economic outlook. As a result, rates ended the week slightly lower.

As mortgage rates decline, more homeowners are willing to list. Existing-home inventory is up 14% Year over Year. 30-year fixed rates hit a 12-month low in October. Lower rates = More inventory

During another light week for economic data due to the government shutdown, mortgage markets were relatively quiet. One report revealed that consumers were far less optimistic than expected about the economic outlook. As a result, rates ended the week slightly lower.

Over the past week, a key economic report revealed that inflation was a bit lower than expected, but it caused little reaction. The Federal Reserve meeting shed some doubt on another anticipated rate cut at the next meeting in December, which was negative for mortgage markets. As a result, rates ended the week a bit higher, up from their lowest levels of the year.

Trust in housing professionals is slipping, and younger buyers are leading the shift. According to the 2025 NextGen Homebuyer Report, Gen Z and Millennial trust in banks, lenders, and real estate professionals is at an all-time low. As we head into 2026, rebuilding trust must be at the heart of our strategy.

Mortgage markets were quiet over the past week. The relatively small amount of economic data provided by private companies caused little reaction. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week down slightly, near their lowest levels of the year.

Given the government shutdown, the Federal Reserve being in an easing cycle, and rising trade tensions between the U.S. and China, investors shifted assets to the bond market over the past week. The latest economic data collected by private companies caused little reaction. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week down slightly, near their lowest levels of the year.

The government shutdown left investors without some major economic reports over the past week, leaving mortgage markets relatively quiet. The latest economic data collected by private companies caused little reaction. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week down slightly, near their lowest levels of the year.

New-home sales surged 21% in August, beating expectations. But even as buyer activity picks up, another challenge is quietly growing — one that could impact millions of homeowners across the country.

Mortgage markets experienced little change over the past week. The latest inflation data was in line with expectations, and other economic reports also revealed no market-moving surprises. The government shutdown may delay the release of future economic reports, but it otherwise has had little impact on financial markets so far. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week nearly unchanged.

With a lack of major economic news, mortgage markets were relatively quiet over the past week. Mortgage rates have moved slightly higher since the Federal Reserve meeting a week ago but remain near their lowest levels of the year.

As the year winds down and the holiday season ramps up, it’s the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and refocus. This month, I’m doing something a little different: sharing a curated collection of Spark’s most popular business tips. I hope these ideas help you close out the year strong and build momentum for the year ahead.

Over the past week, there were no major surprises from the Federal Reserve meeting or the inflation data. Consumer spending was a good deal stronger than expected, but its impact was minor. Mortgage rates remained near their lowest levels of the year.