Latest data on impact of the Fed’s rate cut

Big week in our industry

When the Fed speaks, everyone listens, and that’s why we’re sure you’ve heard by now that the Federal Reserve cut short-term rates by 25 basis points.

We’re going to show you what impact the rate cut has and hasn’t had on the market (...at least, not yet), and we’ll explain why buyers still face an uphill battle.

But there is good news on the horizon. 

As you’ll see in our second story, following two years of rent declines, nearly 60% of renters say they plan to purchase a home. We’ll break down the key stats within that report.

Plus, as we prepare to head down the stretch of 2025, we know it’s very easy to start to feel burnout. That’s why we’ve put together some tips to help ease the pressure of work without easing your productivity.

With that, let’s get into today’s Blueprint!

- James and David

Mortgage rates climb back UP after Fed cuts interest rates

A day after the Federal Reserve cut short-term rates by 25 basis points, the 30-year fixed jumped instead of falling, ending a streak of steady declines. Mortgage News Daily reported the rate dropped to 6.13% on Sept. 16th, before climbing back to 6.37% by Sept. 18th. Even with the uptick, rates remain near year-to-date lows. Here are the key points to know:

• Rates still near lows: Freddie Mac pegged the 30-year fixed at 6.26% and the 15-year at 5.41%.

• Refinancing surges: Lower rates sparked a jump in applications, especially among larger loans.

• ARMs gain traction: Adjustable-rate mortgages rose to 12.9% of activity, the highest since 2008.

• Purchase demand modest: Buyer applications ticked up, but affordability pressures persist.

Our take

This news says a lot about the current state of the market. Rates are still near year-to-date lows, and we’ve seen a wave of refinancing, but there has only been a modest pickup in purchase demand. This tells us that affordability is still a huge roadblock. Take the latest data on adjustable-rate mortgages. They hit their highest share since 2008, a signal that buyers and owners are searching for creative ways to cut costs. Unless rates fall further, or home prices come back down, refinancing will keep driving activity more than new sales will.

Nearly 60% of renters want to buy a home

Realtor.com’s latest rental report shows 59.7% of renters plan to purchase a home, with about 32% expecting to do so within the next one-to-two years. The trend highlights how, after two years of declines in rent, renters are changing their behavior and starting to pursue home ownership. Here are the main takeaways:

• Rents continue to fall: The U.S. median rent dropped 2.2% year over year to $1,713 in August 2025, the 25th straight monthly decline, 

• Still above pre-pandemic levels: Median rents remain $249 higher than in 2019. They are up just 1% year-to-date compared with 2.6% growth over the same period in 2024.

• Markets leading declines: Las Vegas (-13.6%), Atlanta (-13.6%), and Austin (-13.4%) have seen the steepest rent drops from their peaks.

• Younger renters eye buying: 30% of those aged 25–34 expect to buy soon, while about one in five renters aged 18–24 expect to buy soon.

Our take

This represents a sizable wave of future demand. For a sales market already constrained by low inventory, that kind of pipeline could intensify competition and keep upward pressure on prices. This is obviously great news for agents. With nearly a third of renters aged 25-34 expecting to buy soon, there is definitely opportunity on the horizon.

Metros with the biggest price gains and losses

Home prices slipped -0.2% between July and August, according to ResiClub’s analysis of Zillow’s Home Value Index. That’s weaker than the historical July-to-August average of +0.4%. On a year-over-year basis, prices are essentially flat at -0.01%, with growth having decelerated across most markets. Of the nation’s largest metros, 50% are now posting outright declines compared to last year.

Here are the markets that have seen the biggest price gains and losses, as a year-over-year percentage.

Our take

The latest data confirms a clear geographic divide in housing. Midwest and Northeast metros like Cleveland, Hartford, and Detroit are posting steady gains, driven by tighter inventory and less exposure to speculative building. By contrast, Florida and Texas markets—where supply has surged and affordability is stretched—are leading the declines, with Tampa and Austin hit hardest. With half of the nation’s largest metros now seeing year-over-year price drops, price softening is clearly widespread across the country.

Schematics

The news that just missed the cut

• AI is booking 2 - 5 appointments a day

• This is the best time to buy a home in the fall

• Bank of America thinks that 5% mortgage rates are possible

• Things every agent needs

• These states have exemptions from property taxes

Foundation Plans

Advice from James and David to win the day

In real estate, success often hinges not just on effort, but on how wisely that effort is directed. Many top agents reach a plateau because they try to handle everything themselves, from administrative work to client meetings. This instinct for control is natural, but it quickly becomes counterproductive, leading to stress and burnout. 

To rise above that ceiling, agents need to master the art of delegation, prioritize the tasks that drive growth, and consistently nurture their network. These practices don’t just save time, they create the foundation for sustainable, long-term success.

1. Master Delegation to Unlock Growth – Learning to delegate is one of the most difficult transitions for agents, but also the most rewarding. Building a trusted team allows you to shed nonessential tasks and free your time for client-facing activities. The reality is that trying to do everything alone leads to inefficiency and burnout. When you empower others to act as extensions of yourself, you create capacity for higher-level work and growth.

2. Hire Smart, Even Before You Feel Ready – Many agents hesitate to bring on an assistant because of financial strain, especially in the early stages. One effective strategy is to use a hybrid arrangement—offering a modest base pay paired with a percentage of commissions. This reduces overhead while aligning the assistant’s incentives with your success. The result is not just cost efficiency but a teammate who is truly invested in helping your business grow.

3. Focus on the 80/20 Rule – The majority of results come from a small portion of activities—usually those that put you directly in front of buyers and sellers. Instead of drowning in administrative details, top agents invest their energy in listing appointments, client calls, and networking. Delegating the other 80% of low-impact work ensures that your day is structured around what matters most. This discipline compounds over time, building a steady pipeline and stronger client relationships.

4. Stay Proactive with Your Network –  Having a large contact book is only half the battle; maintaining it is where real opportunities emerge. Checking in with past clients, contractors, and referral partners often leads to unexpected deals. The key is to be proactive—don’t assume people will reach out when they need you. By staying top of mind, you position yourself as the natural choice when opportunities arise, fueling both repeat and referral business. 

We explore these themes and more in our latest episode of Rise Above the Ranks. Watch it here. Drop us a line and tell us what you think..

Just in Case

Keep the latest industry data in your back pocket with today’s mortgage rates:

“It is not necessary to do extraordinary things to get extraordinary results.” – Warren Buffett

The secret of getting ahead is getting started, friends. Don’t wait to be perfect — you’ll be waiting forever. Planning has its place, but progress only happens when you take action. Post the video. Make the call. Host the open house. Whatever it is, do it now. Momentum doesn’t come from thinking — it comes from doing. Start messy, and improve as you go. The perfect time? It’s today.

Have a great weekend, and we’ll see you back here on Tuesday!

- James and David