QRL Financial Services, a subsidiary of First Federal Bank, is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary this November. Over two decades, QRL has built a reputation for empowering community banks and credit unions to offer expanded lending solutions—without the burden of additional staff, technology, or operational complexity.

There’s a lot to digest about why mortgage rates move. If you watch just one indicator, make it the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield. It’s a widely followed benchmark for long-term borrowing costs, and mortgage rates typically trend in the same direction over time.

If your clients have tried to sell a home this year, but couldn’t get the price they were hoping for, they’re not alone. Today’s market can feel slow and discouraging. History tells a different story, though: the housing market always bounces back. In the ’80s, during the 2008 financial crisis, and even through 2020, sales fell—and then recovered.  Some industry analysis suggest that conditions may improve as mortgage rates change over time. While slowdowns are common, history shows that housing markets often recover.

The home price forecasts presented are based on data from third-party sources and reflect projections as of the time of publication. These forecasts are not guarantees of future performances and are subject to change due to evolving market conditions. Real estate trends vary significantly by location and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

With constant headlines and shifting economic signals, it’s only natural to wonder: What’s next for home prices? Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or a real estate agent guiding your clients, understanding the latest market trends is key to making smart decisions in today’s market.

Helping a client purchase their very first home is both exciting and a big responsibility. For many first-time buyers, the process can feel overwhelming and confusing. As a mortgage lender, your expert guidance can make all the difference. Here are five actionable ways you can confidently lead your buyers through every step:

 

Despite ongoing market volatility causing apprehension for some, the spring real estate market is showing unexpected signs of warmth. Recent data reveals that more buyers are forging ahead with home purchases compared to April 2024, marking a notable shift in market sentiment.

Headlines are talking about the inventory of new homes and how we’re back at the levels not seen since 2009. And maybe you’re reading that and thinking: oh no, here we go again. That’s because you remember the housing crash of the late 2000s and you’re worried we’re repeating the same mistakes.

 More people are taking steps to buy a home. And, if your client has been waiting for the right time to move, this may be the sign they’ve been looking for.

For the past few years, a lot of would-be homebuyers hit pause on their plans. With rising mortgage rates and affordability challenges, buying just didn’t seem doable. But now, more of them are getting back out there. That’s because they’re getting used to the fact that this may be the new normal for the market – especially as forecasts show mortgage rates may be starting to stabilize. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): 

Now that we're past the holidays, many potential homebuyers are asking if now is a good time to purchase real estate.