Today’s 2025 mortgage and homebuilding trends snapshot blends cooler single‑family permits with encouraging lender profits and a fresh twist at the Fed. Zillow reports permit pullbacks in select metros, yet overall activity remains above pre‑pandemic norms and many markets are still growing. Detroit Free Press highlights second‑quarter profits at Rocket and UWM, signaling healthier pipelines and improving efficiency. And The Basis Point explains how a temporary Fed nomination could influence policy timing into year‑end. Net takeaway: momentum is building beneath the headlines. When rates break lower, activity should accelerate. Keep your plan tight, your outreach steady, and your message confident.
Homebuilding Momentum Falters in Spots, But Many Metros Still Advance
Read the Full Story → Zillow Research
Single‑family permitting dipped in the first half of 2025, with notable declines in a handful of large metros. Builders are balancing affordability pressures, higher resale inventory, and incentives to keep sales moving.
Even so, total permitting remains above pre‑pandemic levels. More than half of the largest metros are still issuing more permits than their pre‑2020 averages. Some markets are posting gains, underscoring how local dynamics vary widely.
A continued tilt toward attached product is evident, as townhomes and condos outpace detached single‑family growth. Builders are right‑sizing plans and pricing to meet buyers where they are.
Rocket & UWM Post Q2 Profits—Green Shoots for Volume and Margins
Read the Full Story → Detroit Free Press
Rocket and UWM both reported second‑quarter profits, a welcome shift after a tougher stretch. The results point to improving execution, deeper cost discipline, and product strategies aimed at capturing demand as rates ease.
Refinance activity is stirring in pockets while purchase remains the core engine. Lenders highlighted competitiveness and tech investments that help speed files, sharpen pricing, and convert leads more efficiently.
For housing pros, the profitability return is a signal that capacity and service levels are stabilizing into the back half of the year—setting up for faster response when volumes lift with any meaningful rate drop.
Fed Watch: Temporary Governor Nomination Buys Time on Policy & Succession
Read the Full Story → The Basis Point
A White House move to nominate CEA chair Stephen Miran as a Fed governor through January 31 could position him to vote at upcoming FOMC meetings if confirmed. The step also extends the administration’s runway on broader Fed leadership decisions.
Markets had already leaned toward a September rate cut after weaker jobs data, and a seated governor could reinforce odds—though Senate timing will matter.
For housing, the key is signaling: anything that nudges policy toward growth could help rates drift lower into year‑end, supporting purchase power and builder confidence if demand meets improved affordability.
Loan Officer Perspective
Use this mix of stories to reassure buyers and agents that the pipeline is healthy even as permits normalize. Profitability at major lenders signals operational readiness for more volume. Pair that with local permit pockets that are still growing, and you’ve got an upbeat story to share. Line up pre‑approvals now so rate dips convert quickly.
Real Estate Agent Perspective
Don’t let national headlines flatten your local narrative. Spotlight submarkets where new‑home activity is steady and inventory options are improving. Coordinate with your lender partners on payment‑focused scenarios so buyers see what a 0.25%–0.50% rate move means for monthly budgets and qualification.
Home Buyer & Seller Perspective
Today’s market features more choices in many areas and increasingly competitive mortgage options. If rates edge into the low‑6% range—or better—your monthly payment can improve meaningfully.
Have questions or want to run numbers? Contact the loan officer or real estate pro who shared this post and get a personalized plan.
Frank’s Thoughts
The Zillow headline sounds downbeat, but the details tell a steadier story. Where permits softened, it’s mostly marginal—and many metros are still pushing higher. That’s a solid base, not a cliff.
Seeing Rocket and UWM print profits is exactly the kind of confirmation this industry needed. A rising tide lifts all ships, and this feels like the tide coming in.
My bet: when rates break into the low‑6s or high‑5s, we’ll be busier than we can shake a stick at.
Head down, eyes ahead, and work the Daily Success Plan. The pros who stay consistent right now will win big when the surge hits.
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