Housing Market Forecast, Rocket’s Stock Moves, AI & Homeownership, and Buyer Bargains Despite Rates

The housing market forecast is looking up, even amid high mortgage rates and economic headwinds. This week’s stories explore a bright long-term projection for home values, Rocket Companies’ recent stock activity, a deep dive into AI’s growing role (and risks) in the mortgage industry, and a refreshing silver lining for buyers navigating today’s stubborn rates. These insights reveal an evolving market where professionals can still thrive, buyers can find value, and technology is reshaping the landscape in ways both promising and problematic.


2030 Housing Market Forecast Predicts Major Gains

Read the Full Story → Newsweek

A new report from real estate analytics firm Pulsenomics offers an optimistic long-term outlook, predicting a 36.8% increase in home values by 2030. The panel of over 100 economists and housing experts revised their forecasts upward, citing continued supply constraints and resilient demand.

Short-term price growth will remain modest, with only a 2.4% increase expected through the end of 2024. However, as interest rates gradually ease and demographic demand strengthens, appreciation is expected to accelerate in subsequent years.

Despite affordability concerns today, this forecast highlights homeownership’s continued strength as a long-term wealth-building tool. For professionals and consumers alike, the takeaway is clear: don’t lose sight of the big picture.


Rocket Companies Stock Jumps After Better-Than-Expected Earnings

Read the Full Story → Yahoo Finance

Rocket Companies surprised investors with stronger-than-anticipated Q2 results, pushing its stock higher. The mortgage giant reported $1.2 billion in revenue, up from $958 million a year ago, along with a 57% increase in net income.

Executives credited strong cost-cutting measures and improved margins, especially in purchase originations, for the gains. Rocket is also focusing on tech innovations like AI and automation to streamline its lending process and improve consumer experience.

While the industry remains challenging, Rocket’s performance shows that scale, efficiency, and innovation can yield real momentum even in a tough rate environment.


AI Tool Eases Path for Hispanic Homebuyers

Read the Full Story → AP News

A new bilingual AI platform built on ChatGPT, called Wholesale Search, is helping mortgage professionals better serve Hispanic homebuyers—particularly those who speak limited English or lack a traditional credit history. The tool pulls lender requirements from over 150 lenders into one interface, significantly speeding up and simplifying their workflow.

The nonprofit behind the tool, the Hispanic Organization of Mortgage Experts (HOME), also offers a training program—Home Certified—to upskill loan officers on topics like intercultural communication, compliance, and credit and income analysis.

Users have reported faster approvals: instead of contacting dozens of lenders manually, they can now narrow down options quickly. One loan officer noted that from the first meeting to closing took only about six weeks in one case. The platform also includes features to flag misinformation and stays current by syncing directly with lenders.


Market Balance Offers Opportunities Despite Mortgage Rates

Read the Full Story → MPA

While mortgage rates remain elevated, the housing market has shifted toward better balance between supply and demand, offering an overlooked advantage to today’s buyers. Less competition and more options mean smart buyers can negotiate better deals.

Many homeowners are staying put due to “rate lock,” reducing inventory. But builders and some motivated sellers are offering incentives to move properties. Combined with less bidding war pressure, it creates a surprisingly friendly environment for patient, prepared buyers.

This isn’t the hot market of 2021, but it offers its own set of unique advantages—especially for those working with savvy professionals.


Loan Officer Perspective

This week’s news is a great reminder that opportunity is still out there. The long-term housing market forecast supports the message that buying now, even at higher rates, can lead to future gains. Rocket’s earnings also demonstrate that lenders who adapt and focus on client experience can succeed. Loan officers should lean into education, helping clients look beyond today’s rates and understand the bigger picture. Tech insights also highlight the value of human expertise in an increasingly digital world.

Real Estate Agent Perspective

For agents, the message is clear: this market may be tough, but it’s workable. With prices stabilizing and inventory slowly shifting, agents who understand local trends and stay proactive can help buyers find great opportunities. The long-term forecast also supports the value of real estate as an investment, which should be part of your buyer consultations. And as AI tools enter more stages of the transaction, your personal guidance is more valuable than ever.

Home Buyer & Seller Perspective

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, this week’s stories show there are reasons to be optimistic. Home values are expected to rise significantly over the next five years. Buyers today might face higher rates, but they also have less competition and more power to negotiate. Sellers can still benefit from strong long-term demand. If you have questions or want to explore your options, contact the loan officer or real estate pro who shared this post with you.


AI News: Humans Hired to Fix AI Mistakes

NBC News tech reporter Angela Yang explores a growing trend: freelancers and creative professionals are being hired to clean up sloppy AI-generated content.

Once worried about losing jobs to automation, many now find themselves in demand to fix what AI can’t get quite right. The video highlights how the human touch is still essential, even in an AI-driven economy, particularly in creative industries like design and media.


Frank Garay is a nationally recognized mortgage industry leader, co-founder of The National Real Estate Post and the Loan Officer Breakfast Club. Named to the Inman 100 list of the most influential in real estate and featured on Fox News, Frank now shares timely mortgage and real estate insights through LOBC In The News to help industry professionals stay ahead.