A wave of renewed buyer activity could be on the horizon, according to Redfin’s CEO—and timely developments in mortgage rates and regulatory debates may offer support.
Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman sees buyer demand returning to the housing market within the next six to nine months—a hopeful signal amid lingering affordability challenges. At the same time, housing analysts are flagging how upcoming mortgage rate shifts could reshape market dynamics in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Community Home Lenders of America (CHLA) is pushing back against a proposed Fannie Mae‑Freddie Mac merger, arguing that keeping the two GSEs separate preserves competition and protects smaller mortgage lenders. Together, these developments suggest a potential turning point in both housing demand and industry structure.
Redfin CEO Sees Buyer Demand Returning Within 6–9 Months
Glenn Kelman, CEO of Redfin, shared on CNBC that he expects homebuyer activity to bounce back in the next six to nine months, provided that mortgage rates ease and inventory stabilizes. He framed this as a potential relief for the sluggish pace seen earlier in 2025.
Despite elevated mortgage rates, Kelman’s optimism centers on a gradual normalization of market conditions—highlighting how sentiment can pivot quickly with appointment-level rate shifts or policy changes.
This outlook sets a hopeful tone for lenders and real estate professionals, suggesting the end of a prolonged buyer drought may be in sight.
Analyst: Mortgage Rate Shifts Could Reshape 2025 Housing Market
Read the Full Story → TheStreet
A housing analyst featured by TheStreet warns that even modest changes in mortgage rates could significantly alter the trajectory of the housing market in 2025. High rates have suppressed demand—and so any reduction, however incremental, might reignite purchasing activity.
The timing of these shifts appears critical. Analysts emphasize that markets are “feeling the squeeze” from rising home prices and elevated borrowing costs, implying that improved affordability could unlock pent‑up demand.
This aligns with Kelman’s timeline, suggesting that rate movements may not just underpin demand revival but could actively trigger it.
CHLA Pushes Back Against Proposed Fannie-Freddie Merger
Read the Full Story → Scotsman Guide
The Community Home Lenders of America (CHLA) issued a letter—postdated September 6—urging Treasury Secretary Bessent and FHFA Director Pulte to reject a proposed merger of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into a new entity dubbed the “Great American Mortgage Corporation.” CHLA argues that keeping the two GSEs separate is essential for preserving competition and protecting small and midsize independent mortgage banks (IMBs).
The association also calls on the GSEs to maintain the competitive cash window and G-fee parity—both of which benefit smaller lenders—and to continue support for diverse housing products, including those for manufactured homes, rural areas, and second homes.
CHLA’s push underscores industry tensions over how structural reforms in the secondary mortgage market could impact lending diversity and consumer access.
Loan Officer Perspective
- Be poised to serve returning buyer demand—prepare marketing strategies and borrower pre‑approvals now.
- Monitor policy developments around GSE structure—changes could impact product availability and fee structures.
- Emphasize competitive options if a merger moves forward; educate borrowers on how smaller lenders may offer advantages.
Real Estate Agent Perspective
- Anticipate increased buyer traffic toward autumn or winter—start engaging with potential clients early.
- Watch for shifts in buyer affordability—rate changes could spur urgency.
- Stay informed on lending environment developments, especially concerning Fannie and Freddie, to advise clients accurately.
Home Buyer & Seller Perspective
- Buyers: this could be a good time to get pre‑qualified and stay ready—if demand picks up, homes may move fast.
- Sellers: you might encounter more buyers in the months ahead—plan showings and pricing with that in mind.
- Questions? Reach out to the lending and real estate professionals who shared this post—they can help you align strategy with upcoming market changes.
Frank’s Thoughts
The Coconut and the Call
In 1943, a young John F. Kennedy, long before he became president, commanded a small PT boat in the Pacific. One night, his PT-109 was sliced in half by a Japanese destroyer. Two of his crew died instantly. The others were left clinging to wreckage in the dark waters.
Kennedy was only 26. He could have let fear win. Instead, he made a decision to lead. He swam miles through dangerous currents, towing a badly injured crew member by the strap of his life jacket clenched in his teeth. For nearly a week, he kept his crew alive on coconuts and rainwater, swimming again and again at night in search of help. Finally, he carved a message on a coconut shell and entrusted it to local islanders who brought it to Allied forces. That coconut shell became the lifeline that saved his men.
Years later, when John F. Kennedy was President of the United States, he kept that very coconut on his desk in the Oval Office. Not as a decoration, but as a reminder of what courage looks like when everything is on the line.
Now, let’s pause and think about this. Kennedy faced exhaustion, pain, hunger, and the possibility of death. He had every reason to give up—but he didn’t.
And here we are, staring at a phone. The “battle” we face is call reluctance. Fear that someone might say no. Fear that someone might not like what we say. Compared to towing a wounded man through shark-infested waters or leading a stranded crew with no food or shelter, that phone call is nothing.
This isn’t to minimize the real feelings that come with reluctance—we all feel them. But let’s keep perspective. What Kennedy endured was life and death. What we face is a moment of discomfort that could lead to opportunity, to new relationships, to saving a deal, to building a business.
If Kennedy could push past his fear in the middle of the Pacific, we can push past the fear of dialing a number. If he could etch words into a coconut and trust it would carry hope, we can trust that our calls carry value for the people on the other end.
That coconut sat on the President’s desk as a daily reminder: courage is doing the hard thing even when fear is present. For us, courage is picking up the phone and making the call.
So let’s be honest—making calls isn’t hard. Kennedy showed us what hard really looks like. Our calls are easy by comparison. And the results? They might just be the “coconut” that carries your business forward.
Powered by: Mortgage Marketing Animals
Important Links
