Keller Williams Real Estate Market Update

Keller Podcast Network

Stay ahead of the rapidly evolving housing market with the Keller Williams Real Estate Market Update. Designed for real estate agents, investors, and homeowners, this podcast delivers expert insights, key trends, and timely market data to help you navigate shifts with confidence. Hosted by Ruben Gonzales, Chief Economist at Keller Williams, and Gabi Brennesholtz, KW MAPS Executive Coach, each episode breaks down the numbers, explores the latest news, and provides the context you need to make informed decisions. Tune in monthly wherever you get your podcasts.

  1. JAN 28

    Mortgage Rates Near 6% in 2026: Will Buyers Take Advantage?

    As we close out 2025 and step into the new year, the housing market is offering a clearer signal of what lies ahead. In this month’s market update, Ruben Gonzalez and Gabi Brennesholtz break down final 2025 NAR data, revealing a largely flat year for sales and modest price growth with meaningful regional differences. They also unpack year-end employment and inflation trends, discuss what ongoing economic uncertainty means for buyers, and share the latest outlook on mortgage rates as 2026 gets underway. In this episode, you’ll learn: What final 2025 NAR data shows about home sales, prices, and inventory nationwideHow regional price performance varied dramatically across the Northeast, Midwest, South, and WestWhy slower job growth and labor market uncertainty are shaping buyer behaviorHow inflation trends are evolving and what’s still putting pressure on household budgetsWhere mortgage rates stand today and why expectations for major drops remain limitedWhat buyers, sellers, and agents should realistically anticipate as the 2026 market unfolds —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Final 2025 NAR housing numbers: sales, prices, and inventory 01:19 Regional price performance and what’s driving market variation 03:04 2026 home sales outlook and the role of pent-up demand 04:05 Employment slowdown and how labor market uncertainty impacts buyers 06:18 Inflation trends, household costs, and affordability pressures 09:48 Mortgage rate movement, forecasts, and what to expect in 2026 11:48 Policy speculation, election-year headlines, and why buyers shouldn’t wait This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

    15 min
  2. 12/29/2025

    2026 Real Estate Market Predictions, Rate Cut Impact & 2025 Market Recap

    After a highly anticipated Fed rate cut and a year defined by affordability challenges, 2025 is coming to a close with a clearer picture of where the housing market stands and where it’s headed next. In this month’s market update, Ruben Gonzalez and Gabi Brennesholtz break down the biggest trends of the past year, from rising inventory and regional price shifts to the realities of buyer hesitation. They also unpack the Fed’s latest decision and offer data-driven forecasts to help buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals prepare for 2026. In this episode, you’ll learn: What 2025’s housing data reveals about sales volume, inventory growth, and price trendsWhy affordability remains the defining challenge for buyers and how agents can address itHow the Fed’s recent rate cut impacts short-term loans but not necessarily mortgage ratesWhat a more “hawkish” Fed means for interest rates moving into 2026Why inventory is expected to keep rising and prices to grow modestly next yearHow buyers and agents can strategically position themselves ahead of the 2026 spring market ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Key sales, inventory, and price trends from 2025 01:47 Regional market differences and the “tale of two markets” 02:36 Affordability challenges and evolving buyer and seller strategies 05:40 December Fed meeting and what the rate cut really means 07:49 Why the Fed’s hawkish tone matters for future rate cuts 09:19 2026 forecasts for home sales, inventory, and prices 12:30 Strategic advice for buyers and agents heading into the new year This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

    17 min
  3. 12/01/2025

    Rising Inventory, Lukewarm Employment Data, Fed Uncertainty: How This Impacts the Market

    A cooling labor market, rising housing inventory, and growing uncertainty around the Fed’s next move are shaping a complex end to the year for real estate. In this month’s market update, Gabi Brennesholtz and Ruben Gonzalez break down the latest unemployment trends, what October’s existing home sales reveal about buyer behavior, and how affordability challenges are reshaping who’s entering the market. They also dig into NAR’s newest survey insights—from cash buyers to rising down payments—and explain why December’s Fed meeting could trigger meaningful rate volatility. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the latest unemployment and claims data suggest about the labor market’s directionWhy existing home sales remain flat despite easing mortgage rates—and how rising inventory is shifting buyer behaviorHow affordability challenges are pushing the average first-time buyer age to 40 and driving down-payment trends to record highsWhat the NAR’s newest survey reveals about cash buyers, investor participation, and today’s longer buying cyclesWhy December’s Fed meeting is essentially a 50/50 call—and how that uncertainty may impact mortgage-rate volatilityWhat a 50-year mortgage would really mean for buyers, equity, and long-term wealth building _______________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction & overview of this month’s market update 00:51 Unemployment data, claims reports, and what they signal about the labor market 03:12 What the Fed will consider in the upcoming meeting and why uncertainty is unusually high 04:29 October existing home sales, rising inventory, and regional price trends 06:13 NAR survey insights: cash buyers, buyer age, down payments, and shifting buying cycles 12:34 Upcoming Fed meeting and what to expect 14:21 50-year mortgage question: viability, affordability impact, and long-term wealth concerns 17:59 Final takeaways & closing remarks This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

    19 min
  4. 10/31/2025

    Government Shutdown Shakes Up Housing Market: What It All Means

    A prolonged government shutdown is creating fresh challenges for the housing market—from delayed closings to missing economic data just as the Fed prepares for another potential rate cut. In this month’s market update, Ruben Gonzalez and Gabi Brennesholtz unpack the real-world impact on homebuyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. From stalled USDA loans to surprising strength in existing home sales, they break down how lower mortgage rates, supply trends, and economic uncertainty are shaping a complicated but opportunity-filled market. In this episode, you’ll learn: How the government shutdown is delaying closings and disrupting flood insurance and USDA lendingWhy conventional and FHA loans remain largely unaffected—and what that means for buyersHow missing data could influence the Fed’s next move and mortgage rate trendsWhy lower mortgage rates are boosting existing home sales even amid broader economic concernsWhat rising inventory and steady prices reveal about the balance between supply and demandHow buyers and real estate professionals can take advantage of today’s “market of the moment” _______________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:47 Government shutdown and what it means for real estate 05:33 The Fed’s next move: Missing data and the outlook for another rate cut 08:36 Housing data recap: Rising sales, steady prices, and growing inventory 11:17 What lower rates mean for Q4 and early 2025 housing activity 13:27 Takeaways: Why now may be the right moment for buyers to act This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

    15 min
  5. 09/30/2025

    Fed Rate Cut: What It Means for Housing and Mortgage Markets

    Despite a recent dip in mortgage rates and a slight bump in new home sales, many buyers are still sitting on the sidelines—and the uncertainty isn’t just about interest rates. In this episode, Ruben Gonzalez and Gabi Brennesholtz break down what the latest Fed decision signals, how buyer psychology is shaping demand, and why pricing trends are diverging sharply by region. With affordability improving but confidence lagging, this month’s market update is all about finding clarity in a mixed market. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why falling mortgage rates aren’t immediately translating into higher home salesHow the Fed’s recent quarter-point rate cut and labor market concerns are influencing rate movementWhat to watch in the treasury markets for clues about where mortgage rates are headed nextWhy buyer psychology and economic uncertainty continue to limit existing home salesWhere price trends are diverging regionally—and what it means for buyers and investorsHow investors might capitalize on year-end opportunities, including bonus depreciation _______________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Fed rate cut recap and what it means for the economy 02:40 Why mortgage rates don’t move in lockstep with Fed decisions 04:11 How treasury markets provide clues about future rate movement 07:28 The impact of falling rates on new home sales vs. existing homes 10:44 Regional pricing trends and where affordability is improving 13:50 Year-end opportunities for investors and motivated buyers This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

    16 min
  6. 08/29/2025

    Flat Sales, More Inventory: Where to Find Opportunity

    Despite a modest uptick in summer sales, year-over-year numbers remain nearly flat—and inventory is quietly building across much of the U.S. In this episode, Ruben Gonzalez and Gabi Brennesholtz unpack the latest housing data and dive into the broader economic forces shaping the market, from elevated mortgage rates and sticky inflation to signs of cooling in the labor market. Whether you're advising clients or planning investments, this conversation explores where to find opportunity amid uncertainty. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why home sales remain sluggish despite a rise in inventory and slight seasonal price adjustmentsHow regional variations—like the Northeast’s resilience and the South’s continued slowdown—are influencing national trendsWhat inflation and labor market data reveal about the economy’s current health and the Fed’s likely next moveHow buyer uncertainty is shaping seller concessions, new construction deals, and investor behaviorWhere real opportunities lie for both seasoned investors and move-up buyers in today’s slower-paced marketWhat to expect from mortgage rates for the rest of the year—and why major shifts likely won’t happen overnight _______________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Market Update Overview 01:44 Regional Pricing Trends 06:27 Labor Market Weakness Emerging 08:47 Inflation and Fed Policy Outlook 11:56 Where Buyers and Investors Can Find Opportunity 16:23 What’s Ahead for Mortgage Rates This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

    22 min
  7. 07/31/2025

    New Tax Bill, Builder Incentives & Mortgage Pressures: What’s Driving the Market in Mid-2025

    New legislation, shifting buyer behavior, and stubborn mortgage rates are all shaping the real estate landscape. In this episode, Ruben Gonzalez and Gabi Brennesholtz unpack the latest tax bill and its implications for homeowners and investors, explore emerging trends in inventory, price reductions, and new construction, and provide timely guidance for navigating today’s complex market. Whether you're advising clients or considering a move, this episode offers actionable insights to help you stay competitive and informed. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the recent tax bill means for mortgage interest deductions, standard deductions, real estate investors, and homeownersWhy increased inventory and price reductions aren’t necessarily translating into higher home salesHow shifting buyer and seller motivations are driving a rise in delistings and longer days on marketWhat new construction trends reveal about pricing strategy—and how resale homes can stay competitiveHow rising inflation and global tariffs could keep mortgage rates elevated through year-endWhat assumable mortgages are and how they can benefit both buyers and sellers in today’s high-rate environment_______________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:27 What the new tax bill means for mortgage interest deductions and standard deductions 02:19 Key tax benefits for real estate investors, including bonus depreciation and opportunity zones 05:23 June housing data: Why home sales remain flat despite rising inventory 07:14 The rise in delistings and what it reveals about today’s sellers 10:41 How new construction is reshaping local pricing strategies and buyer expectations 12:10 Inflation concerns and their impact on mortgage rates and first-time buyer affordability This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

    20 min
  8. 06/30/2025

    Rising Inventory, Evolving Strategy: What the Latest Data Shows

    Rising inventory and steady mortgage rates are reshaping today’s housing landscape. In this episode, Ruben Gonzalez and Gabi Brennesholtz break down June’s housing data, discuss the Fed’s latest rate projections, and highlight how shifting supply and demand dynamics are creating opportunities—and challenges—for buyers and sellers alike. Whether you're preparing to list or considering a move, this episode delivers timely insights and strategic guidance to help you thrive in a market defined by higher inventory, cautious buyers, and persistent affordability concerns. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why rising inventory isn’t translating into increased home sales—and what that means for market conditionsHow the latest Fed meeting impacts mortgage rate expectations for the rest of 2025What buyers should know about timing, inventory, and long-term affordabilityWhy pricing ahead of the market is now critical for sellersHow to guide contingent buyers and sellers through dual transactions with clarity and strategyThe top communication strategies real estate professionals are using to build confidence amid uncertainty _______________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Current State of Home Sales & Regional Market Trends 03:16 Federal Reserve's Impact on Mortgage Rates 09:01 Strategies for Buyers and Sellers in Today's Market 14:12 Navigating Contingencies and Equity Challenges 17:15 Final Thoughts and Market Outlook This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

    20 min

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Stay ahead of the rapidly evolving housing market with the Keller Williams Real Estate Market Update. Designed for real estate agents, investors, and homeowners, this podcast delivers expert insights, key trends, and timely market data to help you navigate shifts with confidence. Hosted by Ruben Gonzales, Chief Economist at Keller Williams, and Gabi Brennesholtz, KW MAPS Executive Coach, each episode breaks down the numbers, explores the latest news, and provides the context you need to make informed decisions. Tune in monthly wherever you get your podcasts.

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