Rates are still hanging around the upper 6s, with the latest average mortgage rate near 6.76%. Not exactly the number buyers were hoping to put on a T-shirt.

The bigger story today is the Fed meeting. No rate cut is expected, but the market will be paying close attention to what the Fed says about inflation and whether it gives any hints about what comes next. Then tomorrow we get the latest PCE inflation report, which could move rates more than the meeting itself.

There are a couple encouraging signs underneath all the noise.

Purchase mortgage applications jumped 4% last week and are now 3% higher than a year ago, so buyers are still participating even with rates where they are.

Rental prices are also basically flat and actually down 1.1% from last year, another sign that some inflation pressure continues to cool.

The wildcard is oil. Prices jumped more than 6% following renewed attacks in the Middle East. Higher energy prices can quickly bring inflation fears back into the conversation, and rates generally don't appreciate that kind of drama.

The takeaway for agents: the market isn't waiting for perfect rates. Buyers are still buying. The opportunity is helping them understand the numbers, negotiate the right deal, and be ready when rates eventually give us a better window.

— Brooks

A pre-approval letter is important, but let’s not pretend it magically turns a buyer into a confident decision-maker.

It does not.

It tells them what they may qualify for.

It does not always tell them what payment fits their life, how much money they need to bring to closing, what loan structure makes the most sense, or how to think through concessions, buydowns, reserves, and timing.

That is where the real conversation has to happen.

The agents who are winning with buyers right now are not just sending them listings and hoping they figure it out. They are helping them understand the entire buying decision.

And that starts with the lender. An educated and confident buyer is a sticky buyer.

Every client I work with goes through a full one-on-one loan consultation because I want them to understand more than just their approval amount.

I want them to know:

When buyers have that clarity, they are less likely to freeze, less likely to ghost, and less likely to panic when the market gets noisy.

Because informed clients stick.

They trust the process. They trust the professionals. They make better decisions.

And here is the part agents should not overlook: when you refer your buyer to a lender who takes the time to educate them, you look smart too.

Your client does not just think, “I have a good lender.”

They think, “My agent connected me with the right person.”

That matters.

A strong lender does not replace the agent relationship. A strong lender strengthens it. When the buyer feels more confident because of the conversation, the agent gets credit for building the right team around them.

For Realtors, this should be part of the buyer strategy from the beginning. Get your buyers educated early, and the rest of the process gets cleaner.

A pre-approval letter opens the door.

A real plan helps the buyer walk through it with confidence.