November 26th, 2025

Weekly Market Update: Finally… Actual Data Again

Hey friends, now that the government decided to clock back in (appreciate the hustle, guys), we’re finally getting real economic data again. And let’s just say… it’s not exactly the “holly jolly” picture you’d hope for heading into the holidays.

Here’s what we’re seeing:

Jobless claims came in hotter than expected.
ADP’s initial jobless numbers were way higher than forecasts, pointing to a softening labor market. Normally you see that in January or February, not right as people are trying to buy toys, turkeys, and whatever else Amazon convinces us we “need.”

What does that mean for rates?
When the economy sputters, mortgage rates usually follow by drifting lower. And we’re finally seeing that play out. The last 2–3 days have brought slightly better pricing, nothing to pop champagne over yet, but we are inching our way toward that 6% average on conventional loans. Momentum matters.

Even the Fed can’t agree with itself.
One Fed governor said “we’re not cutting in December,” and the others basically replied, “Yeah… we might need to.”
Why? Because rising job losses are exactly the kind of thing that forces the Fed’s hand.

More data is coming.
Remember, we went 40 days with almost no economic reporting during the shutdown, so the next couple weeks are going to be loaded with catch-up. Expect more movement.

And on a personal note…

This year has been wild, unpredictable, and occasionally held together with duct tape, but we still grew, still served our clients at a high level, and still pushed our businesses forward.

I want you to know how genuinely grateful I am for you. Your partnership, your trust, your friendship… it means everything to us. Helping you build a bigger business and a better life is why we show up every day.

2026 is shaping up to be a strong purchase year, NAR is projecting a 14–15% jump in home sales, and I’m excited to be in the trenches with you for all of it.

Have a great Thanksgiving, enjoy your people, and let’s finish the year strong!

The Equity Echo Strategy: Fully Built Out

Most agents only send a CMA.
Great… but outdated.

This is about sending homeowners something more powerful:

A breakdown of what their equity can actually do in today’s market.

It creates conversations.
It creates listings.
It creates move-ups, downsizes, and investor clients.

Let’s break it down in a way your agents will love.

1. Step One: Calculate Their “True Equity Position”

Not just the Zestimate nonsense.

Have the agent deliver:

  • Estimated home value

  • Current mortgage balance

  • Available tappable equity

  • What their payment would be if they kept the home and refinanced at today’s rate (if applicable)

It’s basically a mini “annual wealth checkup.”

People LOVE being told they made money without doing anything. myHomeIQ is an amazing way to do this and I’ve got you free in, reply and I’ll get you signed up!

2. Step Two: Attach the “Equity Options Menu”

This is the magic.

Give the homeowner three or four specific things they can DO with their equity, like:

Option A: Move-Up Purchase

Show them:

  • What they could sell for

  • How much equity they’d walk with

  • How far that equity can stretch into a nicer home

  • Side-by-side monthly payment comparison

Many homeowners don’t realize they’re $750/mo away from their “dream” neighborhood.

Option B: Downsize & Pocket Cash

Show them:

  • Sell high, buy smaller

  • Use leftover equity to pay off debts or boost retirement

  • Lower their payment or eliminate it entirely

This hits hard for empty nesters or homeowners who are equity-rich but cash-tight.

Option C: Turn Their Home Into a Rental

This is HUGE right now.

Show them:

  • Rent estimate

  • Your loan program options for retaining the current home

  • Cash-flow projection

  • How their equity compounds when they own two homes

This turns average homeowners into investors real fast.

Option D: Reinvest Equity With a HELOC or Cash-Out

Not to push them into a refi — simply educate them:

  • HELOC for renovations

  • Debt consolidation

  • Home upgrades before selling

  • ADU construction (in ADU-friendly areas)

  • Emergency liquidity

You’re just giving them optionality, not pressure.

3. Step Three: Give Them a Simple “Should I Move?” Decision Tree

People get overwhelmed with decisions.
Make it idiot-proof.

Create a simple 1-page flow:

  • Want more space → Move Up path

  • Want lower monthly cost → Downsize path

  • Want passive income → Keep-and-rent path

  • Want liquidity → HELOC path

Most homeowners will self-identify instantly.

4. Step Four: Add Personalization + a Hook

This is where your agent stands out.

Have them say something like:

“I put together a simple equity breakdown for you — not just what your home is worth, but what your equity could help you accomplish this year.”

Nobody else has language like that.

5. Step Five: Deliver It the Right Way

Agents should send this:

  • As a PDF

  • Via myHomeIQ

  • As a quick Loom walkthrough (optional)

  • And offer a 15-minute strategy call

People don’t book “real estate calls.”
They book strategy calls.

It feels big-brain and proactive.

6. Step Six:  The Follow-Up Script

The fortune is in the follow-up, right?

Here’s a script they can use:

“Hey! I just emailed you something I call your Equity Echo Report.
It’s basically your annual financial snapshot as a homeowner.
Once you take a look, I can map out any of the options that interest you — move-up, downsize, rental, or just sitting tight.
Want me to send you a 3-step plan based on where you are in life now?”

This converts.
Every. Time.

7. Optional: Co-Brand It With You (The Lender)

You can plug in:

  • Updated rates

  • Payment scenarios

  • Buydown options

  • Equity leverage options (HELOCS, etc. — even if brokered)

  • Investment loan strategies

This creates the “dream team” effect:
Agent + lender = financial guides.

Why This Works Like Crazy

Because nobody else is doing it.
Everyone talks about equity…
…but nobody is showing people what to DO with it.

From The Feeds….

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