April 22nd, 2026
What’s Up With Rates?
We’ve got a bit of a tug-of-war going on right now.
On one side…
Markets are optimistic. Talks are happening, tensions are cooling a bit, and stocks are pushing higher.
On the other…
Economic data came in stronger than expected (jobs + retail sales), which typically puts upward pressure on rates.
So what does that mean in plain English?
Rates aren’t falling fast right now… but they’re holding in a pretty solid range considering everything going on.
The bigger story (and the good news):
Housing activity is quietly improving.
Pending home sales are showing year-over-year growth as rates have come down
Inventory is up
Listings are picking back up
Translation: buyers are adjusting… not disappearing.
What I’m telling clients right now:
This isn’t a “wait for perfect timing” market.
This is a move when it makes sense and refinance later kind of market.
Because the reality is…
Demand is still there, and when rates do make a real move down, it’s not going to come with less competition.
Bottom line:
A little volatility short-term, but the foundation is improving.
And if this trend continues, we’re setting up for a much stronger back half of the year than most people expected.
— Brooks
The Fastest Way to Your First Deal (Yes, Within 30 Days)
If you’re new, or just stuck, and you actually commit to this… there’s a very real chance this gets you your first deal in the next 30 days.
Not 6 months. Not “someday when your brand grows.”
30 days.
Why?
Because you’re not chasing cold strangers who filled out a form at 2am and forgot about it. You’re talking to people who are already in motion.
The Most Underrated Lead Source: Property Owners
Specifically:
For Sale By Owner listings.
And no, don’t call them asking for the listing. That’s what everyone else is doing… and getting ignored for it.
Instead, ask:
“What are you looking to buy next?”
Now you’ve shifted the conversation completely.
Why This Works So Well
These aren’t random leads.
These are property owners, which means:
They’ve already been through the process before
They understand what owning real estate does for their finances
They’re actively in the market right now
They have real motivation (they’re literally trying to make a move)
Compare that to the average online lead:
Someone browsing, maybe curious, maybe not serious, definitely talking to 5 other agents.
It’s not even close.
A property owner trying to make a move is one of the strongest leads you can talk to.
The Hidden Advantage Most Agents Miss
When you help them find their next home, something interesting happens…
Their current home becomes urgent.
Now they need to sell.
And suddenly, that listing conversation you avoided at the beginning becomes a whole lot easier.
The Real Reason Most Agents Stay Stuck
Let’s be honest on average an agent only spends about 3% of their day actually talking to clients.
Three percent.
So the real question isn’t “Where do I get leads?”
It’s:
What would happen if you actually spent time talking to people who are already in the market?
The Simple Play
Call FSBO listings daily
Focus on what they want next
Position yourself as the person who helps them move forward
Do that consistently for a few weeks and you won’t just feel busy…
You’ll start to see deals.
Not because you found some secret hack.
Because you finally did the thing this business has always rewarded:
having real conversations with people who are ready to act.
From The Feeds….
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