Rates are getting a little help this week.

Oil prices are lower, and mortgage bonds are higher after more optimism around a possible peace deal with Iran. Lower oil prices can help calm inflation fears, and that can be good for mortgage rates.

Now, we have heard “a deal is close” before, because apparently markets love drama, but for now it is helping.

The big thing to watch next is the CPI inflation report. If inflation comes in hotter than expected, rates could feel some pressure again.

Housing Update

Existing home sales were better than expected in May.

Sales rose 3.2%, inventory increased, and the market is sitting at about 4.5 months of supply, which is close to balanced.

That means buyers have more choices, but homes are still selling.

The median home price hit $429,300, a record high for May. Homes stayed on the market for about 29 days, and 25% sold above asking price.

So no, the market is not dead. It is just pickier now, like every buyer suddenly became a food critic.

Good News for Realtors

First-time buyers made up 35% of sales, the highest level since 2020.

That is a big deal.

It means buyers still want homes, especially when they understand the payment, the options, and how to use seller concessions.

Cash buyers and investors were both down from last year, which gives regular financed buyers a little more room to compete.

Realtor Takeaway

This is a market where education wins.

Buyers need simple guidance. Sellers need realistic pricing. Realtors who explain the market clearly are going to win more business.

The opportunity is still there. It just needs better conversations, not louder headlines.

— Brooks

One of the biggest mistakes I see agents make is assuming buyers need more homes to look at.

Most buyers already have Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, Instagram, TikTok, and probably an opinion from their cousin who bought a house three years ago and now thinks they're an economist.

What many buyers actually need is clarity.

They're wondering:

Often they don’t even want to ask because they are afraid the information will tell them no. When those questions go unanswered, buyers don't move forward. They freeze.

That's why one of the best things an agent can do is connect their clients with a lender (me) early in the process, not just for a pre-approval, but for a real consultation.

Every buyer I work with goes through a one-on-one loan consultation. We walk through monthly payment options, down payment strategies, closing costs, loan programs, timelines, the goals they have and the questions they're afraid to ask.

The result isn't just a stronger pre-approval.

It's a more confident buyer.

And confident buyers write offers.

Confident buyers stay engaged.

Confident buyers don't disappear every time they see a headline about rates.

The agents who are winning right now aren't necessarily the ones showing the most homes. They're the ones helping buyers understand the process and surrounding them with the right team.

An informed client is a good client.

An informed client is a sticky client.

And in a market full of uncertainty, clarity has become one of the most valuable services we can provide.

Schedule a consultation for your client: here!