Inside the Market: Home & Loan Insights

Inside the Market: Home & Loan Insights

On the first Tuesday of each month, Margot Weatherford and her preferred lender partner, George Makoutz of Luminate Bank, host a quick and insightful 20-minute live discussion to share timely updates on the real estate and mortgage markets 🏡📉📈. Their goal is simple: to cut through the noise and give buyers, sellers, and agents the accurate, relevant information they need to make confident decisions in today’s ever-changing landscape.

George, a seasoned mortgage expert with over 35 years of experience 💼, pointed out that many headlines are either outdated or misleading. While the media often paints a picture of doom and gloom, he emphasized that interest rates are slowly trending down and could land in the mid-5% range by the end of the year. However, that dip will likely drive prices up 📊—meaning that waiting could cost buyers more in the long run.

He encouraged buyers to shift their mindset: focus less on chasing the lowest rate and more on finding the right home 🏠. As he put it, “The cost of waiting is real,” especially when appreciation continues to climb. Margot echoed this, highlighting that Big Canoe, Georgia, home values have increased 8% year over year 📈—a growth rate that far exceeds the national average. And while the Days on Market are longer than this time last year, Big Canoe remains firmly in seller’s market territory, with demand still strong and inventory gradually growing.

They also touched on timely topics like the challenges of condo lending 🏢, the long-term impact of economic policy, and the importance of accurate home pricing in markets where some sellers are still reaching for “aspirational” numbers. The key takeaway? Whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to figure out what’s next, working with professionals who understand both the national trends and the local market nuances can make all the difference 🧭💡.

Be sure to tune in next month for more insights, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions—Margot and George are always happy to help you navigate your real estate journey! 🙌✨