Tara Cochran

I have begun to see more people say the housing market is on the verge of collapse and to sell everything you have. I would hate for anyone to take that terrible advice.

Every Friday, I get a newsletter that catches me up on housing, jobs, and the economy, so I wanted to share some key data points and give you a clearer picture of where things stand during this global conflict and market volatility so you can make the best decision for your portfolio.

Bottom line: The sky might be falling, but house and land values are not. This is your Thoroughbred Real Estate Services market update for mid-March 2026:

• Mortgage Rates
Rates nudged up slightly, from 6.09% to 6.19%. Still, they’re much lower than a year ago. As a result, purchase apps are up 11% YoY, and refis are up 81% YoY. If you find a home that works for you, locking in might be a smart move—rates may not drop much soon.

• Economic Snapshot
February saw 92k jobs lost, and unemployment ticked up to 4.4%. Job searches are taking longer, but inflation is steady, with CPI near mid-2%.

• Housing Activity
Buyer activity is picking up: the MBS Highway Housing Index rose in March, and existing home sales jumped 1.7% in February—even with expectations of a decline.

• Home Values
Home values are steady. MoM price changes are flat, and YoY values still show modest growth. The reality hasn’t changed: they’re not making any more land. Real estate is still one of the best long-term investments.

• Opportunities
While the market is strong, FHA loan delinquencies are rising in some areas, which could create opportunities—like short sales or foreclosures—for buyers or investors paying attention.

Simply put, demand is steady, supply is limited, and home values are holding firm.

If you’re thinking of buying, investing, or exploring a new market, I’m here to help. I also work with great referral partners across the country. Reach out anytime!🔑

🏡Real Estate Market Update from Thoroughbred Real Estate Services – September 19, 2025

The Federal Reserve announced a rate cut this week, but the key movement came from the details behind the decision. Mortgage rates don’t move in direct step with Fed actions—they respond to how the bond market interprets the Fed’s outlook. Early optimism about additional cuts shifted after Chair Powell framed the move as a “risk management” decision, prompting lenders to issue mid-day rate increases despite the cut.

📉Economic Signals:
-The job market is showing signs of strain, with 911,000 jobs revised away in the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics update—the largest downward adjustment on record.

-Jobless claims climbed to 263,000, the highest since 2021.

-Inflation data remains mixed but continues to support expectations of another cut at the Fed’s September 17 meeting.

📈Housing Trends:
-Home price growth eased slightly in July, but forecasts remain positive with nearly 4% appreciation expected over the next year.

-Lower rates are already stirring activity: refinance applications jumped 58%, while purchase applications are up 20% year-over-year.

-New construction remains limited, setting the stage for ongoing supply challenges as demand builds.

🔑Thoroughbred Real Estate Service Perspective:
Whether you’re searching for your next property or planning to sell, Thoroughbred Real Estate Services is your trusted partner to navigate this dynamic market. Opportunities are emerging as rates trend lower and buyer activity accelerates. Whether you’re considering a purchase, sale, or refinance, strategic timing will be key in the months ahead.

🏠🐎 Residential Real Estate Update – Summer 2025
Presented by Thoroughbred Real Estate Services

As we round the turn into late summer, the real estate market is showing signs of moderation—but also opportunity. Whether you're eyeing a primary home, investment property, or equestrian estate, here’s what you need to know:

📉 Mortgage & Refinance Trends

30-year fixed mortgage rates have dipped slightly and remain stable—encouraging news for both buyers and those considering refinancing.

Mortgage activity cooled a bit last week, but overall volume remains well ahead of this time last year.

Cash-out refinances now lead the pack—offering homeowners a smart way to unlock equity and reinvest in property upgrades, land, or even new listings.

🏦 Economic Snapshot

The Fed held interest rates steady, but internal division (the first dual dissent in 30+ years) signals mounting pressure to cut rates amid signs of economic cooling.

We’re seeing slower consumer spending, weaker job growth, and persistent inflation—all of which could push the Fed to lower rates in the months ahead.

🏡 Housing Market Insights

Rental prices stayed flat in July and are now slightly down year-over-year. Rising vacancy rates suggest a shift that could ease shelter costs and open up more buying opportunities.

Despite rate stability, purchase activity pulled back slightly—likely tied to affordability concerns in select regions.

For equestrian properties and rural estates, this environment could signal a window of opportunity before potential fall rate cuts stir new competition.

📌 Thoroughbred Perspective:

We’re seeing a slower-paced market, but one rich with possibilities—especially for clients seeking acreage, barns, and lifestyle properties where quality and land value still reign. Whether you're refinancing, selling, or preparing to buy before rates move again, now’s the time to have a strategic conversation.

📨 Contact us to discuss market timing, equity opportunities, and property-specific insights tailored to your goals.

📢 Thoroughbred Real Estate Services' Market Update - January 31, 2025:

💰 Facts & Insights
Mortgage rates are holding steady near 7%, despite a bit of market turbulence following the Fed’s latest announcement. The 10-year Treasury yield is hovering at key levels, and all eyes are on today’s inflation data for clues about what’s next. The Fed isn’t ready to cut rates just yet, but the market is already reading between the lines.

📉 Economic Update
The Fed is still playing hard to get with rate cuts, citing a strong labor market and sticky inflation. But here’s the twist—job growth has apparently been overstated due to modeling errors. That means mortgage rates may have been artificially high in recent months. If inflation keeps cooling and hiring slows, we could see some much-needed rate relief down the road.

🏡 Housing News
The housing market isn’t backing down! Existing Home Sales hit a 10-month high in December, marking three straight months of growth. Buyers are still showing up, even with tight inventory, proving that real estate remains a solid wealth-building strategy. Plus, rental data suggests inflation pressures could ease soon, which might help interest rates in the coming months.

🔑 What It Means for You:
With demand still strong and rate shifts on the horizon, the market is ripe for opportunity—if you play it smart. Thinking about making a move or adding to your portfolio? Let’s talk and let’s turn these insights into your next big win!

Georgia Real Estate Snapshot: 2024 🏡🍑

1️⃣ Homes Sold: Georgia saw a 20% increase in homes sold this year—leading the way in the Southeast! 📈
2️⃣ Average Price: The average home price in Georgia is $390,000, slightly below the national average of $420,000. 💰
3️⃣ Days on Market: Homes are selling fast, with an average of 25 days on the market. 🔥
4️⃣ Growing Demand: Metro Atlanta is booming, with a 25% surge in luxury home sales. ✨
5️⃣ First-Time Buyers: Represent 40% of the Georgia market, higher than the national average! 🌟

Looking to buy or sell in Georgia? Let’s make it happen! 🏠🔑

📊 Mortgage rates in 2025: The crystal ball says…

🔮The experts’ predictions are in, with rates ranging from 6.12% to 6.80%.

Thinking about buying a home or investment property this year? Let’s chat before your dream deal gallops away!

Shoot me a DM and let me know where you want to buy.🔑