Happy Saturday! ☕ While you're sipping that coffee and pretending you're going to meal prep for the week (we see you), let's talk about what happened in mortgage land this week and what's coming down the pipeline.

December starts in a few days, which means we're officially in "should I wait until after the holidays?" season. Spoiler: The market doesn't care about your holiday shopping schedule. 🎄💸

📊 Weekend Rate Check

Markets are closed for the weekend, but here's where we landed on Friday according to Mortgage News Daily

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🎢 This Week's Market Rollercoaster

Thanksgiving week gave us the gift of... volatility! Rates bounced around like your cousin who had too much pie, but ultimately we saw a slight uptick heading into the weekend. The 30-year conventional loan is hovering around 6.22%, which is basically where we've been camping out for the past few weeks.

Why the movement? 🤔 The bond market had a wild ride with lighter-than-usual trading volume (everyone was too full of turkey to trade, apparently). Plus, inflation data and Fed chatter kept traders on their toes. The consensus? We're probably looking at rates staying in this 6.2%-7.0% range through year-end unless something dramatic happens.

What this means for you: If you've been fence-sitting, waiting for some magical 5% rate to reappear, you might be waiting until 2026. Current rates are workable, especially if you factor in the possibility of refinancing down the road when (if?) rates drop.

🏠 Market Intel: December Dynamics

The Holiday House Hunt: December historically sees fewer buyers in the market, which means less competition. Sellers who list during the holidays are usually motivated (divorce, job transfer, or they really, REALLY need to sell). Translation: potential negotiating power for buyers who are willing to brave the cold. 🥶

Inventory Update: Housing inventory has been slowly creeping up nationally, but we're still well below pre-pandemic levels. According to Realtor.com, available homes are up about 25% year-over-year in many markets, but that's relative to historically low numbers. It's like saying "we now have 25% more needles in this haystack!"

🎓 Mortgage School: Rate Locks Explained

What's a rate lock? It's exactly what it sounds like – you "lock in" your interest rate for a specific period (usually 30-60 days) while your loan processes. This protects you if rates go up during that time.

The timing game: Lock too early and you might miss out if rates drop. Lock too late and you could get burned by a rate spike. Most lenders charge for longer lock periods (90+ days), so there's a cost to playing it safe.

Pro tip: Ask about a "float down" option when you lock. This lets you take advantage of rate drops (usually for a fee) while still being protected against increases. It's like insurance for your insurance.

Want to explore your options? Connect with a lender who can walk you through it 📞

💰 Investor's Edge: Year-End Tax Moves

December is your last chance to make moves that impact your 2025 tax return. Here's what savvy investors are doing:

1. Cost Segregation Studies: If you bought a rental property this year, a cost seg study could accelerate depreciation and save you thousands. This essentially front-loads your tax deductions. Thinking about this? Get a free estimate from our partner – it could save you five figures or more. 🤑

2. STR Upgrades Before Year-End: Need to furnish or renovate your short-term rental? Our 0% interest funding partner can help you upgrade amenities without the cash flow crunch. Pro move: Expense those improvements in 2025 for maximum deduction impact.

3. The STR Loophole: Did you know short-term rentals (less than 7-day average stays) get special tax treatment? Unlike traditional rentals, STR losses can potentially offset W-2 income if you meet the material participation requirements. It's one of the best-kept secrets in real estate. Looking to get into the STR game? We'll connect you with an STR specialist who understands the nuances. 🏡

🔧 Weekend Money Move: The 1% Rule

What is it? A quick screening tool for rental properties. The monthly rent should equal at least 1% of the purchase price. So a $300,000 property should rent for $3,000/month minimum.

Why it matters: Properties that meet the 1% rule generally cash flow well after expenses. Below that threshold, you're often relying on appreciation alone (not ideal in today's market).

The reality check: In high-cost-of-living areas, 1% might be unrealistic. Adjust your expectations based on your market, but the principle holds: run the numbers before you fall in love with a property.

Try it yourself: This weekend, browse listings in your target area and calculate the 1% threshold. You'll quickly see which markets offer better cash flow potential. For investment property financing that actually works with real numbers, get connected here.

👀 What to Watch This Week

Monday: Markets reopen and we'll see how traders feel about December. Plus, ISM Manufacturing data drops, which can move mortgage rates.

Wednesday: ADP Employment Report gives us a preview of Friday's jobs data.

Friday: The big one – November's jobs report. Strong jobs = higher rates (typically). Weak jobs = potential rate relief. The market will be watching closely. 📊

💡 The Bottom Line

Rates are sideways, inventory is thin, and December is historically slow for housing. But that doesn't mean it's a bad time to make moves – it just means you need to be strategic.

Whether you're house hunting, refinancing, or building your rental empire, the key is connecting with the right people who understand your specific situation. That's literally why we exist. 🤝

Ready to make a move?

That's it for this weekend! We'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with Monday's rate update and market moves.

Have questions? Hit reply – we actually read these. 📧