“But if mortgage rates don’t move much, and you have international situations, it doesn’t help. ‘The world is so uncertain. I may just hold out, because I just don’t like uncertainty.’ People don’t like uncertainty. So that’s how I think it would play out.”
Sam Williamson of First American says the Fed will likely proceed cautiously in 2026, with one or two rate cuts expected despite leadership changes. Policy remains data-driven, balancing inflation and employment. Read more and share your thoughts.https://t.co/2nyZa0eFbW
— Mortgage Professional America Magazine (@MPAMagazineUS) December 16, 2025
As many brokers know, perception often becomes reality when it comes to getting buyers and sellers back into the market. Hepp said it’s important for brokers to help customers get past sensational headlines and focus on what works for them instead.
“The headlines can be so disruptive to people’s perceptions of the world and what they should do,” she said. “I had an appointment yesterday, and the person said, ‘Oh, what do you do?’ I said, I’m an economist. She’s like, ‘Can you fix this economy? This is a horrible economy.’ And I’m thinking, ‘Well, you got a job, and you are charging me now more than you were charging me before.’ These are silly things, but people cut off those expenses when they’re struggling.
“In people’s minds, things are a certain way, whatever their sphere of influence is, about how the world is. Yeah, it can definitely be disruptive.”
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