One of the tough truths about real estate is that the housing market doesn’t always follow the trendlines of the broader economy. Sometimes, the economy is humming along but a variety of factors — from labor to interest rates to bureaucratic and zoning challenges — can cause housing to grind to a halt. Other times, housing is the only bright spot in an otherwise lackluster economic outlook.
Last week, we saw everyone polish their crystal balls as they tried to suss out the relationship between housing, financial markets and Q4 2025 economic indicators.
Is the housing market in the midst of a recession? Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent thinks so by Lillian Dickerson
Last week, Bessent used the dreaded r-word — recession — to describe conditions in the housing market, while laying the blame squarely at the feet of the Federal Reserve, something his boss, President Trump, has repeatedly reiterated during his term.
While Federal Reserve policymakers cut short-term interest rates on Oct. 29, a warning from Fed Chair Jerome Powell that another rate cut in December is not a done deal — due to inflation moving away from the Fed’s 2 percent target — has put upward pressure on mortgage rates.
READ MORE: Heard of a K-shaped economy? You’re living in it now
In times like these, the five P’s apply: prior planning prevents poor performance. As 2025 economic indicators unfold, and you look ahead to 2026, Inman contributors are providing the boots-on-the-ground insights you need to plan for the future, protect your commissions and win more listings no matter what shape the market takes.
7 things real estate brokers should do before the end of the year
End-of-year planning should be at the top of your to-do list now. Erica Ramus shares strategies to make it more effective and more impactful.
How to keep agents motivated if they’re worried about commissions
Agents don’t need more money, Verl Workman writes. They need more motivation and the confidence to achieve their professional goals in today’s market.
Why commissions have risen since the 2024 NAR settlement
Many expected commissions to fall after the 2024 NAR commission settlement, but data shows that average rates have actually ticked up slightly. Why? Dr. Lee Davenport crunches the numbers.
How to win more listings in a locked-in market environment
New Inman contributor and finance expert Sofia Nadjibi offers strategies for overcoming some of the market’s most challenging barriers to helping clients buy their next home.
8M reasons to focus: A data-driven Q4 reality check for real estate
There are more than enough motivated buyers and sellers ready to transact right now, Jason Waugh writes, and many are the most motivated ones we see all year.
The Download is a column in which Inman’s Christy Murdock takes a deeper look at the top-read stories of the past week to give you what you’ll need to meet Monday head-on.
