Everyone keeps asking the same question: Are mortgage rates going back to 3 percent? According to the National Association of Realtors’ Chief Economist, Dr. Lawrence Yun, don’t count on it. At least not anytime soon.
Inflation, national debt, oil prices, global conflict and consumer confidence — on this episode of Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered, Yun breaks down what’s really happening in the economy.
Yun unpacks why rates are likely to stay higher than many expect, what that means for home sales and how agents should be thinking about the market in 2026.
If you’re waiting for “the market to go back to normal,” this episode will reset your expectations.
Highlights
Dr. Yun explains how rising national debt is putting pressure on mortgage rates, limiting how low they can realistically go even if inflation cools.
This conversation dives into:
- Why mortgage rates are unlikely to return to 3 percent
- How government debt impacts interest rates
- What rising oil prices mean for housing
- The reality behind today’s “K-shaped” economy
- Why consumer confidence is at historic lows
They also break down a critical mindset shift: Stop waiting for the market to change. Start understanding the market you’re in. Because the agents who win in this environment won’t be the ones hoping for lower rates. They’ll be the ones who know how to navigate higher ones.
Connect with Dr. Lawrence Yun on LinkedIn.
Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered is now exclusively on Inman. Tune in for agent- and team-focused content on Mondays and leadership interviews on Wednesdays each week. Listen on Apple or Spotify.
James Dwiggins is the Co-CEO of NextHome, Inc. and co-host of Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered.
Keith Robinson is the Co-CEO of NextHome, Inc. and co-host of Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered.
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