HomeSimply

Consumer confidence took a hit in February, signaling increased economic uncertainty. The result? Mortgage rates have ticked lower. For the mortgage industry, this presents a double-edged sword. On one hand, lower rates can be a catalyst for increased homebuying and refinancing activity. But on the other, declining consumer confidence suggests that buyers may be more hesitant to make big financial decisions—like purchasing a home. So, is this good or bad for the mortgage market? The answer isn’t black and white. While affordability improves with lower rates, hesitation in the market can lead to slower home listings and sales. That’s why it’s critical to educate your clients and partners. Helping them understand market trends, their financial options, and the long-term benefits of homeownership will be key in navigating today’s landscape. What are you seeing in your market? Are buyers still motivated, or are they holding off?

Mortgage applications for home purchases dipped 6% last week but remain 7% higher than this time last year. From my vantage point, this aligns with what many of us are experiencing—the market isn’t surging, but it’s holding steady. With fewer loan officers in the business, there’s a sense of cautious optimism. One trend I’m seeing is LOs getting more intentional about reaching consumers directly. While strong referral partnerships remain critical, many see direct-to-consumer strategies as the key to future growth. The approaches vary—some are leaning into social media, others are hosting in-person or virtual events, sponsoring local initiatives, or simply doubling down on traditional networking and past client outreach. There’s also growing interest in leveraging AI to streamline marketing efforts and increase efficiency. One thing is clear: in a flat market, those who adapt will find opportunities. What strategies are you using to drive growth right now?

We're excited to welcome Joe Garner to the team! Joe joins us as a Senior Loan Officer/Builder Development Manager, bringing over 20 years of mortgage industry experience to the table. With a deep understanding of home financing and a passion for helping homebuyers, builders, and real estate agents navigate the lending process, Joe is a fantastic addition to our growing team.

As the Federal Reserve prepares for its meeting and rate decision this week, much of the industry’s attention is understandably on mortgage rates. While rates are undeniably important for consumers and the housing market as a whole, I believe we often spend too much time and energy focusing on something we cannot control. Consumers are trained to fixate on rates because they’re tangible, easy to compare, and always in the headlines. But the real conversation should be about affordability and long term goals. Yes, rates play a role in affordability, but they’re only one piece of the puzzle. Down payments, homeowners insurance, property taxes, other debt, loan terms, purchase price, and income are equally critical factors. True affordability is about the bigger picture: How does this decision fit your budget, your goals, and your priorities? This is where the best loan officers shine. They’re not just selling loans—they’re educators, problem solvers, and advisors. They ask the right questions, listen intently, and help clients navigate complex decisions to identify what matters most. When we focus on the full picture of affordability rather than just rates, we empower homebuyers and refinancers to make smarter, more confident decisions. So, as the industry tunes in to the Fed’s decision this week, let’s not lose sight of what really makes a difference for our clients: delivering solutions that meet their unique needs. What are your thoughts? How can we, as an industry, do better at shifting the narrative to focus on affordability?

Fannie Mae has released its first Economic and Housing Forecast of 2025, and the outlook presents ongoing challenges for the mortgage industry. Mortgage rates are now expected to decline more slowly than previously forecasted, and origination volume projections have been revised downward. For those of us on the front lines, this comes as little surprise. The bigger question might be whether these numbers are still too optimistic. On a positive note, income growth is projected to outpace home price appreciation, offering a glimmer of hope for improved affordability. Key Highlights: ? Mortgage Rates: The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is projected to end the year at 6.5%, with an anticipated gradual decline to approximately 6.3% by the end of 2026. ? Home Sales: Existing home sales are forecasted to total 4.15 million in 2025, marking a 2.3% increase from 2024’s pace of 4.06 million. Despite this uptick, sales levels are expected to remain near 30-year lows, influenced by affordability constraints and the “lock-in effect,” where homeowners hesitate to sell due to their current low mortgage rates. ? Home Prices: Home prices are anticipated to rise by 3.5% in 2025, a deceleration from the 5.8% growth expected in 2024. This moderation reflects ongoing affordability challenges and a gradual increase in housing inventory. Takeaways: ? With lower origination volumes, successful Loan Officers and Realtors will continue to adapt finding ways to add more value to their clients and partners. ? Competitive rates will continue to be a focus of consumers pressuring margins for lenders. ? Lenders who built their 2025 plan expecting rates to drop faster are going to be forced to make some difficult decisions. Unfortunately some companies ended 2024 staffing up for higher volumes that may not materialize. What is your plan to grow your business in 2025? https://lnkd.in/d6cKJVzH https://lnkd.in/dU7QTqGv

This year, HomeSimply is set to take major strides as we expand our retail division and launch our Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) model. With a proven track record of building high-performing teams, Josh Hankins and I are drawing on our experience scaling a previous company to nearly $6 billion in annual origination volume at its peak. Our approach has always been simple yet powerful: putting our people first. We prioritize our team through training, providing the right tools, and supporting their growth. This creates an environment where empowered employees thrive. Some of the most transformative ideas that shaped our past success came directly from our team members. Are you interested in joining our team or hearing more about the opportunity? Message me and let's start the conversation. Donny Kirby Josh Hankins

Finally some good news for mortgage rates! This morning’s Producer Price Index (PPI) report for December surprised to the downside, signaling some easing in inflationary pressures. As we await tomorrow’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, the big question is: will it confirm a trend of lower inflation? If so, this could provide much-needed stability for mortgage rates, offering a brighter outlook for both buyers and the housing market heading into spring. HomeSimply

???Exciting News from HomeSimply!??? ? We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our?Direct to Consumer Division?at HomeSimply!????As part of this new chapter, we’re looking for?top-performing Mortgage Loan Officers to join our dynamic and growing team in?Charlotte, NC. ? At HomeSimply, we’re not just about mortgages – we’re about?revolutionizing home finance?with cutting-edge technology, seamless processes, and a client-first approach. Our mission is to make homeownership dreams come true, and we need passionate, driven, and fun-loving professionals to help us make that happen! ? ???What’s in it for you? ?????????????????????????????Industry-leading technology to close loans faster ?????????????????????????????Competitive pricing & a wide array of products to close more loans ?????????????????????????????5-star customer service to support your success ?????????????????????????????Comprehensive benefits, including company-paid health/dental/vision insurance ?????????????????????????????Competitive compensation plan ?????????????????????????????A culture that values integrity, innovation, and teamwork ? ??What we’re looking for: If you’re a?licensed Mortgage Loan Officer?with a proven track record of success, exceptional communication skills, and a drive to make an impact, we want to hear from you!?Reach out to?Josh Hankins?or?Donny Kirby?for a confidential conversation. ? Or ? ???Apply today @ https://lnkd.in/eQPxx8im and let’s make homeownership dreams a reality together! ?? #WeAreHiring #MortgageCareers #LoanOfficers #HomeSimply #DirectToConsumer #CharlotteNC #JoinOurTeam #RevolutionizingHomeFinance