Markets & Mortgages

SUMMARY:  Housing inventory in Wilmington jumps to a 6-year high as the market slows after a slight jump in Spring, bond marketss continue to act wierd, and it's Fed week! DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: After a contenious budget workshop, New Hanover County Comissioners voted 3-2 to lower the property tax rate to 30.6 cents, down from the current 45 cents, but will still be a 5% increaese in property tax bills.  It was a good week for bond rates despite a slight uptick after Israel attacked Iran Thursday night.  Two good inflation reports (CPI & PPI) and two solid bond auctions (10YR & 30Y) caused a slight bond rally this week, pushing down rates. DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: David Benford, team lead for the David Benford Group, stops by the show to talk about how he got started in real estate, the impact of the NAR lawsuit, the current slowdown in the housing market, how the luxury market differs from the mid-range market, and what he sees happening for housing in the future.  Tyler also breaks down what happened to rates last week and the big week ahead for inflation and some big bond auctions.DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: A weak private payrolls gets markets moving and the President tweeting.  Mortgage rates were basically unchanged halfway through jobs week, job openings were higher than expected but quits showed signs of cooling, manufacturing fell for the fourth month, and it's the battle of the budgets here in the Cape Fear region...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Tyler announces the news that he is a full-time Loan Officer at TowneBank Mortgage!  It's also jobs week after a positive week for rates, thanks to Japan, tariff pauses, and a positive inflation report.  Also, rent in Wilmington holds steady for the second consecutive month... DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Japan's possible pullback on long-term bond issuance helps push down US bond yields, consumer confidence unexpectedly rises in May, and building permits fall slightly in Wilmington but remain strong...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Trump announces tariffs on the EU just because, rates rise after a bad 20-year auction, Trump floats the idea of taking Fannie & Freddie out of conservatorship, and exiting-home sales hold in the South during the spring buying season...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: New Hanover County is likely to raise property taxes for the next fiscal year, GOP infighting keeps budget bill in limbo, and Ray Dalio says treasury risk is worse than Moody's and others argue...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Bonds sell off thanks to Moody's downgrading US debt from AAA to AA1, Residential construction is mixed in the South in April, and it looks like a toll might be the only option for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Rates rise despite a solid inflation that showed price growth slowing to a 4-year low and despite seeing more revenue from tariffs the budget deficit continues to outpace last years spending...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: An announced US-China trade agreement to lower tariffs caused a big sell-off of bonds as investors rushed to equities, Wilmington home price growth slowed in the first quarter, and this week its all about US consumers ...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: The Federal Reserve held rates and Chairman Jerome Powell says the future is uncertain but the Fed is prepared to move if needed...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Housing inventory in Wilmington hits a 5-year high, rates hold for the first two trading days as markets prepare for today's Fed decision, and the US trade deficit surged in March... DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Bond yields fall to start the week thanks to weak consumer confidence, a cooling labor market, and a negative GDP print, all to start the week.  Also noteworthy, President Trump was slightly critical of the job performance of Jerome Powell at his 100-Day rally last night and Wilmington's unemployment rate falls for the second straight month.DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Wilmington's housing market heats up in March, President Trump says he's not worried about the bond market and there's no red line on tariffs, consumer sentiment falls pushing down rates ahead of a busy week for data...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump reassures markets that he won't fire Jerome Powell and that Chinese tariffs will be lowered, the IMF lowers projections for US and global growth, and the scary part of this economic downturnDISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: President Trump attacks Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell but stops short of calling for him to resign, housing starts plummet in the South but there is still some optimism, and almost a quarter of Americans are scrapping plans to buy a home because of tariffs...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: A sell-off in equities and in bonds has some wondering if the bond market is broken, a horrible consumer survey causes rates to climb, and this week it is all about housing construction...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: President Trump will make his tariff decision public at 4:00 PM, the manufacturing sector contracts ahead of the tariff decision, job openings fall slightly more than expected, and Wilmington rents are down for the 23rd consecutive month...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Wilmington was the 7th fastest growing metro area since 2020, consumer confidence fell to a four-year low, durable goods orders unexpectedly rose, and new home sales in the south rose to the second highest level in the last 10 months...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Existing home sales have jumped to the second highest level in the last year, Trump has shaken up Fannie & Freddie, and markets are preparing for consumer and inflation data.DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: It is a Fed Day and while the rate decision might not matter the forward guidance definitely will, housing starts skyrocket in February while homebuilder confidence falls in March as tariff uncertainty hits home builders, and retail sales fall as consumer pullback spending because of higher pricesDISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: The housing market is still 3.8 million homes underbuilt despite a building boom in some areas, consumer prices growth is slower than expected, and job openings unexpectedly rose in January.  DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY:  Markets in the red again over fears of an economic slowdown, Fed Chair Jerome Powell says the economy is strong and is in a wait & see mode to determine future monetary policy, February's jobs report is slightly dissapointing, and this week it is all about inflation...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Home buying is still a difficult endeavor in New Hanover County despite a slight improvement, higher prices appear to be impacting consumer spending, and it is jobs week!GO DEEPER:New Hanover County is the 18th Worst Place to Buy a Home in the CountryInflation, Once Again, Impacting ConsumersIt's Jobs WeekDISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Bond yields are down 50 basis points in one month as uncertainty about the economy pushes consumer confidence down, home price growth in Wilmington outperforms the state and region, and the property tax rate debate begins in New Hanover County...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Housing starts plummet in the South to start 2025 while homebuilder confidence holds steady, government layoffs hit the mortgage industry, and New Hanover County home price increases are about to impact property taxes...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Retail sales plummet which is good news for rates, Goldfarb explains how Trump could bring down rates, a home lists for almost $13 million in New Hanover County, and this week we have housing data & global inflation...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: The first inflation report of 2025 has pricing rising more than expected which caused bind yields to jump, consumer inflation expectations show a mixed picture to start the new year, and home prices in Wilmington hit an all-time high to end the fourth quarter of 2024...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: While the economy created fewer jobs than economists expected in January wages jumped more than expected causing inflation concerns to rise, Scott Bessent explains how the Trump administration plans to reduce the term premium that is causing longer-term debt yields to rise, and markets prepare for inflation data and Powell testifying in front long congress this week...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Private payrolls rise more than expected, job openings fall more than expected, the manufacturing industry expands for the first time in 26 months, and Wilmington home prices rise for the first time since May of last year...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Trump enacts 25% tariffs on Mexico & Canada, prices rise as expected in December, and it's jobs week!DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: The Federal Open Market Committee makes its first decision in 2025, the economy shows signs of slowing to start the new year, and new home sales in the south fall slightly to close out 2024...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: AI stocks pull the equity markets down along with bond yields, homeowners insurance rates to rise by double digits the next two years, existing-home sales in the South rise to a 10-month high, and its a busy week with the first Fed decision of 2025...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: While consumer prices did rise by more than expected in December, core inflation slowed more than expected which gave some home that inflation might still be under control, PPI was better than expected in December, and the US government is over $700B in the hole after just three months...LINKS:CNBC: Core inflation rate slows to 3.2% in December, less than expectedREUTERS: US inflation still slowing as producer prices rise below expectations in DecemberCBO: Treasury Confirms Calendar Year 2024 Deficit Tops $2.0 TrillionDISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: The economy ended 2024 hotter than expected as the labor market added 256,000 jobs in December on expectations of just 160,000 jobs, the 10-year jumped to 14-year highs after the hotter jobs report and continues to rise on Monday, and this week it is all about consumers with inflation data and retail sales...LINKS:REUTERS: US labor market exits 2024 with strong job gains, drop in unemployment rateCNBC: 10-year Treasury yield touches fresh 14-month highMARKETWATCH: It's all about consumers this week with inflation and retail dataDISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: A bad week for rates as the 10-year yield continues to climb, mortgage demand falls to a 30-year low, job openings unexpectedly rise, jobless claims fall, private payrolls rise by less than expected, and rents in Wilmington fall to a 20-month low...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Wilmington was the number one place to move in 2024 the third time it topped the list in the last five years, Wilmington's unemployment rises slightly in November, and it's jobs week!LINKS:Wilmington is the Top Place to Move for the 3rd Time in the Last 5 YearsWilmington's Unemployment Rate Rises to 3.0% in NovemberThis Week: Finals Jobs Week of 2024DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Big week for central banks as they will make their final decision on interest rates, survey finds support for Trump's economic policies, Softbank announces a $100 billion investment in US, and NAR picks the top housing markets for 2025...LINKSWSJ: The Fed's Game Plan on Interest-Rate Cuts Keeps ShiftingTHIS WEEK: Central BanksCNBC: Softbank CEO and Trump to announce $100 billion investment in U.S. by firmPREDICTION: Housing Hot Spots in 2025DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Inflation in the Euro Area rises in October, home construction in the South falls across the board, and President Trump picks Howard Lutnick for his Commerce Secretary.  SHOW LINKS:Inflation Rises in the Euro Area in OctoberTrump Selects Lutnick to Head Commerce DepartmentResidential Construction Down Across the Board in the SouthDISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY:  Homebuilder confidence falls in the South despite a rise nationally and as the official results for election 2024 are announced in New Hanover County two fourth-place finishers are calling for a recount...SHOW NOTES:Homebuilder Confidence Falls in the South Despite National RiseOn Second Thought, How About a RecountDISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Live Oak Bank invests in affordable housing in Wilmington, home prices in the south fall in July for the first time since January, national home prices hit an all-time for the 14th straight month, and refi demand is up 49% in two weeks as rates fall for 12 straight weeks...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Former President Donald Trump talks about the economy and housing at his rally in Wilmington, Republican leaders look to avoid a shutdown with a new spending deal, and it's a busy week for housing data...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: The debate continues as to whether the Fed will cut by 25 or 50 bps with a new CNBC survey out and a new Nick Timiraos article, retail sales rise but are still below the rate of inflation, and the Cape Fear area begins to recover from major flooding in Brunswick County...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: All eyes are on the Fed as the latest Federal Open Market Committee meeting starts tomorrow, the debate continues on whether the Fed will cut 25 or 50 basis points with markets leaning towards a 50 bps cut, a busy week ahead with central banks in England and Japan making interest rate decisions as well, the US government ran a $380 billion deficit in August, and today is the 25th anniversary of Hurricane Floyd hitting Wilmington.DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Rates fall as a new jobs report shows signs the labor market is cooling, rent year-over-year falls for the 14th straight month in Wilmington, and a busy week for inflation data...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Wilmington is the 19th best place in the Country to be a renter, job openings rise in May, manufacturing slows for the third straight time, and housing price growth hits a 7-month low...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Home buying got slightly easier in May, home prices hit an all-time high again, and consumer confidence fell to the second-lowest level in 18 months...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Existing-home sales fall for the third straight month, a busy week ahead with housing and inflation data, and a new theory says rates could stay higher forever...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Homebuilder confidence hits the lowest level all year, residential construction unexpectedly falls in May, and a new analysis finds the US housing market is 4.5 million homes underbuilt....DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201

SUMMARY: Retail sales rise less than expected in May with year-over-year data showing that consumers are keeping pace with inflation, Euro area inflation rises for the first time in three months, New Hanover County passes a budget, and Wilmington's rental market cools slightly in the second quarter...DISCLAIMER: TowneBank Mortgage, NMLS #512138, is an equal housing lender. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Hosted by Tyler Cralle #2028201