Vantage Summer 2025 Newsletter

IS IT TIME TO REFINANCE?  HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW THIS SUMMER

Since 2022, many homeowners have been keeping a close eye on mortgage rates—waiting for that perfect moment to refinance. After a sharp rise in rates from historic lows, it’s understandable that many chose to “wait it out.”

Just this week, from the bad jobs report last Friday, mortgage rates hit their lowest levels in 2025. Back in April, we were close with a mild rise, but we hope these trends continue.

Now, with rates having settled into a more stable (though still higher) range, the question remains: Is it the right time to refinance?

Here’s what to consider:

• Rates may not return to pandemic-era lows (let’s say ‘will’ not). While it’s tempting to wait for 2–3% rates again, many economists believe that level was an anomaly. Today’s rates—while higher—are more in line with historical averages. We are watching closely to see if these trends continue.
• Refinancing isn’t just about rate. Homeowners are tapping into equity to pay off high-interest debt, fund home renovations, or remove mortgage insurance. Even if the rate isn’t significantly lower, restructuring your mortgage could improve cash flow or financial flexibility.
• Your personal financial picture matters. If your credit, income, or home value has improved since your last mortgage, you may qualify for better terms than you think.

Bottom line: If you’ve been holding off since 2022, it may be a good time to reassess—not necessarily to refinance immediately, but we can run the numbers and start the analysis with our loan comparison worksheets, recapture analysis, optional rates, etc. Remember that at VMB, we embrace competition to ensure we shop the top wholesale lenders and rate sheets in the country. Don’t settle with just one lender or your loan servicer, as this can lead to higher rates and fees.

We will be updating as many of you as possible as we go through our analysis and find those who would benefit.

OUR NEW WEBSITE IS LIVE!

We’re excited to announce the launch of our newly updated website: www.VantageMortgageBrokers.com!

At Vantage Mortgage Brokers, we’re committed to transparency, simplicity, and giving you the edge in your mortgage experience—and now our online presence reflects that mission better than ever.

What’s New?

• Faster, cleaner design for a smoother experience on desktop and mobile
• Updated loan program guides to help you explore your options easily
• Interactive tools like calculators and a streamlined quote request process
• Dedicated resources for first-time buyers, refinancing, VA, FHA, jumbo loans, and more
• Fresh content that helps you stay informed about the market and mortgage strategies

Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or just researching your options—our new website is designed to make your journey easier and more informed.

Please share with anyone you know who could benefit from our services, including wholesale lenders competing in the market.  Our Wholesale Lenders COMPETE. We COMPARE. Then Quickly CLOSE.

Check it out today and let us know what you think:

👉 www.VantageMortgageBrokers.com

HOUSING MARKET FORECASTS FOR THE REST OF 2025

Will Home Prices Fall?

Many buyers are hoping home prices will come down soon. And recent headlines about prices dipping in some areas are making some people believe it’s just a matter of time before there’s a bigger drop. But here are the facts.

While home price growth is slowing down, that doesn’t mean we’re headed for a crash. As NAHB explains:

“House price growth slowed . . . partly due to a decline in demand and an increase in supply. Persistent high mortgage rates and increased inventory combined to ease upward pressure on house prices. These factors signaled a cooling market, following rapid gains seen in previous years.”

But experts say, even with that slowdown, prices will still rise this year at the national level. The average of 8 leading forecasters shows prices are expected to go up 1.5-2% in 2025 (see graph below):

That means, if you’re waiting for a major drop, experts agree that’s just not in the cards.

Keep in mind, while some markets are already seeing prices come down slightly, the average dip is just -3.5%. That’s a far cry from the nearly 20% decline the market experienced during the 2008 crash.

Plus, those small changes are easily absorbed when you consider how much home prices have climbed over the past few years. Data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) shows prices are up 55% nationally compared to just 5 years ago.

The takeaway? Prices aren’t crashing. They’re expected to keep climbing – just not as quickly these days. And some may argue they’ll be closer to flat by the end of this year. But, again, this is going to vary by market, with some local ups and downs. So, lean on a pro to see the latest price trends for your area.

Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?

Another common thought among today’s buyers is: I’m just going to wait for rates to come down. But is that a smart strategy? According to Yahoo Finance:

“If you’re looking for a substantial interest rate drop in 2025, you’ll likely be left waiting. The latest news from the Federal Reserve and other key economic data point toward steady mortgage rates on par with what we see today.”

In other words, don’t try to time the market or wait for a drop that may not be coming. Most experts say rates will remain in the 6s, and current projections have them settling in the mid-6% range by the end of this year (see chart below)

And that’s not a big change from where they are right now. So, if you need to move, let’s talk about how to make it happen and what you should watch for. Because while rates may not be as low as you want them to be, you don’t want to put your needs on the back burner, hoping for something the data shows isn’t likely to happen.

Working with an expert who is keeping an eye on all the economic factors that can influence mortgage rates is going to be essential this year. That’s because changes in things like inflation and other key drivers could impact how rates move going forward.

The Takeaway for Buyers and Sellers

Whether you’re buying, selling, or thinking about doing both, this market requires strategy, not guesswork. Prices are still rising nationally (just more slowly), and rates are projected to stay pretty much where they are, so the bigger picture is one of moderation – not a meltdown.

Bottom Line

If you want to make a move, your best bet is to focus on your personal situation – not what the headlines say – and work with a real estate pro who knows how to navigate the shifting conditions in your local market.

THINK NO ONE’S BUYING HOMES RIGHT NOW? THINK AGAIN.

Why? Because real life doesn’t pause for perfect conditions. There are always people who need to buy – and this year is no exception. Buyers who are in the middle of a big change in their lives, a new marriage, a growing family, or a new job still need to move, no matter where mortgage rates are. And they may be looking for a home just like yours.

Every Minute 8 Homes Sell

Let’s break it down using the latest sales data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Based on the current pace, we’re on track to sell 4.03 million homes this year (not including new construction).

• 4.03 million homes ÷ 365 days = 11,041 homes sell per day
• 11,041 homes ÷ 24 hours = 460 homes sell per hour
• 460 homes ÷ 60 minutes = roughly 8 homes sell every minute

That means in the time it takes to read this, another 8 homes will sell. Let that sink in. Every minute, buyers are making moves – and sellers are closing deals.

The Right Agent Makes All the Difference

If you’ve been holding off on selling your house because you think buyers aren’t out there, let this reassure you – there are still buyers looking to buy.

But since the market is balancing out, selling today takes more than just putting up a sign in the yard. You’ve got to price your house right, market it well, and know how to reach the buyers who are ready to act. That’s where a trusted local agent comes in.

They’ll help you navigate this market, position your home to stand out, and guide you through every step.

Bottom Line

The market hasn’t stopped. Buyers are still buying. Life is still happening. And if selling your home is part of your next chapter, you can make it happen.

Roughly 11,000 homes are selling every day – and yours could be next. When you’re ready to take the next step, connect with a trusted local real estate agent so you have an agent to create that perfect strategy.

We will always follow transparency and best practices at VMB:

• We embrace lender competition and shop our network of wholesale lending partners to ensure you receive accurate data and benefits without surprises later.
• We produce the rate sheet and all options for a detailed recapture analysis and understanding of the options now or in the future.
• We provide all costs or credits up front. We advise locking at application, as that makes the refinance to see terms that will not vary. We also provide the option to finance costs or not, with pros and cons.
• We embrace analytical accuracy on 3^rd party closing costs and prepaids.
• We are confident in our ability to offer the most competitive options, but in the rare case we do not, we will tell you and confirm the best course of action.

Again, don’t hesitate to contact your VMB Broker for a quick update or to keep track of our custom loan comparison, benefits worksheet, and rate sheets.

OREGON HOUSING MARKET OVERVIEW

In June 2025, home prices in Oregon were up 0.3% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $529,200. On average, the number of homes sold was down 1.8% year over year and there were 4,385 homes sold in June this year, down 4,463 homes sold in June last year. The median days on the market was 27 days, up 3 year over year.

WASHINGTON HOUSING MARKET OVERVIEW

In June 2025, home prices in Washington were up 2.5% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $665,500. On average, the number of homes sold was up 5.4% year over year and there were 8,783 homes sold in June this year, up 8,332 homes sold in June last year. The median days on the market was 17 days, up 3 year over year.

IDAHO HOUSING MARKET OVERVIEW

In June 2025, home prices in Idaho were up 2.7% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $495,300. On average, the number of homes sold was up 13.9% year over year and there were 2,736 homes sold in June this year, up 2,408 homes sold in June last year. The median days on the market was 33 days.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS!

Thank you so much for referring your friends, family, and co-workers to us when you hear they are in the market to buy a home or refinance. We greatly appreciate it and rely on these referrals to best serve all in the Pacific NW.  

To reiterate from the last newsletter, we greatly appreciate the support of our clients and business partners referring anyone to us who may be active in this market.  Mortgage lenders are not created equal and competition is vital. As a fiduciary shopping the top wholesale lenders in the country on the same identical agency loans, the value in a market like today is priceless. Interest rates and the math associated with amortization schedules and monthly repayment amounts are vital today. Again, thank you for the continued support of our long-time local team of experts and price leaders.

Reach out to a VMB team member for any questions on rate trends or scenarios.