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Purchasing Power
How tariffs are shaking up spring buying season
#82
WELCOME
For Gen Z homebuyers, there’s one emerging market where you can have your avocado toast and eat it too: San Antonio.
In 2024, over 14% of all mortgage applications in San Antonio were from Gen Z buyers—and they’re expected to make up an even larger share of the homebuying pie this year. With a median home price of under $300K, this metro is quickly becoming a hot spot for 20-somethings trading rent for real estate, often with a little help from family (or a few roommates).
Brad Inman, CEO of Inman News, isn’t afraid to confront the popular narrative or dig down deeper to find the truth. Whether that’s in real estate—or living for longevity. In the latest Glennda’s Guru, Glennda Baker sits down with Brad to talk about pushing for the truth, prioritizing holistic health (no matter your day job), and separating health science from celebrity fiction. Tap to catch his insightful interview and unexpected perspective on healthy living.
TRACK THE MARKET: High Tariffs, Lower Rates?
President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs are already rattling the economy—potentially raising the cost of imported construction materials and prompting warnings about inflation and slowed growth. But amid the uncertainty, one surprisingly positive outcome has emerged: mortgage rates just hit their lowest point in six months. For buyers, that’s a rare window of boosted purchasing power heading into the spring buying season. Combined with rising inventory and longer days on market, the timing couldn’t be better.
By the numbers:
According to Redfin, mortgage rates dropped from 6.82% on March 27th to briefly settle around 6.55% on April 4th.
In just over a week, that decline increased buyers’ purchasing power by $9,000 on a $3,000/month budget, and by a full $25,000 since mid-January when rates topped 7.26%.
At a sub-6.6% mortgage rate, the monthly payment on a median-priced US home would be just $2,716, down from the all-time high of $2,807 reached last month.
DIVE IN
The Friday Five
📖 Tariff troubles. The five housing markets most likely to be impacted by rising tariffs.
👀 A house with history. See the chilling listing designed by an architect-turned-serial killer.
👀 Malibu re-do. Kanye’s concrete compound is back on the market—for $39M.
💡 Sharpen your skills. The one skill Tracy Tutor believes every agent needs to be successful.
💡 Date the rate. Why this misnomer is costing your clients, especially if they’re short-term buyers.
LAST WEEK IN ESTATE ELITE
Whether you’re breaking into luxury or leveling up your current game, Estate Elite is where serious agents get sharper, smarter, and more successful.
With live coaching sessions from names like Josh Flagg, Tracy Tutor, James Harris, David Parnes, and Glennda Baker, this is real estate education on a whole other level—with direct access to the people shaping the market.
When you join our exclusive community, you’ll gain instant access to:
Twice-weekly live Q&A workshops with our 5 expert coaches
On-demand replays of every past session
Insider strategies from top-producing agents
A private network of nationwide pros
And yes—every Real Estate Roundup reader gets 14 days of full access, totally free.
Ready to step inside the room where it all happens with this free trial pass.
WHAT’S NEW FROM ESTATE MEDIA
Growing the Estate Media network
Two of the most recognizable names in luxury real estate just joined the Estate Media roster. As announced by Inman, Chad Carroll (South Florida powerhouse with $7B+ in career sales) and Dawn McKenna (whose team spans Naples, Chicago, Lake Geneva, and more) are partnering with Estate Media to create original content for both agents and industry enthusiasts.
Through a mix of education and entertainment, Chad and Dawn bring fresh perspectives to our industry-focused and lifestyle-driven platforms—offering a behind-the-scenes look at how top agents think, work, and win.
Their addition also expands our agent talent bench in major luxury markets across the country—including Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Atlanta, and Las Vegas—further establishing Estate Media as your go-to destination for the elite real estate content you just can’t find anywhere else.
Check out the full announcement here.
FEATURED LUXURY LISTING
TIPS & TAKEAWAYS
The Reality of Real Estate
If you’re feeling a little off your real estate A-game right now, you’re not alone. In her latest newsletter, Glennda Baker opens up about how even she’s feeling a little “rut-adjacent” in this market. The best way forward? A little introspection, a return to the basics, and a reminder to your sphere that you’re still the best choice for the job.
Want to see how others are feeling about the market—or share your own take? Tap to read Glennda’s full note and weigh in.
HANGS & HAPPENINGS
Inman Connect | San Diego, CA | July 30 - August 1. Sharpen your real estate game with immersive discussions, interactive workshops, top-tier networking, and more, alongside some of the biggest players in real estate, proptech, and lending.
Apartmentalize | Las Vegas, NV | June 11 - 13. Discover the latest trends, technologies, and management strategies shaping the future of multifamily housing. Hosted by the National Apartment Association, this is the place for anyone in the rental housing industry.
RE/MAX Broker Owner Conference | Washington, DC | August 3 - 5. Connect with RE/MAX leaders and fellow broker-owners for three days of strategy sessions, networking, and fresh ideas to drive brokerage growth and your team’s success.
Tom Ferry Success Summit | Dallas, TX | August 26 - 28. Join thousands of top-producing agents for Tom Ferry’s signature event, packed with actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and high-energy coaching.
Before we go…
ESTATE RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
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