Inventory is rising. Mortgage rates are holding near 3-year lows.
Inside Lender For the week of March 2, 2026
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”—Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father
NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE
Inventory is improving as the market shifts in a more buyer-friendly direction. New listings have turned positive year over year, active inventory is rising, and homes are taking slightly longer to sell — creating more negotiating flexibility as spring approaches.
Builder activity is stabilizing. Recent residential construction data shows an uptick in permits and housing starts, suggesting development pipelines are firming as demand conditions improve.
The broader housing backdrop remains steady. Industry reporting shows mortgage performance holding firm and vacancy levels staying low, reinforcing a stable foundation as buyers and sellers prepare for the spring market.
REVIEW OF LAST WEEK
STEADY…Markets worked through late-week positioning and economic data, ultimately holding firm as investors digested inflation signals and broader growth trends.
Some caution remained as traders assessed inflation trends and global headlines, keeping volatility contained but preventing a stronger breakout.
Mortgage rates held at the lowest levels seen in more than three years. In fact, rates spent the entire week near those lows with exceptionally little movement, marking one of the most stable stretches at long-term rate lows in recent history.
The week ended with the Dow down 1.3%, to 48,978; the S&P 500 down 0.4%, to 6,879; and the Nasdaq down 1.0%, to 22,668.
Bond markets finished the week stronger overall with broad bond indexes up 0.5% for the week as the 10-year Treasury yield edged lower to 3.95%. Freddie Mac reported minimal movement in the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in its Primary Mortgage Market Survey.
DID YOU KNOW…Affordability conditions are the most favorable they’ve been since early 2022, as wage growth has outpaced home price appreciation in recent months.
THIS WEEK’S FORECAST
PENDING SALES, EMPLOYMENT DATA, AND INFLATION…This week brings updates on Pending Home Sales and key labor market data, along with fresh inflation readings. Economists will be watching for signs that steady employment and moderating price pressures continue supporting housing activity as spring approaches.
FEDERAL RESERVE WATCH
Forecasting Federal Reserve policy changes in coming months. Futures markets continue to signal a strong expectation that policymakers will maintain the current target range at the March meeting, with only a small probability of a move. Note: In the lower chart, the 2.5% probability of change is a 97.5% probability the rate will stay the same. Current rate is 3.50%–3.75%.
BUSINESS TIP OF THE WEEK
Stop separating sales from service. The best sales conversations are simply moments of guidance. When you focus on helping clients make confident, informed decisions, growth becomes a natural byproduct of the value you deliver.
If you’re wondering how this rate stability, improving inventory, and affordability trends impact your buying, selling, or refinancing strategy, let’s run the numbers.
Schedule a Mortgage Strategy Call here: 👉 https://kevinbrierton.com/call
Clear plan. Smart positioning. No excuses.
