Quick, plain-English takes on mortgage rates, the housing market, refinancing and reverse mortgages from Russell McDonald and the team at Wymac Capital. New videos are added regularly. Subscribe on YouTube.
December 16, 2025
64,000 Jobs Added but Unemployment Still Rose
The economy added 64,000 jobs but unemployment still rose. That contradiction matters more than the headline. A weakening labor market changes the outlook for interest rates and mortgages.
December 15, 2025
You Can’t Trust These Jobs Numbers
This week’s jobs report is unusual and important. We get October and November job numbers together but only one unemployment rate for November which is expected to rise to 4.5 percent. Even imperfect data can move…
December 11, 2025
Jobless Claims Just Spiked. Here’s the Truth.
Jobless claims surged by the most since early 2020 but holiday distortions make the data noisy. Even so the labor market trend is softening and that could push rates lower. Here is what it means for your mortgage…
December 11, 2025
Powell Finally Admits the Jobs Data Is Wrong
Powell just admitted the jobs numbers may be overstating how strong the labor market really is. That changes the narrative on rates and exposes cracks in the data the Fed has relied on. Here is what this means for…
December 10, 2025
Refi Boom Is Here. Don’t Get Scammed.
Refinance applications just surged but paying extra points or high fees right now could backfire. We may be near the start of a multi year decline in rates which means you could refinance again soon for less. Here is…
December 10, 2025
Powell’s Power Is Fading After Today’s Fed Cut
The Fed just cut rates by 25 basis points but Powell’s comments may already be irrelevant. His term is nearly over and the future of the Fed is shifting toward new leadership with a different agenda. Here is what…
December 9, 2025
Fed Meeting This Week… Rates Could Move Fast
The Fed meeting kicks off this week – and markets expect a cut. What matters most now isn’t just the new rate but Fed Chair comments. This could move your mortgage rate – fast.
December 8, 2025
Sellers Are Pulling Listings. Here’s Why That’s Dangerous.
Delistings jumped 28 percent this year as sellers pulled homes off the market instead of adjusting their price. But some communities have already seen home values fall 20 to 30 percent since 2022 which makes waiting…
December 5, 2025
PCE Came In Cooler. The Fed Has No Excuse Now.
PCE inflation came in at 2.8 percent with Core PCE at 2.8 percent instead of the expected 2.9. Consumer expectations also improved with better outlooks for the next year and the next five years. With The Fed meeting…
December 4, 2025
1.1 Million Layoffs vs. Low Jobless Claims. Something’s Wrong. #truth
Jobless claims fell to a 3 year low, but layoffs for 2025 now top 1.1 million. The headline looks strong but the real job market is flashing warning signs. Here is why this weakness makes a Fed rate cut even more…
December 3, 2025
Rates Fell. Demand Didn’t Follow. Here’s Why.
Mortgage rates finally dipped, but demand barely changed. Buyers are still hesitant because they want a bigger rate drop or more stability before jumping in. Here is what this means for buying power and refinancing…
December 3, 2025
32,000 Jobs Lost. Fed Better Step Up.
Private employers unexpectedly cut 32,000 jobs in November. This kind of weakness puts more pressure on The Fed to cut rates at next week’s meeting. Here is why the job market matters for your mortgage and buying power.
Russell McDonald | NMLS 290837 | Broker CA DRE 01150730
Wymac Capital Inc | NMLS 18766 | Broker CA DRE 01121628
Real Estate Broker – CA Dept of Real Estate