Weekly Updates & Market Insights

Teresa Butler | Worthington Realty

This week’s real estate story is about stability, direction, and what comes next.

The Federal Reserve held steady, home prices are showing renewed strength, mortgage rates remain in the low sixes — and today’s announcement of a new Federal Reserve Chair nominee adds an important layer to how the market may evolve in the months ahead.

Here’s what matters, and what it means locally in Central Ohio.

National Real Estate News

The Fed “Pause” Continues

The Federal Reserve voted this week to hold the Federal Funds Rate steady at 3.50%–3.75%.

Despite inflation continuing to cool, it remains closer to 3% than the Fed’s long-term 2% target, and the unemployment rate is still relatively low at 4.4%. That combination gives the Fed room to pause rather than rush additional cuts.

To put this in perspective:

• The Fed raised rates by 5.25% between early 2022 and mid-2023

• Since late 2024, they have cut rates by a total of 1.75%

This week’s decision signals a desire for confirmation and stability, not urgency.

Source: Federal Reserve

Home Price Growth Is Finding Its Footing Again

After slowing for much of 2025, national home price growth is showing signs of renewed momentum.

According to Case-Shiller, year-over-year price growth decelerated from +4.2% in January 2025 to just +1.3% by September. However, that trend has reversed recently, with prices rising 0.4% month-over-month in both October and November.

Lower mortgage rates are doing exactly what history says they do:
✔ bringing buyers back
✔ increasing competition
✔ putting upward pressure on prices

This doesn’t signal runaway appreciation — but it does suggest the market has found a floor.

Source: S&P Cotality

Mortgage Rates Hold in the Low Sixes

Mortgage rates remain in the low-6% range, supported by easing inflation expectations and renewed federal attention on housing affordability.

President Trump has continued to emphasize affordability, including directing Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to increase purchases of mortgage-backed securities — a move that generally helps keep mortgage rates from rising.

At the same time, concerns about:

• federal debt levels

• global instability

• foreign policy commitments

are keeping the bond market volatile, which prevents rates from falling quickly.

The result?
A market that is stable, but sensitive to headlines.

Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

What Today’s New Fed Chair Nomination Could Mean

Today’s announcement of a new Federal Reserve Chair nominee adds an important forward-looking element to the rate conversation.

While policy changes don’t happen overnight, a new Chair can influence:

• how aggressively inflation is pursued

• how quickly rate cuts are considered

• how much emphasis is placed on employment vs. price stability

Markets will be watching closely to see whether the nominee signals:
✔ continuity with current policy
✔ or a shift toward a more growth-friendly approach

For real estate, that means long-term direction matters more than short-term headlines. Any meaningful change in mortgage rates will come gradually — not suddenly.

Central Ohio Market Insights (Past Week)

Here’s what I’m seeing locally in Central Ohio right now:

Buyer Activity Is Steady — and Intentional

Buyers are active, but they’re thoughtful. Many have adjusted to today’s rate environment and are focused on monthly payment and value, not just price.

Homes that are:

• move-in ready

• priced correctly

• well located

continue to attract strong interest.

Inventory Remains Tight Where It Counts

While there are homes available, the homes buyers actually want remain limited — especially in established neighborhoods and desirable school districts.

January inventory is behaving seasonally, but competition still shows up quickly for well-positioned listings.

Pricing Is Stable — But the Market Is Honest

Central Ohio pricing remains firm, but this is not a market that forgives overpricing.

Homes that miss the mark tend to:

• sit longer

• require price adjustments

• lose momentum

Meanwhile, correctly priced homes continue to move without drama.

What This Means Right Now

For Sellers:
Buyers are there — but presentation and pricing are critical. This is a strategy market.

For Buyers:
Stability is your friend. Rates are not perfect, but they are predictable, and preparation gives you leverage.

Bottom Line

The market is calmer than it’s been in years — and that’s a good thing.

✔ The Fed is holding steady
✔ Rates are stable
✔ Prices are firming
✔ Central Ohio remains resilient

If you’re considering buying or selling this year, understanding this version of the market — not the headlines from years past — is key.