Justus Foss; CrossCountry Mortgage

06/11/2026

05/21/2026

📈 Rates Moved Higher This Week — And Inflation Is Still The Main Story.

Bond markets reacted to stronger economic data, stubborn inflation, and continued global uncertainty — all of which pushed rates higher this week.

Here’s what’s driving the market right now:
📈 10-Year Treasury hit 4.66% on Tuesday
📊 Stronger economic data cooled expectations for future Fed cuts
🔥 Inflation still proving sticky
🛢️ Middle East conflict + higher oil prices continue adding pressure
🏦 Markets now expect fewer Fed cuts in 2026 than originally projected

The big takeaway?

Markets are realizing rates may stay higher for longer unless inflation starts cooling more convincingly.

That’s why conversations around:
✅ budget
✅ monthly payment comfort
✅ seller concessions
✅ buydowns
…are becoming more important than trying to perfectly “time” rates.

If Treasury yields start moving lower and inflation eases, rates can improve quickly — but right now, markets still need more proof.

05/14/2026

📊 Rates Stayed Sensitive This Week — And Inflation Is Back In Focus.

Markets had another active week as inflation, energy prices, and Fed policy expectations kept pressure on rates.

Here’s what’s driving things right now:
📈 10-Year Treasury briefly hit 4.5%
📊 CPI = 3.8% YoY
🏭 PPI = 6.0% YoY
🛢️ Higher oil + gas prices continue adding inflation pressure
🏦 Kevin Warsh confirmed as new Fed Chair
👷 Jobless Claims = ~210K

The big takeaway?

Inflation is proving sticky again, and higher energy prices are making the Fed’s job harder.

Markets are also watching whether new Fed leadership changes how much support the Fed provides in the bond market — because less support can keep upward pressure on rates.

For buyers, this is another reminder: rates can move fast when inflation headlines hit.

Steady labor is good for the economy, but sticky inflation is still the thing mortgage markets are watching closest.

HousingMarketUpdate InflationWatch RateStrategy

05/11/2026

Happy Mother's Day to my best friend, my wife and mother to our amazing son! I love you .itsrach

05/05/2026

Did you know?

Teachers and nurses may qualify for up to $1,500 in closing cost help through CCM Heart ❤️🏡

This program is one small way to give back to the people who give so much to others every single day. If you’re a teacher or nurse and thinking about buying a home or refinancing, this could help lower your costs at closing.

Even better, this program may also be able to be combined with other options depending on your situation such as the CCM Smart-Start grant that's up to $5,250!

If you want to see whether you qualify, send me a message, I’d be happy to help you look at your options.

Also available for doctors, military, veterans, and first responders.

05/01/2026

📊 Fed Held Rates — But The Real Story Is What Comes Next.

Markets didn’t move much after the Fed’s decision… because this one was expected. What investors are really watching now is the outlook.

Here’s what it means:
🏦 Fed Funds Rate = 3.50%–3.75% (no change)
📊 Inflation + energy prices still elevated
🌍 Middle East uncertainty still in play
👀 Kevin Warsh moving closer to Fed Chair
🔄 Powell staying on as a Governor
📉 Rate cut still on the table — timing TBD

This wasn’t about what the Fed did — it’s about what they might do next.

Markets are now watching:
• Inflation trends
• Labor data
• Energy prices
• And potential leadership changes

If you’ve got buyers waiting for clarity… this is about as clear as it gets right now — steady, but not settled.

04/23/2026

📉 Rates Calmed Down This Week — But The Pressure’s Still There.

Markets were a bit more stable, but the same underlying themes are still driving the bigger picture.

Here’s what’s moving things right now:
📊 10-Year Treasury = ~4.28%
👷 Jobless Claims = ~214K (labor market still steady)
🌍 Middle East ceasefire extended… but still fragile
🛢️ Strait of Hormuz tensions = ongoing risk to oil prices
🏦 Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh signaling a more data-first approach (and possibly less market support)

So while rates didn’t move much this week, there’s still a lot happening under the surface.
Stable labor is helping… but energy risks and potential policy shifts could keep pressure on rates.

If your buyers are waiting for “perfect” conditions, this is another reminder — the window tends to show up when things feel uncertain, not obvious.

HousingMarketUpdate RateStrategy EconomicUpdate

04/19/2026

Nationals didn't go as planned this weekend but I was lucky enough to be placed on the HOF Quarter-Century team. Top broomball players from 2000-2025.