Nathaniel Bittman NMLS# 839723

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Nathaniel Bittman NMLS# 839723

Nathaniel Bittman -AVP- Mortgage Production Manager - NMLS #839723
Hancock Whitney Bank # 454781

05/18/2026

The narrative out there right now is that inventory is “coming back”… and people are starting to hesitate.

Let’s slow that down for a second and actually look at what the data is telling us.

Yes, inventory has improved slightly. According to the National Association of Realtors, we’ve seen existing home inventory rise to roughly 1.1 to 1.2 million homes, which is up from the historic lows we saw during 2021 and 2022.

But here’s the part most people are missing…
Pre pandemic, a normal market carried 1.8 to 2.2 million homes for sale.

So even with this “increase,” we are still sitting well below historical norms. In plain English: supply is still tight.

Now let’s talk about demand.

Existing home sales are still running at an annual pace of roughly 4 million plus transactions. That’s not a frozen market. That’s millions of buyers actively moving, buying, and making decisions right now.

So yes, there is activity. There is movement. There are real opportunities happening every single day.
Here’s where it gets interesting…

Because rates are sitting where they are today, a lot of buyers are still on the sidelines.

That hesitation is actually creating leverage for the buyers who are in the market right now.

We’re seeing
• Seller concessions
• Rate buydowns
• Negotiated closing costs
• More flexible deal structures
That’s not something you see in a fully competitive, overheated market.

Now fast forward.

The moment rates dip below that psychological 6 percent range, history tells us what happens next. Mortgage applications surge. Demand comes rushing back. Inventory gets absorbed quickly.
And when that happens?

Prices don’t wait around. They move.
At that point, buyers aren’t negotiating… they’re competing. And often chasing.
So the real question isn’t “Is inventory up?”
The better question is
Do you want to buy when you have leverage… or when you have competition?

There are some incredibly strategic programs right now, including temporary buydowns and structured financing options, that allow buyers to step in today, control their payment, and give themselves time to refinance if and when the market sh

04/14/2026

Over the past few years the market has not just changed the mindset of the buyer has changed

Today’s consumers are more analytical more cautious and more emotionally impacted by everything happening around them from interest rates to global uncertainty

What we are seeing is not resistance

It is hesitation

That hesitation is where many opportunities are being lost

This Thursday I am excited to collaborate with Dr. Robin Lavitch at the Tampa Bay Builders Association for the kickoff of a three part series

From Anxiety to Action Winning Today’s Homebuyer

Many of you know me through my work in DISC behavioral profiling and emotional literacy and this session goes even deeper

Together Dr. Lavitch and I will break down
The behavioral shifts in today’s buyer
How external stress including economic and geopolitical factors impacts decisions
The neuroscience behind fear hesitation and confidence
How to shift conversations away from price and toward clarity
Practical strategies to help your buyers move forward

The short clip I am sharing here is a glimpse into the types of conversations Dr. Lavitch and I regularly have as we explore how people think feel and ultimately make decisions in high stakes environments like real estate

This is not theory

This is about giving you tools you can use immediately to build trust faster reduce friction in conversations help clients feel confident taking action and ultimately close more business

If you are working with buyers in today’s market this session can shift the way you approach every conversation

Let’s move buyers from uncertainty to clarity to commitment

04/03/2026

Builder sentiment has been a bit of a rollercoaster lately… but if you zoom out, the bigger picture is pretty clear.

Sentiment is still low overall.

We’re seeing it show up in the data too… new construction starts are down, permits are down, and builders are being more cautious about what they’re putting into the ground right now.

But data only tells part of the story.
I spent time this week at the Tampa Bay Builders Association clay shooting event talking directly with builders… boots on the ground conversations… and what they shared was really interesting.

Here’s the real takeaway:

In the higher-end, custom home space… things are still moving. Those buyers are less rate-sensitive, more lifestyle-driven, and those homes are getting built and sold.

But when you get into the larger builders… the track builders… the story changes.
Things are slower.

Buyers are extremely price-conscious right now.
They’re focused on incentives… rate buydowns… credits… anything that impacts monthly payment.
There’s less emotional buying happening… and more analytical decision-making.

And because of that shift, builders are adjusting.
They’re pulling back on permits.
They’re slowing down new starts.
They’re being much more selective with how they deploy capital and inventory.

So while demand hasn’t disappeared… it’s definitely evolved.

Watch this video, I break down exactly what I’m hearing from builders and what it means for the market moving forward.

03/13/2026

I’m incredibly honored and proud to have participated in the 3DE Junior Achievement program at Gibbs High School over the past six months. Today I had the privilege of watching three impressive young ladies present their mortgage project to Hancock Whitney Bank. Seeing how much they’ve learned about credit, financial literacy, and the mortgage industry has been truly inspiring.

They are bright, hardworking, and full of potential, and I have no doubt they will go on to do amazing things in whatever path they choose. Opportunities like this remind me how important it is for all of us to give back to our schools and invest time in mentoring the next generation.

It was a privilege to work with these students and contribute in a small way to their journey. Our future is in very good hands.

02/18/2026

Join us for a very important Realtor Economic Update in downtown St. Petersburg at the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, 10–11 AM. This Friday February the 20th.

It’s not too late to register. Light bites and refreshments will be served...

Realtors
RSVP by email at [email protected]
But more importantly, we’re breaking down the latest from the Fed and the growing split on rate cuts vs. possible hikes.

12/09/2025

The Federal Reserve recently cut the federal funds rate following its last meeting, a move widely anticipated by the market. After the cut, the Fed emphasized that future decisions would be data dependent. During the government shutdown, limited economic data kept markets relatively neutral and stable.

Now that the shutdown has ended, new data is coming in, and the focus is on jobs and job creation, which ties directly to the Fed’s mandate of achieving maximum employment. Recent jobs reports show the economy is cooling slightly, but not to the extent that would signal a recession. Overall, the labor market remains stable.

Because of this stability, the market is questioning whether the Fed will make another rate cut soon. As a result, interest rates have ticked up slightly. However, it’s important to note that rates are still at their lowest levels in the past eight to nine months, making this an excellent time to buy before inventory tightens and prices surge.

Take advantage of these favorable conditions now. If you have questions, call me today. Check out this video for a deeper dive it’s a long one, but worth your time.

11/20/2025

Join us tomorrow for an essential FAMP Legislative Update!
Mortgage professionals across Florida are jumping in to stay ahead of the major policy changes shaping our industry for 2025. We’ll be breaking down the latest movement in Tallahassee from property taxes and proposed bills, to condo reform, insurance market updates, and new affordability initiatives impacting buyers, homeowners, and our entire lending landscape.

This panel brings together top Government Affairs delegates and industry leaders for a fast, informative, forward thinking session you won’t want to miss.

Tomorrow — Friday, Nov 21, 2025
10:00–11:00 AM
Register Today! https://zoom.us/meeting/register/DWS5N6xlSQav5ISCwZaqoQ #/registration

10/10/2025

Hancock Whitney Bank Is Growing & We’re Looking for Top Loan Originators.

One of the most respected financial institutions in the Southeast is expanding our mortgage division, and we’re looking for driven, growth-minded Loan Originators to join our team.

👉 Now Hiring: Loan Originators
📍 Markets: Lakeland, Tampa Bay, Saint Petersburg, Clearwater, New Port Richey / Tarpon, Bradenton, and Sarasota

Here’s what makes this opportunity stand out:

** Exclusive Portfolio Programs: Unique mortgage solutions only available to Hancock Whitney Loan Officers — including programs for First-Time Homebuyers, Construction Loans, Lines of Credit, and Doctor Loans.

** Exceptional Workspaces: Professional offices for Loan Officers and numerous bank branch locations from Tampa Bay through Sarasota, complete with conference rooms perfect for hosting Realtor meetings, client consultations, and lunch-and-learn events.

** What We Offer:
• A strong regional brand with deep community roots and decades of trust
• Cutting-edge technology, operations support, and marketing resources
• A leadership team focused on growth, innovation, and professional development
• Opportunities to work directly with builders and real estate agents through unique programs and tools

Enjoy a competitive compensation structure that includes a forgivable draw with performance based commissions, designed to provide consistent income, financial stability, and meaningful earning potential all supported by a comprehensive benefits package.

Contact Nathaniel Bittman NMLS # 839723 for more information :
[email protected] or call 727-502-1934

08/31/2025

🏡✨ Big news for Wesley Chapel homebuyers & homeowners!

Hancock Whitney Bank is offering a $5,000 special credit for properties in select Wesley Chapel communities. Whether you’re buying your dream home or refinancing your current one, this credit gives you options:

Apply it toward closing costs 💰

Use it to buy down your mortgage rate 📉

Or take advantage of a Temporary 2/1 Buydown for lower payments in the first two years 🗓️

Wesley Chapel is filled with fabulous homes in a gorgeous part of town now is the perfect time to make a move and save.

📲 Call me today to see if your property qualifies and how we can put this $5,000 to work for you.

Nathaniel Bittman, AMP
AVP | Mortgage Production Manager
Hancock Whitney Bank
📧 [email protected]

📱 813.382.2653

08/15/2025

A big thank you to Quan Remmer and the Hot Topics Podcast for having me on today alongside Shawn Miller! We had a great chat about the housing industry, mortgage trends, and where things are heading. Stay tuned for more info on this fantastic episode

Address

100 Second Avenue N. Suite 200
Saint Petersburg, FL
33701

Telephone

+18137252006

Website

http://hancockwhitney.com/nathaniel-bittman

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