In this episode, Mark and Jeff dive into the 6–7 trend and how it relates. They also share their appreciation to Appraisal Buzz for nominating Market Moves as a 2025 Best Content Creator (voting link below if you feel inclined to support us!). Before you hit play, make sure you catch Gavin Baker's recent interview on AI; it sets the stage for everything happening now. Jeff and Mark also break down the Fed's rate cut and why mortgage rates barely flinched in response. Another big week, another big conversation. Voting link: https://appraisalbuzz.com/announcing-the-2026-buzzy-awards-finalists/

Gavin Baker podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmUo4841KQw&t=8s

Market Moves welcomes back Shawn Telford as the podcast's first-ever repeat guest. His recent article, "The Strategic Advantage of Certainty in Mortgage Lending," struck a chord with Mark and Jeff, sparking a deeper conversation about what's really slowing the industry down. Shawn notes that nearly half of all appraisals require revisions after their initial submission. While the average loan takes about 42 days to process, appraisals are often ordered late in the cycle, compressing turn times into just 5–6 days and sometimes putting closings at risk. Cotality's surveys show that borrowers and lenders alike prioritize comfort, confidence, and certainty throughout the process — possibly even more than speed. Check out Shawn Telford's article: https://appraisalbuzz.com/the-strategic-advantage-of-certainty-in-mortgage-lending/

Mark and Jeff are joined by a special guest this week: Remington Jones, CEO of SFREP - the company behind the software used to create and deliver the very first UAD 3.6 report. Remington brings a front-row perspective on what the next generation of lending appraisals really looks like and how the rollout is unfolding in real time. Having lived through the original UAD launch back in 2011, he shares how today's transition compares to the one 14 years ago and why this shift feels entirely different. Remington also breaks down how various software providers are approaching the new appraisal format and what appraisers can expect as the industry moves forward. A can't-miss episode for anyone keeping an eye on the future of valuation!

Mortgage volumes dropped another 5.2% week over week, even as the U.S. economy added 119,000 jobs in September. So why did the unemployment rate still rise from 4.3% to 4.4%? Mark and Jeff break down the conflicting signals in the labor market and what it means for housing. With the next jobs report delayed until mid-December due to the government restarting, uncertainty is only growing. The first UAD 3.6 appraisal report has officially been delivered and Bryan Reynolds offers a detailed walkthrough for appraisers and lenders (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQWYdesv8Ps). Mark and Jeff also discuss reports that 18% of D.R. Horton's FHA loans are currently underwater, and what this may signal for builder incentives, pricing, and buyer risk. Finally, they revisit the growing age gap in the housing market: why the median homebuyer is now 40 and what that says about affordability, supply, and the future of homeownership.

Jeff shares a heartfelt moment as he says goodbye to his oldest son for two years before diving into one of the biggest housing debates yet — a proposed 50-year mortgage. With Trump and the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac floating the idea, Mark and Jeff ask: does anyone really want it, and what could it mean for homeownership and affordability? They also explore new possibilities for portable and assumable mortgages that could unlock more housing transactions. Finally, the hosts weigh in on Trump's tariff strategy and Supreme Court signals. Is it 4D chess or 2D checkers?

The median homebuyer age has jumped from 29 in 1981 to 40 in 2025. What does that reveal about affordability and generational wealth? Mark and Jeff unpack the data and discuss why home sales have dropped to historic lows, with only 28 of every 1,000 homes selling this year. They also explore why the famed investor who predicted the 2008 housing crash is skeptical of today's AI boom. Plus, the Supreme Court may be reshaping the legal foundation of U.S. tariffs. What could that mean for housing and construction costs?

Fed Chair Jerome Powell delivers the expected rate cut but what else did he signal for the economy and real estate market? Mark and Jeff break down the implications, from mortgage application trends to broader financial momentum. Then, the hosts dive into Dr. Richard Werner's thought-provoking interview with Tucker Carlson, exploring his "Credit Creation Theory" and the idea that banks may literally create new money through lending. Could this be fueling unsustainable real estate prices — and even a potential bubble? Mark and Jeff connect global economic patterns to what's happening in the U.S. today.

Interest rates are falling but why isn't mortgage volume rising with them? Mark and Jeff unpack what's keeping buyers on the sidelines this time around. They also discuss the sharp decline in FHA loans for non-permanent residents, the surprising $198 billion U.S. budget surplus in September 2025 (despite a government shutdown), and Zillow's new partnership with ChatGPT as it leans into the AI wave. Tune in for smart analysis, industry insights, and a grounded look at what's really driving today's housing and economic trends.

Are 24-hour appraisals really possible? Reggora seems to think so. We'll dig into what it would actually take to make that a reality. Plus, the Trump administration is turning up the pressure on homebuilders to ramp up housing supply, and we're breaking down what that could mean for the real estate market. Finally, in tech news, we explore "AI world models," the next big evolution in artificial intelligence and why experts say it could redefine how AI understands and interacts with reality.

In this episode, Jeff shares key takeaways from the Appraisal Summit, including trends shaping the valuation industry. Mark and Jeff dive into Opendoor's bold new "7-day home test drive" and what it could mean for buyers and sellers. They also discuss how spiking power demand may drive electricity costs higher and impact real estate ownership. Finally, it's prediction check-in time — were their calls on interest rates, Fannie Mae's stock, and Jerome Powell's job status on the money? Tune in for insights and forward-looking takes on the housing and economic landscape.