Buy Now or Wait? A 26-Year Loan Officer Answers the Question Everyone Is Afraid to Ask

Should you buy a home now or wait for mortgage rates to come down?In this episode, Anton sits down with veteran mortgage expert Cody Touchette, who brings more than 26 years of lending experience to answer one of the biggest questions facing homebuyers today.They dive into what's really driving mortgage rates, how inflation and oil prices affect housing affordability, why many buyers may be making a costly mistake by waiting, and what experienced investors are doing in today's market. The conversation also explores Federal Reserve policy, AI-driven job displacement, consumer spending trends, and the economic signals that could shape the housing market over the next few years.Whether you're a first-time buyer, homeowner, investor, or simply trying to understand where the economy is headed, this episode provides practical insights from someone who has guided clients through multiple market cycles.Topics include:• Mortgage rate forecasts • Housing market trends • Inflation and Federal Reserve policy • Oil prices and economic uncertainty • AI and the future of employment • Buy now vs. wait strategies • DSCR loans and investor financing • ADUs, DADUs, and real estate wealth building • How successful buyers are navigating today's marketIf you're considering buying, selling, investing, or refinancing, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Episode Chapters00:00 Meet Mortgage Expert Cody Touchette: 26 Years in Lending00:39 Is the Housing Market Finally Recovering?01:23 Why Mortgage Rates Feel Normal Again03:39 Will Mortgage Rates Ever Return to 3%?04:00 The Truth About Mortgage Rate Predictions04:44 Did the Federal Reserve Pull Off a Soft Landing?06:20 Why 2022–2023 Devastated Real Estate Professionals07:18 How Global Conflicts Sent Mortgage Rates Higher08:10 Oil Prices, Inflation & Mortgage Rates Explained09:08 Should You Buy a House Now or Wait?09:47 Why Lower Mortgage Rates Could Push Home Prices Higher10:21 California's Housing Market Is Heating Up Again11:47 Inflation, Recession, or Soft Landing? What's Next?12:25 Consumer Spending Signals Most Experts Are Missing14:09 Does the Federal Reserve Really Control Mortgage Rates?16:03 The Real Driver of Mortgage Rates: Inflation17:08 How to Track Mortgage Rates Like a Professional18:29 New Federal Reserve Leadership and Mortgage Rates19:44 Why Oil Prices Matter for Homebuyers and Investors22:14 Is Stagflation the Next Threat to the Economy?23:49 Will AI Replace Jobs and Reshape the Workforce?27:14 New Careers and Opportunities Created by AI29:30 Mortgage Strategies Smart Homebuyers Are Using Today30:04 Buy Before You Sell: The Wealthy Homeowner Strategy33:00 How Fast-Track Mortgage Approval Helps Buyers Win35:08 Mortgage Programs Most Homebuyers Never Hear About35:56 DSCR Loans Explained for Real Estate Investors38:15 Asset Depletion and Bank Statement Loans Explained40:00 Why Mortgage Brokers Often Beat Traditional Banks44:02 ADUs and DADUs: The Hidden Real Estate Wealth Strategy48:08 What Smart Real Estate Investors Are Buying Right Now51:22 The Biggest Mistakes Homebuyers Are Making Today52:20 How Seller Buydowns Can Save Buyers Thousands55:26 Mortgage Rate Forecast for the Next 12 Months57:00 What Happens to Home Prices When Rates Fall?58:22 How to Invest $100,000 in Real Estate Today01:00:00 Connect with Mortgage Expert Cody TouchetteAbout the ShowWelcome to the Anton Stetner Podcast, where we break down real estate, economics, investing, housing policy, and the trends shaping the future of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Whether you're a homebuyer, investor, business owner, or simply trying to make sense of today's economy, you'll find practical insights, market analysis, and conversations with industry experts designed to help you make smarter financial decisions.🏡 Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Washington State real estate? Visit: RESG.com📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for market updates, housing trends, and investment opportunities.