Episode 103: What’s Actually Happening in 2026 – The Fed, Rates, and When Buyers Come Back – Part 1

Send us Fan MailThese are the key factors to consider as we enter 2026: the major drivers influencing buyer demand, affordability, and the housing market.In this episode of the Results Driven Podcast, Josh and Tiffany High bring in Jim Ross, one of the top real estate agents in Columbus, Ohio, to break down what’s happening behind the scenes as we head into 2026.They talk through why 2025 felt frozen, why that doesn’t mean a crash is coming, how the Fed really works, and why bond markets control mortgage rates. This is a macro-level conversation meant to help investors stop guessing and start making informed decisions.This episode gives you the context you need for your next deals. Enjoy the show!You’ll Learn How To:Understand why bond yields drive mortgage ratesBreak down how Fed policy impacts real estateThink clearly about rates, liquidity, and buyer demand heading into 2026What You’ll Learn in This Episode:(02:22) Who Jim Ross is and why his macro view matters(05:34) Why 2025 was one of the toughest real estate years in decades(07:30) “Worst since” data points(08:35) The next phase of growth for the real estate market(09:45) What causes a frozen real estate market(10:12) Better conditions in 2026 because of the easing of rates(11:12) The Fed’s dual mandate explained simply(13:09) Early signs that conditions are starting to improve(13:21) Where mortgage rates sit right now(14:45) Why builders are a key leading indicator(15:39) How GDP, inflation, and unemployment flow into bond markets(16:47) Fed doesn’t directly control mortgage rates(18:08) Current Fed policy and what rate cuts look like in 2026(20:03) Importance of liquidity and quantitative tightening for investors(21:55) About quantitative easing(23:29) How liquidity flows into assets like real estate(26:19) What a new Fed chair in 2026 could change(28:12) The future Fed leadership may be more pro-growth(32:40) The yen carry trade explainedWho This Episode Is For:Investors who are holding flips that aren’t movingBuyers who are trying to time the marketAnyone who is confused by rates, the Fed, and conflicting headlinesReal estate operators who want clarity instead of fearWhy You Should Listen:Jim breaks down why 2025 likely marked the bottom, what’s already starting to shift, and why understanding the macro picture matters before making your next move.Connect with Jim Ross:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimrossrealtor/ Follow Tiffany and Josh here:Tiffany Instagram: @tiffanyhighofficialJosh Instagram: @joshhighofficialWebsite: https://resultsdrivenrei.com/home/Get Tiffany’s free resource: www.rdebook.com “26 Costly Mistakes I Made While Building My Seven-Figure Real Estate Business”