Mortgage Rates Are Back at 7% — Here’s What It Means for Buyers, Homeowners & Renters

Mortgage rates are back around 7%, and they may not come down as soon as you think. In this episode of Moving Sucks, Seth explains how we got here, why the Fed alone can’t fix it, and what smart buyers should be doing right now.

You’ll learn the real relationship between the Federal Reserve, the 10-year Treasury, and the mortgage rate you’ll actually be quoted. Seth also explains how global oil and diesel supply problems are pushing inflation higher, why new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh may not deliver the rate cuts many expected, and what the upcoming midterms could mean for rates.

Most importantly, he covers what to do about it:

🏠 Should you still buy a house with rates around 7%?

📈 Why inflation will keep pushing rents higher

🔒 How owning locks in your housing costs while renting stays unpredictable

💰 Why you should focus on your monthly payment, not just the rate

⚠️ Why anyone with a HELOC or variable-rate debt should be paying attention

📅 When rates might realistically start coming down

High rates don’t mean you should give up on homeownership. It just has to be the right move. Skip the headlines and online calculators. Get educated, talk to a lender, and know your numbers before you decide.

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 Mortgage Rates Are Back at 7%

00:49 Seth Is Back: Why This Episode Matters

03:28 Who Is New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh?

04:20 Does the Fed Actually Set Mortgage Rates?

05:22 How Inflation and Interest Rates Work

07:51 How the Oil Crisis Is Driving Inflation

11:03 Should You Buy a House at 7% Rates?

12:48 Renting vs. Owning: The Real Costs

15:27 Will Mortgage Rates Go Down Soon?

16:27 How the Midterm Elections Could Affect Rates

18:36 Get Educated Before You Buy

20:23 Wrap Up: What Do You Think Rates Will Do?

📍 Based in the Philadelphia area, with trusted realtors and lenders across the country.

📲 Got questions? Reach out:

Instagram: @‌AskSethAnything

Instagram: @‌MovingSucksPodcast

👇 Comment below: Do you think rates will go up, stay the same, or come down? Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more honest real estate talk.

#MortgageRates #HousingMarket #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #RealEstate #Inflation #FederalReserve #InterestRates #RentVsBuy #HomeBuying #MovingSucksPodcast #PhiladelphiaRealEstate #RealEstate2026

Connect with us 👇

Check out the Seth Lejeune Group - https://the-seth-lejeune-group-schwenksville-pa.remax.com/

Check out our website:

👉 https://asksethanything.com/

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Are you hiring the wrong real estate agent simply because they said "yes" to everything?

What if the best agent for your home is the one willing to walk away?

In this episode of Moving Sucks, Seth and Jenn dive into one of the biggest decisions a seller can make—and why honesty can be worth far more than a commission check. Seth shares the story behind turning down nearly $60,000 in potential commissions on a $3 million luxury listing, explaining why saying "no" was the right move for both him and the client.

Instead of chasing a payday, Seth reveals the importance of knowing your niche, understanding your strengths, and putting the client's success ahead of your own. You'll also learn how to spot agents who overpromise, why luxury homes require a different strategy, and what questions every seller should ask before hiring a Realtor.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – Why I Turned Down $60,000

00:55 – Welcome Back to Moving Sucks

01:59 – The $3 Million Listing Opportunity

03:43 – Why I Walked Away

04:45 – The Conversation With the Seller

07:15 – Honest Advice That Changed Everything

07:49 – Helping Find the Right Luxury Broker

09:19 – Why Knowing Your Niche Matters

10:33 – How to Hire the Right Real Estate Agent

13:10 – Setting Boundaries With Clients

14:25 – Final Thoughts & Subscribe

If you've ever wondered how to choose the right real estate agent—or why the best professionals sometimes turn down business—then this episode is for you.

Connect with us 👇

Check out the Seth Lejeune Group - https://the-seth-lejeune-group-schwenksville-pa.remax.com/

Check out our website:

👉 https://asksethanything.com/

Follow us on Instagram:

👉 https://www.instagram.com/asksethanything/

👉 https://www.instagram.com/januskygetsitdone/

Are you feeling like you have to choose between building your real estate business and keeping up with social media… and wondering if either one is actually working?

Seth and Jenn are back together on the Moving Sucks Podcast—and this episode hits hard on what’s real versus what’s just noise in today’s real estate world.

After stepping away from the mic and dialing back her online presence, Jenn opens up about what really drove that decision: juggling full-time real estate, parenting, and the realization that content creation and closing deals can feel like two completely different careers. This isn’t about balance—it’s about priorities.

The conversation dives into a bold take on today’s market headlines. Is the market actually slowing… or is that just the narrative being pushed? Jenn shares her perspective from the front lines, where transactions are still happening despite higher interest rates and constant uncertainty talk.

Seth and Jenn also challenge one of the biggest assumptions in the industry:

Does social media really bring in business—or is it just a credibility tool?

They break down why many top-producing agents barely post online, why referrals still dominate, and how too many agents may be focusing on the wrong things. There’s also a sharp critique of “social media coaching culture” and a strong reminder that mastering contracts and fundamentals is what actually builds a sustainable career.

And then there’s AI—where they both agree the future is heading. Unlike social media, AI might not just market your business… it might actually improve how you serve your clients.

They also unpack the rollercoaster of interest rates (including that brief dip into the 5s) and why perception and fear may be driving decisions more than the numbers themselves.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Jenn Returns

03:10 Why She Went Quiet

05:09 Addition By Subtraction

07:29 Does Social Media Work

13:38 Serious Work Vs Gimmicks

20:30 AI Over Social Media

24:32 Rates And Market Fear

27:40 Watch These Movies

30:59 Listener Questions Wrap

If you’re trying to figure out where to actually spend your time, energy, and focus in real estate right now… then this episode is for you.👇 Connect with us:

• 👉 https://www.instagram.com/movingsuckspodcast/
• 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@millenniup
• 👉 https://www.instagram.com/asksethanything/
• 👉 https://www.instagram.com/januskygetsitdone/

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovingSucksPodcast

Are you rushing into real estate decisions just because of a deadline… and wondering if it’s actually costing you money?

In this episode, Seth and Jenn break down one of the most common—but rarely questioned—practices in real estate: Sunday night offer deadlines. While they’re meant to create structure in competitive situations, are they actually doing more harm than good?

Seth dives deep into the mechanics behind offer deadlines and reveals how poor timing can pressure buyers into emotional decisions, limit access to key advisors like lenders, and ultimately lead to weaker offers—or worse, deals that fall apart after “one sleep.”

But it’s not just buyers who lose. Sellers may unknowingly leave better terms on the table, and agents? They’re stuck working chaotic Sunday nights only to revisit everything again on Monday.

You’ll also hear a bold take on open houses—why they may be outdated, how they’re often used to attract unrepresented buyers, and when (if ever) they actually make sense in today’s market.

This episode challenges the “this is how it’s always been done” mindset—and offers a smarter, more strategic approach that benefits everyone involved.

• 00:00 Real Estate Mechanics Intro
• 01:40 Why Offer Deadlines Exist
• 03:01 The Sunday Night Problem
• 06:09 Buyer Stress And Psychology
• 11:19 Seller Risks And Better Terms
• 15:01 Make Monday The Deadline
• 15:59 Agent Workflow And Sanity
• 18:15 Open Houses Critique
• 23:03 Wrap Up And Takeaways

👉 If you’ve ever felt pressured by a deadline, questioned the process, or want to make better real estate decisions… this episode is for you.

👇 Connect with us:

• 👉 https://www.instagram.com/movingsuckspodcast/
• 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@millenniup
• 👉 https://www.instagram.com/asksethanything/
• 👉 https://www.instagram.com/januskygetsitdone/

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovingSucksPodcast

Are you wondering if the massive National Association of Realtors settlement actually changed anything in real estate… or was it all just hype?

A year and a half later, Seth is pulling back the curtain—and what he’s seeing might completely change how you think about buying or selling a home.

In this episode of Moving Sucks, Seth dives into the aftermath of the widely publicized NAR settlement that was supposed to disrupt how commissions work in real estate. From lawsuits to “industry shakeups,” the headlines made it seem like everything was about to change.

But on the ground? It’s a very different story.

Seth breaks down what the ruling actually required, why sellers are still covering buyer agent commissions in most cases, and how real-world consumer behavior has largely ignored the expected shift. He also explores why buyer representation still plays a critical role, the hidden dangers of dual agency, and what happens when sellers try to go against the grain.

You’ll also hear how the U.S. system compares to countries like Australia—and why our approach may actually create a more level playing field for buyers.

This episode cuts through the noise with a clear, honest look at what’s really happening in real estate right now—and what it means for you.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown

0:00 — What is the NAR settlement?

1:30 — Welcome & episode intro

3:00 — The update: nothing has changed

4:30 — Sellers are still paying buyer commissions

6:00 — How other countries handle real estate (Australia)

8:00 — Background on the federal lawsuit

9:30 — Buyer agency agreements explained

11:00 — Why this is actually good for consumers

13:00 — The economics of commission and affordability

15:00 — What happens when sellers refuse to pay

16:30 — The importance of buyer representation

👉 If you’re buying, selling, or just trying to understand how commissions really work today… this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

If yes, then this episode is for you.

👇 Connect with us:

• 👉 https://www.instagram.com/movingsuckspodcast/
• 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@millenniup
• 👉 https://www.instagram.com/asksethanything/
• 👉 https://www.instagram.com/januskygetsitdone/

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovingSucksPodcast

Are you confused about why mortgage rates suddenly jumped—and what a conflict across the world has to do with your buying or refinancing plans? Are you wondering if you should pause or push forward right now?

In this episode, Seth breaks down how rising tensions in the Middle East—specifically disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—are shaking global oil supply and driving inflation higher. As oil prices moved up, mortgage rates quickly followed, jumping about half a point in just days and putting many refinances on hold.

Seth also shares practical advice for navigating the uncertainty, encouraging buyers and refinance clients to stay proactive instead of waiting on perfect timing. He explains what could happen next and how shifting global conditions may impact rates moving forward.

Episode Breakdown:

1. 00:00 Getting Political Today
2. 00:45 Show Intro and Context
3. 01:15 What Sparked the Conflict
4. 02:18 Why the Strait Matters
5. 04:39 Oil Shock Hits Rates
6. 06:18 Stalemate and Endgame
7. 07:05 Refis Put on Hold
8. 12:49 Advice for Buyers
9. 14:14 Where Rates Go Next
10. 15:18 Wrap Up and Callouts

If you’re trying to decide whether to refinance, buy now, or wait things out in this volatile market—this episode will help you think through your next move.

If yes, then this episode is for you.

👇 Connect with us:

1. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/movingsuckspodcast/
2. 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@millenniup
3. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/asksethanything/
4. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/januskygetsitdone/

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovingSucksPodcast

Are you buying a home and trusting that your real estate agent actually understands what they’re looking at? 🏠

Are you worried that one inspection report or contractor quote could suddenly cost you thousands of dollars… or even kill your deal?

In today’s real estate market, too many agents rely on inspection reports without really understanding construction, home systems, or repair costs. That lack of knowledge can lead to bad advice, unnecessary panic, and deals falling apart over issues that might actually be minor fixes.

In this episode of Moving Sucks, Seth talks about why modern real estate agents need to understand how houses work — from HVAC systems and sump pumps to repair costs and inspection negotiations.

They share real-world stories from the field, including a buyer who nearly replaced a perfectly good HVAC system after a scary $15,000 quote, only to discover the real fix cost $1,200, and a Philadelphia transaction that nearly collapsed over suspected buried tanks until ground-penetrating radar proved there was nothing there.

Seth explains why he trains and quizzes his team on construction knowledge, because too many agents simply don’t know the components of the homes they’re helping people buy. And when agents don’t understand the house, they can’t properly protect their clients or negotiate repairs effectively.

00:00 Why Construction Knowledge Matters

02:25 Industry Gaps and Old Homes

04:48 Inspections and Repair Negotiations

07:24 When to Walk Away

08:36 HVAC Scare Story

12:43 Get Multiple Quotes

15:46 Mystery Pipes and Tanks

18:19 Ask Questions at Inspections

20:15 Red Flags and Wrap Up

Are you touring homes over and over… but still don’t feel confident enough to make an offer?

Are you frustrated because every showing feels reactive instead of strategic?

In this episode, Seth of the SLG Team at Real Broker breaks down the streamlined three-meeting onboarding system designed to give buyers clarity before they ever step foot inside a home.

With the Philadelphia market picking up and buyers returning, Seth explains why so many clients are leaving their previous agents — and why the issue isn’t the market… it’s the missing process.

Instead of “just going to see houses,” this episode dives into solving the two critical puzzles first — logistics and finances — eliminating doubt, and creating a faster, more confident path to an offer.

Episode Breakdown:

1:34 – Philadelphia Market Update

1:58 – Why Buyers Are Switching Agents

2:47 – Why the Northeast Market Moves Differently

3:09 – What To Do Before Seeing Houses

3:55 – The Problem with “Just Go See Houses”

4:30 – The Two Puzzles: Logistics & Finances

5:07 – Eliminating Buyer Doubt

5:54 – Why Buyers Lose Interest After 3–5 Showings

6:11 – The 3-Meeting Virtual Onboarding System

7:57 – The #1 Complaint from Clients

8:56 – Starter Home vs. Forever Home

9:45 – What Buyers Should Ask Their Agent

10:22 – Why Upfront Clarity Matters

This isn’t about seeing more homes — it’s about seeing the right homes with clarity and confidence.

If yes, then this episode is for you.

👇 Connect with us:

1. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/movingsuckspodcast/
2. 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@millenniup
3. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/asksethanything/
4. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/januskygetsitdone/

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovingSucksPodcast