Consumer confidence in the US recently dipped to a seven-month low, even as people felt slightly better about their current financial situations. The present-conditions index climbed about 7 points to 121, but the expectations index fell around 6 points to 68—a threshold that’s historically linked to recession concerns. Early in the third quarter, employers trimmed 23,000 jobs and unemployment nudged toward 4%. Notably, this increase was driven by workers exiting the labor force rather than a surge in new hiring.
Despite these shifts in sentiment, homebuying expectations only eased a bit and actually continued to rise, with roughly 61% of consumers still anticipating higher interest rates ahead. With the Fed holding rates steady and markets seeing little immediate relief, buyers should expect borrowing costs to remain elevated through the end of the year.
Drawing from my nearly two decades in real estate, I know that navigating these market currents—whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor—requires both perspective and strategy. My experience across residential, commercial, new builds, and relocations means I’m always watching these trends closely to help you make informed decisions at every stage of your real estate journey.
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