🏡 Smart Starter Market Brief: May 14, 2025
What Florida Homebuyers Need to Know Right Now
📉 Bonds Finished Flat — But the Story Was Anything But Boring
If you looked at rates late yesterday, you might’ve thought:
“Nothing happened.”
But those watching closely saw a rollercoaster.
➡️ Early morning: bonds rallied on weak auctions and safe-haven demand.
➡️ By afternoon: risk-on trading and tariff headlines reversed the gains.
Bottom line? Even with cooler inflation, the bond market wasn’t buying it.
Still, a flat finish is a win in today’s volatile environment.
📅 Today’s Economic Events — And What They Mean for Your Mortgage Rate
Here’s a look at the day’s key reports, ranked by their impact on mortgage rates and affordability:
| ⏰ Time (ET) | Report/Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 10:30 AM | Crude Oil Inventory ⭐ | A surprise here can affect inflation expectations — and that can move mortgage rates. |
| 5:15 AM | Fed Waller Speech ⭐ | May hint at upcoming rate decisions. |
| 7:00 AM | MBA Mortgage Application Data | Good for trend-spotting, but won’t move rates today. |
| 9:10 AM | Fed Jefferson Speech | Market-neutral unless he surprises. |
| 5:40 PM | Fed Daly Speech ⭐ | Could shape rate sentiment heading into tomorrow. |
🏠 Florida Homebuyer Takeaways
Here’s what actually matters for buyers across the Sunshine State:
💥 Inflation Is Slowing
And that’s a big deal. Lower inflation reduces pressure on the Federal Reserve to keep rates elevated. If this continues, we could see more affordable mortgage options by summer.
📈 Markets Are Stabilizing
The S&P 500 has recovered its 2025 losses. This calm backdrop is good news — it supports rate stability, which is key for Florida buyers trying to lock in predictable payments.
💼 Microsoft Layoffs Could Shift Demand
If you’re buying in places like Tampa, Orlando, or other tech-adjacent markets, this could open up inventory and negotiation opportunities.
✅ Today’s Mortgage Market Checklist
✔️ Watch the Crude Oil Inventory report at 10:30 AM — energy costs ripple into mortgage rates.
✔️ Monitor Fed commentary — their tone could foreshadow future cuts (or more waiting).
✔️ Celebrate cooler inflation — it’s a step toward improved affordability in Florida housing.
🧃 Fun Fact of the Day:
Your Smoothie Habit Could Buy You a Home
A $12-a-day smoothie habit = $360/month.
That’s enough to cover your homeowners insurance, property taxes, or part of your monthly mortgage.
💸 Skip the froth. Earn the front porch.
🔖 Related Resources:
Need help navigating your options in today’s market?
📅 Schedule a free 15-minute consultation here.
Today's Low Mortgage Rates
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| 30-year Fixed | 15-year Fixed | |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. | 5.8 | 5.2 |
Data Source from Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey®. Averages are for conforming mortgages with 20% down. Mortgage rates subject to change without notice.
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