Want a clear, no-spin read on where mortgage rates are headed and how to win in this market? We dig into why rates have stabilized in the mid-sixes, what the Jolts report and labor revisions signal, and how sticky inflation and tariff psychology keep pressure on the other side. Then we translate the macro into moves you can actually use: seller-paid buydowns that drop payments into the fives, first-time buyer programs that lower cash-to-close, and a buy-before-you-sell path that unlocks equity so you can pounce when the right house appears.

We walk through the mortgage math behind today’s stability, including the narrowing spread between mortgage-backed securities and the 10-year Treasury, and why that spread may put a five-handle within reach even without big moves in Treasurys. Builders have proven the leverage of payment over price; we show how resale sellers can compete by marketing a target payment and structuring smart concessions. On the demand side, life events continue to drive millions of sales each year, and with two-thirds of owners sitting on 50%+ equity, buyers and sellers have more options than headlines suggest.

Technology and AI are changing the process, not the relationship. Permission-based income and asset verification, AI-powered doc review, and agency risk scoring make approvals faster and more predictable, while seasoned pros focus on judgment, strategy, and trust. Appraisals have steadied as appreciation cools, and more granular data helps right-size value calls. Whether you’re renting at “100% interest,” trying to time a five-handle, or weighing concessions versus price cuts, this conversation arms you with concrete tactics and a realistic timeline.

If this helped you make sense of the market, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—what strategy are you considering next?

What does it take to thrive in real estate for over three decades? Robin DiBuono pulls back the curtain on her remarkable 33-year journey that began when she was just 21 years old and still finishing college.

From humble beginnings helping her future husband with paperwork to building a successful family business, Robin shares the principles that have guided her through recessions, market booms, and technological revolutions. Her refreshingly practical approach centers on three core tenets: showing up consistently ("every day is game day"), being thoroughly prepared, and demonstrating resilience through market fluctuations.

Robin's pricing philosophy stands out as particularly valuable in today's evolving market. She explains why "pricing overcomes all objections" and reveals her strategy of calling agents with pending sales to uncover transaction details most agents miss. This commitment to deeper market intelligence has given her listings a competitive edge for decades.

Perhaps most surprising is Robin's dedication to geographic farming—maintaining three neighborhood territories, one since 1991—in an era when many agents chase quick digital wins. Her story of a client who kept her postcard for nine years before listing demonstrates the compounding returns of consistency and patience.

The conversation also explores family dynamics in real estate, with two of Robin's children now working in the business. Her daughter Kristen handles their social media ("for job security," Robin laughs), highlighting the value of leveraging team strengths rather than trying to master everything yourself.

Whether you're new to real estate or a seasoned professional, Robin's insights offer a blueprint for sustainable success that balances timeless fundamentals with adaptability to change. Want to build a business that thrives through any market? Start by treating every interaction like game day.