REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS
Harris Real Estate Daily
By Tim & Julie Harris · December 10, 2025
1️⃣ The “Recession” Headline Was the Starting Gun
When U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said housing is “effectively in a recession,” he wasn’t predicting doom—he was setting the stage. He followed by urging lower rates and policy action to “end this housing recession.” Translation: help is on the way.
Do Now: Use this narrative in your listing and buyer talks: “Policy is pivoting to help homeowners.”
2️⃣ Rates Are Poised to Ease
Bessent keeps hinting that the Fed’s stance is too tight. Markets are already pricing in softer policy for 2026. A half-point move could unlock millions of buyers.
Do Now: Tag every “almost-ready” buyer in your CRM. Be first to call when mortgage rates tick lower.
3️⃣ The GSE Play Is Real
FHFA Director Bill Pulte confirmed that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could begin a public offering as early as late 2025—Trump administration’s headline move. That signals strength, not stress.
Do Now: Film a 60-second reel: “What the Fannie/Freddie release means for mortgage costs.” Educate—don’t speculate.
4️⃣ The Plumbing Was Already Fixed
On Jan 2 2025, Treasury and FHFA quietly amended the PSPAs, restoring Treasury’s consent for any release. That’s the legal groundwork for an IPO. You don’t do that unless you’re serious.
Do Now: Position yourself as the “policy translator.” Create a short client email: “Here’s why the housing system is about to get stronger.”
5️⃣ “Make Housing Great Again” Is More Than a Slogan
As Tim and Julie Harris wrote, demographic demand + policy reform + sound lending = a 25-year housing boom. The goal: lower costs, unleash builders, reward ownership.
Do Now: Repurpose that optimism. Share the article, then add your own caption: “We’re gearing up for the next boom.”
6️⃣ Demographics Guarantee Demand
Millennials and Gen Z are surging into home-buying years while Boomers start downsizing. The shortage is still 4–5 million homes. Demand beats supply.
Do Now: Create twin campaigns—“First Home in 2026” and “Trade-Up in 2026.” Start collecting names now.
7️⃣ Confidence Is Contagious
Policy support + rate relief = better headlines = buyers back in the game. Sentiment shifts first, sales follow.
Do Now: Launch a “Be first to know when payments drop” signup link. Capture leads as confidence returns.
8️⃣ Local Markets Will Outperform
Bessent stressed that only sectors are in recession, not the whole economy. Some metros will lead the recovery by spring 2026.
Do Now: Publish a local market scorecard—inventory, DOM, new listings—showing why your zip codes will pop first.
9️⃣ Operational Shake-Ups = Momentum
Freddie Mac’s leadership changes and accelerated FHFA activity show urgency. Washington is clearing the runway for action.
Do Now: Partner with builders and lenders now. Have inventory and programs ready before the crowd realizes what’s happening.
🔟 The Upside Outweighs the Fear
Strong equity, tight underwriting, and political will to reignite housing mean the next chapter is growth, not collapse. 2026 could be your best year yet.
Do Now: Set Q1–Q2 2026 goals today—appointments, SOI calls, listing systems, content calendar titled “Why 2026 Is Our Year.” Act before the wave.
💥 The Bottom Line
Scott Bessent didn’t bury housing—he teed it up for a comeback. Combine his policy tone with the Trump team’s GSE IPO and the Harris macro framework, and you get one clear message:
Housing is about to get great again.
Agents who prepare now—who believe before everyone else does—will own 2026.
— Tim Harris
Tim and Julie Harris Real Estate Coaching
📬 Interested in Elite Coaching? Text Tim directly at 512-758-0206