Higher Expectations Podcast Episode 10

Written By Joshua Vigil

On this episode, Ron Hier, Josh Vigil, and Michael Hier break down what a potential Federal Reserve rate cut really means for buyers and sellers right now. We get into why mortgage rates tend to follow the 10-Year Treasury, how lenders often price in expectations ahead of Fed meetings, and what smart buyers should do before rates shift, from locking in and organizing docs to comparing loan products like FHA vs. Conventional, 7/6 SOFR ARMs, and 2-1 buydowns.

We also talk real-world market conditions across the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley, and beyond: longer days on market, price reductions, and seller credits, plus how a strong agent team vets buyers, negotiates repairs, manages timelines with CAR forms vs. builder contracts, and coordinates the many moving pieces (TCs, escrow, title, vendors) to actually get you to the finish line.

What you’ll learn

  • How a Fed cut (e.g., 25–50 bps) can influence mortgages—and why it’s not 1:1

  • The role of the 10-Year Treasury and why rates sometimes drop before the Fed acts

  • Practical buyer moves: rate locks, pre-approval, and document readiness

  • FHA vs. Conventional tradeoffs, ARMs (7/6 SOFR), and 2-1 buydown math

  • Today’s listing climate: price cuts, seller concessions, and winning offer terms

  • Builder contracts vs. CAR forms: protections, timelines, and pitfalls

  • How we vet offers, protect clients, and keep transactions on track from offer to keys

Chapters (quick jump)

  • 00:00 – Intro & Fed cut expectations

  • 03:12 – Lender pricing, locks, and the 10-Year

  • 07:00 – FHA vs. Conventional; 7/6 SOFR ARM

  • 08:55 – 2-1 buydowns & refinance strategy

  • 11:03 – Local market update & seller concessions

  • 23:38 – Why presentation matters (photos, prep, staging)

  • 30:52 – Builder contracts vs. CAR forms

  • 46:03 – Vetting buyers & linked transactions

  • 54:49 – Home maintenance note (repipe story)

  • 57:58 – Closing thoughts & client wins

Thinking about buying or selling in SoCal, or relocating out of state? Text or call Josh at (661)- 992-2407 for a strategy session. We’ll connect you with a sharp lender, walk you through options, and help you move with confidence.

Joshua Vigil

Voted Antelope Valley's Best Realtor in 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025!

I'm a Realtor servicing all of California with specialty areas in Santa Clarita Valley, Palmdale, Lancaster, and San Fernando Valley. As a Realtor, my goal is to deliver the best service to my clients and for each client to know they are a valued customer and not a number. I complete these goals by staying educated in Real Estate Laws, Real Estate Data, and overall Market Trends. I keep close contact with all of my clients, provide updates as they are received, explain processes in-depth to ensure client understanding, and most importantly, I treat every customer the way I would like to be treated if the roles were reversed. Put your trust in me and you will be rewarded with excellent results!

https://www.JoshuaVigil.com
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🏡What Yesterday’s Fed Rate Cut Means for Buyers, Sellers, and Refinancers