The Housing Bull Cycle Has Already Started

Are You Ready?

Based on insights from HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins and industry veteran Don, the housing market is at a critical inflection point. While mainstream media pushes doom-and-gloom headlines, industry insiders know the truth: we're entering the early stages of a new housing bull cycle. Here are five immediate action items every real estate agent and loan officer should implement today.

1. Stop Relying on Headlines - Start Using Real Data

The Problem: Mainstream media wants clicks, not accuracy. Headlines like "foreclosures at highest levels in a year" sound scary but start from historic lows.

Your Action: Subscribe to industry-specific data sources like HousingWire's market dashboard. Track the metrics that matter:

  • Active inventory (currently 860,000 nationally, up 60,000 in 90 days)

  • Mortgage application trends (growing for 28+ weeks straight)

  • Interest rate spreads (down 80 basis points from highs)

Implementation: Dedicate 15 minutes each morning to reviewing real market data before checking general news. Use this information to educate clients and counter media-driven fears.

2. Reframe Your Rate Conversations

The Problem: Clients are paralyzed by rate comparisons to the 3% era, missing opportunities in today's market.

Your Action: Help clients understand we're in the early stages of a rate decline cycle. Current rates near 6% historically trigger serious market activity and buyer confidence.

Implementation:

  • Create comparison charts showing historical rate averages

  • Focus on monthly payment affordability, not just rates

  • Emphasize that waiting for "perfect" rates means competing with more buyers later

  • Share success stories of recent clients who acted despite rate concerns

3. Capitalize on Changing Buyer Behavior

The Problem: Many professionals haven't adapted to new buyer patterns.

Your Action: Consumers are now talking to lenders BEFORE seriously starting their home search. This is your opportunity to build stronger relationships earlier in the process.

Implementation:

  • Develop pre-search consultation processes

  • Create affordability calculators and educational content

  • Build systems to nurture pre-approved buyers through longer search periods

  • Partner with agents who understand this new dynamic

4. Position Yourself for the Inventory Opportunity

The Problem: Professionals are still operating with "no inventory" mindsets when supply is actually increasing.

Your Action: Recognize that inventory growth creates opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Sellers now feel confident they can find their next home after selling.

Implementation:

  • Update your marketing to reflect current inventory levels

  • Develop "move-up buyer" strategies for sellers with equity

  • Create neighborhood-specific inventory reports

  • Build relationships with builders as new construction ramps up

5. Invest in Your Professional Development NOW

The Problem: Three-quarters of your competition has left the industry. Those who remain and invest in themselves will dominate the upcoming cycle.

Your Action: Surround yourself with other winners and invest in education, networking, and personal development.

Implementation:

  • Attend industry events focused on current market strategies

  • Join mastermind groups with top performers

  • Invest in your health and energy (successful professionals are prioritizing fitness)

  • Focus on controllables: your knowledge, relationships, and daily habits

  • Learn from professionals doing 100+ million in today's market

The Bottom Line

As Clayton Collins noted, "We're going to look back and say the next bull housing cycle started in spring/summer 2025." The professionals who act on these insights now will be positioned to capture disproportionate market share as the cycle turns.

The market has already started shifting - mortgage applications are growing, inventory is increasing, and rate spreads are cooperating. The question isn't whether the market will improve, but whether you'll be ready when it does.

Remember: Housing cycles front-run economic cycles. While the broader economy may face challenges, housing professionals who've navigated the last three years are entering a period of growth. Don't let media headlines distract you from the opportunity ahead.

Want to dive deeper into these strategies? Connect with other forward-thinking professionals who are preparing for the next cycle, not dwelling on the last one.