April 17, 2025

🔎 April Market Update - Markets Shifting Fast

📩 Please note my best email address is joe@intentionfinancial.net.

April is upon us!

When you zoom out and look at the world economy, the U.S. clearly stands apart in terms of daily income. As the first infographic below shows, even the poorest 10% in the U.S. earn more than the richest 10% in many other countries. That’s some positive perspective when looking at the power of the U.S. consumer economy.

But income doesn’t always translate into wealth. The second chart paints a much more sobering picture: Most Americans have nearly all their wealth tied up in one place — their homes. While the top 0.1% dominate in stocks and private equity, the majority of households are betting on real estate. And for good reason.

Real estate is still the most accessible and dependable way to build long-term wealth — and this month’s update is all about how to navigate that opportunity wisely. Whether you’re managing debt, eyeing equity, or thinking about timing the market, I’ve got you covered.

📉 Mortgage Rates: A Volatile Two Weeks

Just two weeks ago, lenders were bracing for a mini refinance boom.

Then, bam! The tariff chaos hits, and bond selloffs occur, with mortgage rates surging past 7%, peaking at 7.07%. (see chart below)

The good news? Rates pulled back early this week, settling back into the mid-to-high 6s, restoring a bit of normalcy.

🏡 Home Equity at Record Highs — But Tapping It Is Tricky

U.S. home equity just hit $35 trillion — a record.

Many homeowners feel “equity rich, cash poor.” → Opportunity to explore options such as HELOCs, downsizing, or strategic sales.

💸 MIP Tax Deduction Could Be Coming Back

A new bipartisan bill would restore the mortgage insurance tax deduction, raising the income cap from $100K → $200K.

This could lower net housing costs for many buyers, especially first-timers using <20% down.

👉 Click here to view the full economic calendar 🗓️

Quote to Ponder

“The best investment on Earth is earth.”

— Louis Glickman

California Housing Market Overview

Median Sales Price	$832,500	+6.0%
# of Homes Sold	18,660	+0.4%
Median Days on Market	53	+7

California Housing Supply

# of Homes for Sale	88,915	+24.1%
# of Newly Listed Homes	29,191	+12.2%
Months of Supply	3	0

California Housing Demand

Homes Sold Above List	39.1%	-3.7%
Homes with Price Drops	28.4	+10.7%
Sale-to-List Price	100.1%	-.28pt

*Housing Market Data is based on Year over Year numbers (Source Redfin) as of February 2025 in California.

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Useful Information

Mortgage Rates Edge Higher Today, But Lower on The Week

Mortgage rates managed to make a nice amount of progress this week after hitting the highest levels in roughly 2 months last Friday. The first 2 days of the week brought the most meaningful improvement and it's been slow going since then.

Navigating homeowners insurance for trust- or LLC-owned properties - The Mountain-Ear

PEAK TO PEAK - After my father's unexpected passing without a will, we decided it was time to delve into the world of estate planning. Our aim was to create a structured approach that would make things as uncomplicated as possible for our...