Episode Overview

Podcast: Your Money Minute
Episode: Fading Spring Home Selling Hopes (4/27/26)
Host: Jessica Edinger, CNBC
Air Date: April 27, 2026

This episode explores why optimism for a strong spring housing market is fading in 2026. Experts discuss the combined impacts of ongoing economic fallout from the war with Iran, rising gas prices, elevated mortgage rates, and a weakening job market—all contributing to buyer and seller hesitation in the real estate sector.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Economic Uncertainty Dampens Spring Housing Market

• Main Idea: Current economic instability—especially related to the war with Iran, inflation, and job concerns—is tempering enthusiasm for home buying and selling.
• Jessica Edinger (Host) [00:00]:
  “Hope for a strong spring housing market is fading as economic fallout from the war with Iran, higher gas prices and a questionable job market eat away at enthusiasm.”

2. Behavioral Shifts Among Buyers and Sellers

• Dana Bull, Compass Realtor (Boston) [00:14 – 00:26]:
  “Anytime we experience... uncertainty in the real estate market, the knee jerk reaction for both our sellers and our buyers is to pause. Let's see what happens.”
  • Insight: Both homebuyers and sellers are holding back, waiting to see how the situation unfolds.

3. Buyers Retreating from the Market

• Eric Bramlett, Bram Partners Realtor (Austin) [00:34 – 00:43]:
  “You're just seeing buyers that were on the fence and deciding to buy are now on the fence and going the other direction saying I'm not going to buy.”
  • Insight: Uncertainty and rising rates are pushing potential buyers off the market altogether.

4. Rising Mortgage Rates and Shifting Market Dynamics

• Diana Olek, CNBC Real Estate Correspondent [00:43 – 01:16]:
  • “Higher mortgage rates have weakened purchasing power and concern over the war and the economy are now front and center.”
  • “Mortgage rates have been rising since the war began... many are less inclined to make the decision to buy a home.”
  • “Some would be home buyers who can afford to buy at today's mortgage rates may have an easier time than last year, though.”
  • “Some sellers are watching properties go unsold for weeks, potentially making them more willing to lower that initial asking price or negotiate in other ways.”
  • Insight:
    • Elevated rates reduce affordability.
    • Heightened anxiety over the economy further damps demand.
    • Properties are starting to linger on the market, which may lead to price drops or more negotiation room for buyers who remain.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jessica Edinger [00:00]:
  “Hope for a strong spring housing market is fading as economic fallout from the war with Iran, higher gas prices and a questionable job market eat away at enthusiasm.”

• Dana Bull (Compass Realtor) [00:14]:
  “Anytime we experience... uncertainty in the real estate market, the knee jerk reaction for both our sellers and our buyers is to pause.”

• Eric Bramlett (Bram Partners Realtor) [00:34]:
  “You're just seeing buyers that were on the fence and deciding to buy are now on the fence and going the other direction saying I'm not going to buy.”

• Diana Olek (CNBC) [00:43]:
  “Higher mortgage rates have weakened purchasing power and concern over the war and the economy are now front and center.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 – Episode theme introduction by Jessica Edinger: fading Spring housing hopes
• 00:14 – Compass Realtor Dana Bull on uncertainty leading to buyer and seller hesitation
• 00:34 – Bram Partners Realtor Eric Bramlett on buyers withdrawing from the market
• 00:43 – CNBC real estate correspondent Diana Olek on mortgage rates, inflation, and market effects
• 01:16 – Host signoff and where to find more info (newsletter mention)

Episode Takeaway

Economic and global uncertainties—especially those tied to the war with Iran, inflation, and raising borrowing costs—have cooled what’s usually a hot spring real estate market. Sellers and buyers are largely pausing, with experts observing increased hesitation, longer time on market, and growing opportunities for negotiation. For more details and ongoing trends, listeners are encouraged to check out Diana Olek’s Property Play newsletter on CNBC.