Don't close on your home until you do this

Name: Dan Ardis
Address: Bakersfield, CA, 93314, US
Telephone: (661) 342-9381
Price range: $$$
Rating: 5

November 13, 2026 1:46Dan Ardis, NMLS# 1412272

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The Fed could raise rates again in December, possibly by half a point, and existing home sales just fell to their lowest level since 2010. Here's the part most people miss: an expected Fed hike is mostly priced into mortgage rates already. The bigger risk is a surprise, and the date to watch is December 10, when November's inflation report comes out the day after the Fed decision.

What's next: Nvidia earnings Tuesday, November 17. Fed decision December 9. November CPI December 10.

What it means for you: on a $400,000 loan, a quarter-point rate move is about $68 a month, or roughly $816 a year. If you're closing in December, have a lock conversation with your lender before that week.

Existing home sales just hit a 16-year low, raising big questions about your next move. We are tracking the latest Fed interest rate hike signals and what they mean for your housing market strategy.

I break down why mortgage rates are reacting to current inflation reports and how the latest economic shifts affect your buying power. If you are closing soon, these updates are essential for protecting your monthly payment.

Key Points from This Video

October CPI: up 0.4% for the month, above expectations. Gas and energy were part of the push.
Core CPI: up 0.3%, also above expectations. This is the number the Fed watches most closely.
No year-over-year CPI this month. October 2025 prices were never collected because of last year's government shutdown.
Wholesale inflation (PPI): mostly in line with expectations.
Fed: Governor Christopher Waller and Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan are backing another hike at the December 8 to 9 meeting. Waller said a half-point move should be considered. The Fed hiked a quarter point in September and paused in October.
Reminder: the Fed Funds Rate is an overnight bank rate, not your mortgage rate. Mortgage rates follow the bond market.
Existing home sales: down 5.5% in October to a 3.75 million annual pace, down 8.8% from a year ago. That's the lowest since 2010.
NAR's Lawrence Yun sees real pent-up demand and thinks sales could rebound if rates come down.
Mortgage rates: Freddie Mac's 30-year average was 7.18% on November 5, its third straight weekly decline.
Markets: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigned, and AI and tech stocks plus the broader market took a hit.

Dan Ardis

Senior Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS# 1412272

Barrett Financial Group, Bakersfield CA

Dan Ardis is a Bakersfield-based mortgage broker with 20+ years in the industry, including experience as a Senior Specialty Underwriter. He originates residential and commercial loans for Kern County clients and in 49 states through Barrett Financial Group.

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