Tara Cochran

Tara Cochran Thoroughbred Real Estate Services - Your Partner In Real Estate From Gate To Wire.

03/13/2026

I have begun to see more people say the housing market is on the verge of collapse and to sell everything you have. I would hate for anyone to take that terrible advice.

Every Friday, I get a newsletter that catches me up on housing, jobs, and the economy, so I wanted to share some key data points and give you a clearer picture of where things stand during this global conflict and market volatility so you can make the best decision for your portfolio.

Bottom line: The sky might be falling, but house and land values are not. This is your Thoroughbred Real Estate Services market update for mid-March 2026:

• Mortgage Rates
Rates nudged up slightly, from 6.09% to 6.19%. Still, they’re much lower than a year ago. As a result, purchase apps are up 11% YoY, and refis are up 81% YoY. If you find a home that works for you, locking in might be a smart move—rates may not drop much soon.

• Economic Snapshot
February saw 92k jobs lost, and unemployment ticked up to 4.4%. Job searches are taking longer, but inflation is steady, with CPI near mid-2%.

• Housing Activity
Buyer activity is picking up: the MBS Highway Housing Index rose in March, and existing home sales jumped 1.7% in February—even with expectations of a decline.

• Home Values
Home values are steady. MoM price changes are flat, and YoY values still show modest growth. The reality hasn’t changed: they’re not making any more land. Real estate is still one of the best long-term investments.

• Opportunities
While the market is strong, FHA loan delinquencies are rising in some areas, which could create opportunities—like short sales or foreclosures—for buyers or investors paying attention.

Simply put, demand is steady, supply is limited, and home values are holding firm.

If you’re thinking of buying, investing, or exploring a new market, I’m here to help. I also work with great referral partners across the country. Reach out anytime!🔑


10/03/2025

📊 October Market Insights, From Thoroughbred Real Estate Services:

The latest economic and housing data paints a picture of a market in transition — steady mortgage rates, a cooling labor market, and diverging trends between existing and new home sales. Here’s what it means moving forward:

💹 Rates Steady
•Mortgage rates have held flat for two weeks as markets wait on the delayed jobs report. Softer labor data (ADP showing –32K jobs) suggests cooling, which could push the Fed toward easing.

📈 Economy Balanced
•Q2 GDP was revised up to 3.8%, showing resilience even as jobless claims remain elevated. Inflation is steady but above target, keeping Fed policy in focus.

🏡 Housing Diverges
•Existing sales: Down just 0.2%, with inventory up 12% YoY.
•New home sales: Jumped 21%, strongest since 2022 — but only 124K of 490K homes are move-in ready.

🔑 What This Means:
•Buyers: Lower rates + more inventory = opportunity.
•Sellers: Demand is rising, but competition favors well-positioned listings.

📩 Connect with Thoroughbred Real Estate Services to explore how today’s data shapes tomorrow’s opportunities.




09/19/2025

🏡Real Estate Market Update from Thoroughbred Real Estate Services – September 19, 2025

The Federal Reserve announced a rate cut this week, but the key movement came from the details behind the decision. Mortgage rates don’t move in direct step with Fed actions—they respond to how the bond market interprets the Fed’s outlook. Early optimism about additional cuts shifted after Chair Powell framed the move as a “risk management” decision, prompting lenders to issue mid-day rate increases despite the cut.

📉Economic Signals:
-The job market is showing signs of strain, with 911,000 jobs revised away in the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics update—the largest downward adjustment on record.

-Jobless claims climbed to 263,000, the highest since 2021.

-Inflation data remains mixed but continues to support expectations of another cut at the Fed’s September 17 meeting.

📈Housing Trends:
-Home price growth eased slightly in July, but forecasts remain positive with nearly 4% appreciation expected over the next year.

-Lower rates are already stirring activity: refinance applications jumped 58%, while purchase applications are up 20% year-over-year.

-New construction remains limited, setting the stage for ongoing supply challenges as demand builds.

🔑Thoroughbred Real Estate Service Perspective:
Whether you’re searching for your next property or planning to sell, Thoroughbred Real Estate Services is your trusted partner to navigate this dynamic market. Opportunities are emerging as rates trend lower and buyer activity accelerates. Whether you’re considering a purchase, sale, or refinance, strategic timing will be key in the months ahead.

08/08/2025

🌾 Farmland & Raw Land Market Update, Summer 2025 - From Thoroughbred Real Estate Services

The land market may not make the daily headlines like interest rates or housing sales, but for investors, landowners, and those dreaming of acreage or equestrian estates, the current trends are worth a close look.

🐎 Farmland: A Market Catching Its Breath

After years of rapid appreciation, farmland prices are leveling out—and in some areas, softening. Many regions are seeing values 5–10% lower than last year’s peaks, with lower-quality or more remote parcels down as much as 15%.

Why?

Slower farm revenue and higher interest rates are making some buyers more cautious.

Quality matters: Highly tillable Midwest farmland with good soils is still moving quickly, while land with poor drainage or access is selling slower and at deeper discounts.

Listings are scarce—down about 20–25% from the highs of just a few years ago—which is helping support prices for top-tier parcels.

Who’s buying?
•Local farmers (≈59%) expanding operations
•Individual investors (≈30%)
•Institutional players (6–9%) pushing auction prices higher on prime tracts

🏞 Raw Land: Development Potential in Demand

While some rural land markets have cooled, raw parcels near growth corridors are attracting intense interest from developers and land bankers. Builders are strategically buying now—sometimes years ahead of breaking ground—to secure future inventory.

Key drivers:
•Expansion of suburban and exurban markets
•Zoning that allows for residential or mixed-use projects
•Long-term investment strategies where holding land now beats competing for it later.

📌 What This Means for You

Whether you own acreage, farm ground, or a rural lifestyle property, here’s the current picture:
•Top-quality farmland is holding its value and selling steadily.
•Lower-grade or remote parcels are seeing slower sales and steeper discounts.
•Raw land with future development potential remains a hot commodity—especially near growing metro areas.

If you’re considering buying, selling, or exchanging land, 2025 may offer a unique mix of less competition and strategic buying opportunities before market conditions shift again.

🗣️ Let’s Talk Land

At Thoroughbred Real Estate Services, we understand the nuances of farmland, acreage, and equestrian properties. Whether it’s time to sell, invest, or simply explore your options, we can help you position your property—or your offer—for the best possible outcome.


08/01/2025

🏠🐎 Residential Real Estate Update – Summer 2025
Presented by Thoroughbred Real Estate Services

As we round the turn into late summer, the real estate market is showing signs of moderation—but also opportunity. Whether you're eyeing a primary home, investment property, or equestrian estate, here’s what you need to know:

📉 Mortgage & Refinance Trends

30-year fixed mortgage rates have dipped slightly and remain stable—encouraging news for both buyers and those considering refinancing.

Mortgage activity cooled a bit last week, but overall volume remains well ahead of this time last year.

Cash-out refinances now lead the pack—offering homeowners a smart way to unlock equity and reinvest in property upgrades, land, or even new listings.

🏦 Economic Snapshot

The Fed held interest rates steady, but internal division (the first dual dissent in 30+ years) signals mounting pressure to cut rates amid signs of economic cooling.

We’re seeing slower consumer spending, weaker job growth, and persistent inflation—all of which could push the Fed to lower rates in the months ahead.

🏡 Housing Market Insights

Rental prices stayed flat in July and are now slightly down year-over-year. Rising vacancy rates suggest a shift that could ease shelter costs and open up more buying opportunities.

Despite rate stability, purchase activity pulled back slightly—likely tied to affordability concerns in select regions.

For equestrian properties and rural estates, this environment could signal a window of opportunity before potential fall rate cuts stir new competition.

📌 Thoroughbred Perspective:

We’re seeing a slower-paced market, but one rich with possibilities—especially for clients seeking acreage, barns, and lifestyle properties where quality and land value still reign. Whether you're refinancing, selling, or preparing to buy before rates move again, now’s the time to have a strategic conversation.

📨 Contact us to discuss market timing, equity opportunities, and property-specific insights tailored to your goals.

02/14/2025

Thoroughbred Real Estate Services' Market Update With Tara Cochran, Your Trusted Real Estate Agent - February 14, 2025:

🏡 Housing News

📊 Home Prices Keep Climbing: CoreLogic reports a 3.4% annual increase in December, with a revision to their 2025 forecast to 4.1% appreciation—reinforcing homeownership as a powerful wealth-building tool. 📈

💰 Mortgage Rates on the Rise: After holding steady below 7%, rates have climbed following a hotter-than-expected inflation report.

🏠 Buyer & Homeowner Activity: Purchase applications remain slightly positive year-over-year, and refinance activity continues to increase despite rate shifts, as homeowners use their equity to pay down debt.

📈 Economic Insights

🔥 Inflation Surprise: A higher-than-expected Consumer Price Index (CPI) report pushed mortgage rates up, as rising inflation led to bond market weakness.

💼 Labor Market Shifts: Slower job growth, fewer job openings, and higher unemployment claims suggest a cooling job market, though wage growth remains steady.

While some wait for rates to drop, home values continue to rise—meaning waiting could cost you more in the long run.🔑

🏡Thinking about buying, selling, or refinancing?

I can connect you with top agents and lenders anywhere in the U.S. and Canada through my trusted network. Let’s get you positioned for success in today’s market! 📍

01/31/2025

📢 Thoroughbred Real Estate Services' Market Update - January 31, 2025:

💰 Facts & Insights
Mortgage rates are holding steady near 7%, despite a bit of market turbulence following the Fed’s latest announcement. The 10-year Treasury yield is hovering at key levels, and all eyes are on today’s inflation data for clues about what’s next. The Fed isn’t ready to cut rates just yet, but the market is already reading between the lines.

📉 Economic Update
The Fed is still playing hard to get with rate cuts, citing a strong labor market and sticky inflation. But here’s the twist—job growth has apparently been overstated due to modeling errors. That means mortgage rates may have been artificially high in recent months. If inflation keeps cooling and hiring slows, we could see some much-needed rate relief down the road.

🏡 Housing News
The housing market isn’t backing down! Existing Home Sales hit a 10-month high in December, marking three straight months of growth. Buyers are still showing up, even with tight inventory, proving that real estate remains a solid wealth-building strategy. Plus, rental data suggests inflation pressures could ease soon, which might help interest rates in the coming months.

🔑 What It Means for You:
With demand still strong and rate shifts on the horizon, the market is ripe for opportunity—if you play it smart. Thinking about making a move or adding to your portfolio? Let’s talk and let’s turn these insights into your next big win!




01/21/2025

Thoroughbred Real Estate Services' Market Update With Tara Cochran, Your Trusted Real Estate Agent - As of January 16, 2025:

🏡 Housing News

📊 Stable Home Prices: CoreLogic reports a 3.4% annual increase in November home prices and a revised projection of 3.8% growth over the next year, emphasizing homeownership as a powerful wealth-building tool.

📈 Mortgage Rates: Rates rose slightly to 7.09%, yet activity remains strong.

🏠 Buyer & Homeowner Activity: Purchase and refinance applications increased weekly, showing resilience despite seasonal fluctuations.

Did you want to buy a house last year but decided to wait for rates to drop? You’re not alone—but now might be the time to start planning.

Consider this: The average home in Georgia is on the market for just 3️⃣0️⃣ days! 🕒 That means it’s critical to be prequalified and ready to move quickly when you find the perfect home.

Let’s get the ball rolling!

As your trusted real estate agent, I can guide you through prequalification and help you create a winning search strategy. Reach out today, and let’s make your homeownership dreams a reality in 2025. 🔑

01/12/2025

Georgia Real Estate Snapshot: 2024 🏡🍑

1️⃣ Homes Sold: Georgia saw a 20% increase in homes sold this year—leading the way in the Southeast! 📈
2️⃣ Average Price: The average home price in Georgia is $390,000, slightly below the national average of $420,000. 💰
3️⃣ Days on Market: Homes are selling fast, with an average of 25 days on the market. 🔥
4️⃣ Growing Demand: Metro Atlanta is booming, with a 25% surge in luxury home sales. ✨
5️⃣ First-Time Buyers: Represent 40% of the Georgia market, higher than the national average! 🌟

Looking to buy or sell in Georgia? Let’s make it happen! 🏠🔑



01/10/2025

🏡 This Week’s Market Update from Thoroughbred Real Estate Services - January 10, 2025:

📉 Mortgage Insights:

Mortgage applications dropped 3.7%, but refinances ticked up 0.2%, now making up over 40% of applications—savvy homeowners are seizing opportunities!

As of January 7, 2025, the national average for a 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 7.14%. With the 10-year Treasury yield breaking above 4.67%, rates may face continued upward pressure.

📊 Economic Trends:

Job growth in December lagged expectations, with only 122,000 jobs added, while wage growth slowed—potentially easing inflation pressures.

Fed experts suggest gradual rate reductions could be on the horizon, improving affordability for buyers in the long run.

🏠 Housing Market Highlights:

Pending home sales rose 2.2% in November, hitting their highest level since early 2023—a sign of growing buyer confidence.

Home prices continue to appreciate, with year-over-year gains of 3.5%, reaffirming the wealth-building potential of real estate.

🔑 What It Means for You:

With rates steadying and buyers finding more wiggle room, the market’s giving you opportunities—it’s all about playing your cards right. Ready to make your move? Shoot me a DM with any market questions you have—let’s turn these insights into your next big win!



📊 Mortgage rates in 2025: The crystal ball says… 🔮The experts’ predictions are in, with rates ranging from 6.12% to 6.80...
01/09/2025

📊 Mortgage rates in 2025: The crystal ball says…

🔮The experts’ predictions are in, with rates ranging from 6.12% to 6.80%.

Thinking about buying a home or investment property this year? Let’s chat before your dream deal gallops away!

Shoot me a DM and let me know where you want to buy.🔑



🏡 Kick Off 2025 with Real Estate Opportunities!According to the CoreLogic HPI Forecast:📉 Home prices are expected to dip...
01/08/2025

🏡 Kick Off 2025 with Real Estate Opportunities!

According to the CoreLogic HPI Forecast:

📉 Home prices are expected to dip slightly by -0.2% from November to December 2024.

📈 Year-over-year, prices are projected to rise 3.8% by November 2025.

💡 Why Now?
Take advantage of seasonal price adjustments and position yourself for appreciation and potential rate drops.

What are your real estate goals this year? Shoot me a DM or comment below. ⬇️

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