Avenue Mortgage, LLC

NMLS #1115220

  • Home
  • About
    • About Kay
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Complaint/Recovery Fund Notice
  • Blog
  • Our Resources
    • First Time Seller Tips
    • First Time Buyer Tips
    • Home Appraisal
    • Home Inspection
    • Loan Checklist
    • Loan Process
    • Loan Programs
    • Mortgage Glossary
    • Mortgage FAQ
    • What to Expect at a Loan Closing: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • Our Reviews
  • Contact Us

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 11th, 2025

August 11, 2025 by Kay Monigold

The major report to look out for was the Trade Balance, which has decreased more than expected, suggesting that the current administration’s policies are having an impact. However, the long-term impact on the economy as a whole remain to be seen. This was followed closely by consumer credit, which came in far lower than expected, though many are predicting that consumer credit usage will grow over time. While the labor market remains constrained, the consumer market has remained stable in spite of the uncertainty brought on by the tariff policies.

Trade Balance
The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $60.2 billion in June, down $11.5 billion from $71.7 billion in May, revised.

Consumer Credit
Revolving credit, mainly credit cards, declined for the second straight month in June, the Federal Reserve said. Revolving credit fell at a 1% rate in June after a 3.5% drop in the prior month. Declines in credit-card borrowing are rare: The last time revolving credit fell for two straight months was during the COVID pandemic in 2020.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index

  • 15-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.10% with the current rate at 5.75%
  • 30-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.09% with the current rate at 6.63%

MND Rate Index

  • 30-Yr FHA rates saw a decrease of -0.07% this week. Current rates at 6.15%
  • 30-Yr VA rates saw a decrease of -0.08% this week. Current rates at 6.16%

Jobless Claims
Initial Claims were reported to be 226,000 compared to the expected claims of 221,000. The prior week landed at 219,000.

What’s Ahead
A heavy week with the next round of inflation data being released with both the CPI and PPI reports. It should be noted that this CPI will feature less recorded data, relying more on estimations. In addition, Retail Sales, Consumer Sentiment, and Treasury Budget should prove to be impactful data releases.

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Financial Report, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Rates

Why Retirees Are Taking Out Mortgages on Purpose

August 8, 2025 by Kay Monigold

For generations, the goal was simple, pay off your mortgage before retirement and enjoy your golden years debt-free. But today’s retirees are changing the conversation. More and more, homeowners in or near retirement are choosing to take out a mortgage on purpose, not out of necessity. And for many, it is a smart financial move.

So why would someone take on a mortgage after age 60, 70, or even 80? The answer lies in strategy, flexibility, and long-term planning.

Preserving Retirement Assets

Many retirees live on a fixed income, often supported by savings, pensions, or investment accounts. Tapping into these accounts to buy a home in cash might not always be the best financial decision. Leaving more money invested can potentially result in better long-term returns than paying for a home outright.

Taking out a mortgage allows retirees to keep their assets working for them, while still enjoying the security and comfort of homeownership. This is especially true when interest rates are favorable, or when the goal is to maintain liquidity.

Buying a New Home That Fits the Next Chapter

Some retirees use a mortgage to purchase a home that better suits their lifestyle, perhaps a single-story floor plan, a home closer to family, or a place in a warmer climate. Selling a longtime family home may free up some equity, but not always enough to purchase the new property in full.

In these cases, using a mortgage to bridge the gap provides the freedom to make a move without disrupting financial plans or delaying retirement goals.

Reverse Mortgage Purchase Options

For retirees age 62 and older, a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage for Purchase (HECM for Purchase) is a powerful option. It allows buyers to use a portion of their own funds, combine it with a reverse mortgage, and purchase a new home without taking on monthly mortgage payments.

This program can be especially attractive for those looking to downsize, relocate, or free up cash while still owning a home and living independently. It is not for everyone, but for the right borrower, it offers security, flexibility, and peace of mind.

Tax Strategy and Estate Planning

Some retirees work with financial advisors to manage taxes and preserve wealth for their heirs. A mortgage can play a surprising role in these strategies, helping to control when assets are withdrawn, how gains are taxed, and how much liquidity is available year to year.

In certain cases, leaving assets in place and using a mortgage for major purchases can improve long-term outcomes, for both the retiree and their beneficiaries.

A New Perspective on Home Financing

Today’s retirees are financially savvy, well-informed, and planning for longer, more active retirements. A mortgage, when used intentionally, can support those goals, not get in the way of them.

If you are exploring your options and wondering how home financing fits into your retirement plan, let’s have a conversation. Whether it is a forward mortgage, a reverse option, or something in between, we are here to help you make the decision that is right for you.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Mortgage In Retirement, Retirement Mortgage, Smart Retirement Planning

« Previous Page
Next Page »

Our Team

Kay MonigoldKay Monigold
Owner/Mortgage Broker/Residential Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS#1086176

Steven LoweSteven P Lowe, Sr
Residential Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS #1085638

GET A RATE QUOTE →

Connect with Us!

Browse Articles by Category

Accessibility Statement

We are committed to ensuring that its website is accessible to people with disabilities. All the pages on our website will meet W3C WAI’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, Level A conformance. Website Accessibility Policy

Equal Housing Lender


100 Independence Place, Ste. 308
Tyler, TX 75703
nmlsconsumeraccess.org

Quick Links

  • About
    • About Us
    • Texas Complaint/Recovery Fund Notice
  • Get a Rate Quote
  • Resources
    • Loan Process
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2025 · Powered by MySMARTblog

Copyright © 2025 · Genesis Sample Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in