When evaluating the housing market, many people focus on home prices and interest rates. However, one critical factor that often goes unnoticed is the strength of the local job market. Employment trends directly affect mortgage lending by influencing both buyer demand and lender confidence.
How to Determine Your Ideal Monthly Mortgage Payment
Buying a home is one of the most exciting financial decisions you will ever make, but understanding what you can comfortably afford each month is essential for long-term success. Your ideal monthly mortgage payment should not just fit within your budget today, but also allow for financial flexibility and security in the future.
The Benefits of Mortgage Rate Buydowns
When purchasing a home, every detail matters, especially your interest rate. One strategy that many buyers overlook is the mortgage rate buydown. A buydown allows you to lower your interest rate for the first few years of your loan, or even permanently, by paying upfront fees at closing. This option can significantly reduce your monthly payments, offering financial relief when you need it most.
Are Low Down Payment Programs Right for You?
Purchasing a home is a significant milestone, but for many buyers, saving for a large down payment can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, low down payment programs can offer a solution, making homeownership more accessible than ever before. However, before choosing one of these options, it is important to understand both the benefits and potential drawbacks.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 21st, 2025
While inflation has slowed down since the pandemic, it is showing a faster-than-expected rise for consumers, as the CPI (Consumer Price Index) has reported a higher than expected 0.3% increase, contrasted to the 0.2% expected increase.
Meanwhile, the PPI (Producer Price Index) has proven to be entirely flat, with the largest takeaway being that signs of tariff-related inflation are, at best, scattered among data reports, leading to many speculating that the impacts have been overestimated.
Given continued inflation for consumers, it is very unlikely the Federal Reserve will make any adjustments to the rate as it adopts a "wait-and-see" approach to the administration's policies. Another noteworthy data release is retail sales, which has shown to snap back after the concerns about tariffs and widespread price increases have eased.
Could You Save Money by Refinancing Right Now?
Many homeowners assume that if they did not refinance when rates hit historic lows, they missed their chance. But the truth is, refinancing is not only about chasing the lowest possible rate. It is about improving your overall financial picture. Depending on your current loan, interest rate, and personal goals, refinancing could still save you money or help you reach new financial milestones.
The One Number More Important Than Your Credit Score for Mortgage Approval
When it comes to getting approved for a mortgage, most people immediately think of their credit score. While it is definitely important, there is another number that can play an even bigger role in your approval, our debt-to-income ratio. Also known as DTI, this number gives lenders a clearer picture of your ability to manage monthly payments and overall debt.
How to Talk to Your Parents About Co-Signing a Mortgage
Asking your parents to co-sign a mortgage can be one of the most vulnerable conversations you will ever have. It is not just about paperwork and finances, it is about trust, timing, and long-term commitment. Whether you are a first-time buyer or trying to qualify for better loan terms, a co-signer can make a big difference, but only if everyone involved is fully informed and comfortable.
Understanding the Fear Behind Mortgage Debt and How to Move Past It
Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones in life, but the thought of taking on a mortgage often creates anxiety. The idea of owing hundreds of thousands of dollars can feel overwhelming, even if you are financially stable. If you have ever hesitated to move forward with a home loan out of fear, you are not alone. This emotional reaction is more common than many people realize.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 14th, 2025
This was an extremely light release week with only the Consumer Credit Report. The amount of expected credit was expected to rise but only showed half the growth -- a sign that things are still in stable condition. The most important reports will be featured with next week's releases of inflation data in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Producer Price Index (PPI), as well as the Federal Reserve's Beige book. The Trump Administration has also further extended the pauses on the tariffs which has been a welcome relief.
