Category: News

Today’s buyers aren’t just looking for location and square footage—they’re also looking for convenience, efficiency, and technology. Smart home upgrades like video doorbells, smart thermostats, and app-controlled lighting are becoming increasingly popular, and they can even add value to your home when it’s time to sell. The appeal of these features is simple: they make daily life easier. Imagine being able to adjust the temperature before you get home, or checking security cameras while on vacation. For many homeowners, these upgrades provide both peace of mind and energy savings, making them a win-win investment. From a mortgage perspective, improving your home’s value through smart upgrades can pay off down the road. Higher value means more equity, and more equity can open up opportunities for refinancing, future upgrades, or even funding…

August has brought new dynamics to the U.S. housing market, with signs of cooling after years of runaway price growth. On a national level, home price appreciation is slowing: the median existing home price in June 2025 was up just 2% year-over-year, a stark contrast to double-digit increases during 2021-22. In fact, experts are forecasting more modest gains moving forward, and several major forecasters expect some markets to experience outright price declines. Notably, nearly half of the country’s largest metro areas—including Austin, Los Angeles, and Miami—are seeing year-over-year price drops, with the sharpest declines concentrated in the South and West Rising inventory is reshaping buyer and seller behavior across the country. There are now over 1.1 million active listings nationwide, the highest level since before the pandemic. This uptick is…

If you're a first-time homebuyer looking to break into the market, house hacking could be your secret weapon. This clever strategy involves living in one part of your property while renting out another—helping you cover your monthly mortgage payments and reduce your living expenses. Whether it’s a duplex, a basement unit, or even just a spare bedroom, house hacking can turn your home into a financial asset from day one. Many buyers use FHA loans, which allow low down payments, to purchase multi-unit properties (up to four units) as long as they live in one of them. That means you could buy a duplex, live in one unit, and have your tenant’s rent contribute to—or even fully cover—your mortgage. It’s an especially attractive option in today’s high-cost housing markets where…

Let’s be honest—mortgage jargon can be intimidating. But what if we broke it down into something more familiar? Imagine your mortgage terms were explained like a gym membership. Suddenly, the concepts make a lot more sense (and maybe even a little fun). Interest Rate = Monthly Fee: This is what you pay for access. Just like a gym membership, a lower monthly fee sounds great—but watch out for hidden costs or contracts that don’t fit your goals. Loan Term = Contract Length: 15-year vs. 30-year mortgage? That’s like choosing between a 1-year intense bootcamp or a slower-paced multi-year program. One gets you results faster (and saves interest), but the other gives you flexibility. Points = Signing Bonus: Some gyms give you perks if you pay upfront. With mortgages, “buying points”…

With interest rates higher than they’ve been in recent years, many buyers are looking for creative ways to lower their monthly mortgage payments. One option growing in popularity is the mortgage rate buydown—a strategy where you pay upfront to temporarily (or permanently) lower your interest rate. While this may sound complicated, it can actually be a smart tool when used correctly. There are two main types of buydowns: temporary buydowns, like a 2-1 buydown, and permanent buydowns. With a 2-1 buydown, for example, your rate is reduced by 2% in year one and 1% in year two before returning to the full rate. This can ease the transition into homeownership and give you breathing room if you expect your income to grow—or if you’re waiting for rates to drop and…

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home but feel unsure whether now is the right time, you're not alone. With mortgage rates fluctuating, headlines predicting everything from market crashes to bidding wars, and rising rent costs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the truth: the “perfect time” is different for everyone—and it depends more on your personal readiness than market timing. One major factor to weigh is the cost of waiting. While you may hope for lower rates in the future, home prices in many areas continue to rise. If rates drop, demand will likely spike—bringing more competition and potentially higher prices. On the flip side, buying now might give you more negotiating power, especially in markets where sellers are motivated. Another key consideration is your financial foundation.…

If you're planning a home upgrade—whether it's a kitchen remodel, basement conversion, or a complete overhaul—a renovation loan could help you get the job done without draining your savings. These loans come in many forms, including home equity loans, personal loans, cash-out refinancing, and government-backed renovation mortgages. The right choice depends on your current equity, credit score, and the scope of your project. Home renovation loans work by providing funds specifically for improving or repairing your home. Some allow you to roll renovation costs into your mortgage when purchasing a fixer-upper, while others give you access to equity you’ve already built in your current home. Popular options include the FHA 203(k), Fannie Mae HomeStyle, and Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation loans. For smaller or unsecured projects, personal loans may be the fastest…

Before you can shop for a home with confidence, it’s smart to get preapproved for a mortgage. Preapproval gives you a clear idea of how much a lender is likely to offer based on your financial profile. To make that determination, lenders will need to verify several aspects of your financial situation—including your income, assets, debts, and credit history. Having all your documents ready can make the process faster and smoother. One of the first things your lender will look at is your employment and income. Expect to provide pay stubs from the past 30 days, W-2s and tax returns from the last two years, and recent bank statements. If you're self-employed, you’ll need to provide additional documentation, such as business tax returns or profit and loss statements. Other sources…

Closing on a home is an exciting milestone, but it’s also a process that involves a lot of moving parts. From the time your offer is accepted to the moment you get your keys, there are several steps that must be completed by both you and your lender. While the process can take several weeks, proper preparation can help things go more smoothly and reduce the chances of delays along the way. Once you reach closing day, you’ll finalize the purchase by signing a series of documents, paying any remaining closing costs, and receiving the keys to your new home. You may be joined by your real estate agent, the seller, a closing agent, and potentially an attorney. The documents you’ll review include your closing disclosure, loan agreement, mortgage note,…

When it comes to first-time homebuying, understanding what constitutes a “typical” down payment can make the process feel a lot more attainable. In 2024, the median down payment among first-time buyers was 9 percent of the purchase price—meaning on a $400,000 home, most newcomers put down about $36,000. However, loan programs tailored for first-timers often let you start with as little as 3 percent down, and government-backed options like VA or USDA loans may even require zero down. Deciding on your down payment is all about weighing the trade-offs. A 20 percent down payment is considered ideal: it typically secures the lowest interest rates and lets you bypass private mortgage insurance (PMI) altogether. But given the median amortization patterns, very few first-timers reach that benchmark right out of the gate—only…