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Learn how even small changes in mortgage rates can impact your monthly payments. Explore real examples and savings to help you plan smarter for your future home purchase!

Buying a home? Budget smart by planning for a down payment, closing costs, and an earnest money deposit. Learn what to expect and work with trusted pros to make the process smooth and stress-free!

Your home’s equity is likely higher than you think, thanks to rising home values and longer ownership. Discover how this wealth can fund your next move, home upgrades, or even your dream business!

Mortgage rates spiked to their highest levels since mid-2024 after a stronger-than-expected jobs report. With CPI data ahead, inflation trends could add further volatility to the rate market.

Mortgage rates stayed calm over the holidays but could see volatility next week with key economic reports ahead. Home prices continue steady growth, and refinance activity remains at long-term lows.

Mortgage rates rose all week, showing how unpredictable they can be. Learn why Fed rate changes don’t directly control mortgage rates and what really influences these fluctuations.

Wondering if home prices will drop? Experts say no—low supply and high demand keep prices steady or rising. Learn why the housing shortage will continue to impact affordability nationwide.

Ready to sell your home in 2025? Declutter, make key upgrades, boost curb appeal, and stage like a pro to attract buyers. With the right prep, you’ll be set for a smooth and successful sale!

Mortgage rates showed resilience, boosted by a cooling labor market and a favorable jobs report. With inflation data and the Fed’s next move approaching, the outlook for rates is becoming clearer.

The 2025 conforming loan limits are increasing, offering more flexibility for homebuyers. Learn how these updates could impact your borrowing options and make financing a home more accessible.

Navigate post-election housing market changes with confidence! Learn how to budget wisely, spot incentives, and plan long-term while seizing opportunities in a rebounding real estate market.

Mortgage rates spiked from September lows, nearing 1% increases, with ongoing volatility. While rates steadied last week, key economic data and inflation trends will shape their next move.

With the mortgage market projected to grow 28.5% by 2025, now’s the time to get pre-approved! Expert insights can help you secure the best rates and stay competitive in a busy market.

Mortgage rates climbed in October, partly due to economic data and election odds. Rates surged on election night but could level off if upcoming reports show inflation cooling down.

Mortgage rates have fluctuated, recently rising to 6.5%. While this affects affordability, it also opens opportunities in a less competitive market. Understanding the trends can help you plan confidently.

Volatility hit mortgage rates early, with a sharp jump starting the week. Key events like the jobs report, elections, and the Fed’s next announcement could drive further rate swings in the coming weeks.

Rising costs worry many, but foreclosure data shows no wave is coming. Homeowners today have more equity, helping them avoid foreclosure and keeping the housing market stable, unlike in 2008.

Unlock the potential of your home equity! Discover how upgrading to a larger home, paying off debt, or investing in real estate can be possible—without drastically changing your mortgage payment.

November could bring big market shifts with the election, jobs report, and Fed announcement. Learn how these events might impact mortgage rates and what to watch for.

While median home prices may appear to be falling, this reflects a shift toward smaller homes, not declining values. A better measure is price per square foot, which shows home values are still rising.

Despite the Fed’s rate cut, mortgage rates have risen due to a strong jobs report, not the Fed’s actions. Lower rates will require weaker labor data, but recent economic reports haven't helped yet.

Wondering if now is the right time to buy a home? Explore key factors like mortgage rates, election year trends, and long-term equity to help you decide whether to buy now or wait.

Friday's strong jobs report caused mortgage rates to rise quickly, reversing expectations. Despite recent Fed rate cuts, higher-than-expected job growth led to market adjustments, pushing rates higher.

Builders are focusing on smaller, affordable homes with incentives like price cuts and rate buy-downs. These new homes offer modern features, energy efficiency, and lower maintenance costs.

This week saw higher mortgage rates despite reports of lower rates. Lenders are predicting new loan limits, but they aren't official yet. A refi boom is happening, but only from previously low levels.

If you're thinking of buying a home, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is essential. It clarifies your budget, strengthens your offer, and positions you as a serious buyer in a competitive market.

The recent Fed rate cut doesn't directly lower mortgage rates, but it can impact other loans like credit cards and auto loans. Learn how this change might affect homebuyers and refinancing opportunities.

Starting your mortgage journey can lead to a flood of solicitations due to 'mortgage trigger leads.' Many buyers find this practice intrusive and overwhelming, and we can't blame them. Read here to find out how to help limit those:

It's a foregone conclusion that the Fed will be cutting rates on Wednesday, September 18th. As exciting as that might sound, mortgage rates have already reaped the rewards.

Since the supply of homes for sale is growing and mortgage rates are coming down, you may be thinking it’s finally your moment to jump into the market. To make sure you’re ready, you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage.

As the Fed meeting on Sept 17-18, 2024, approaches, it's key for homeowners and buyers to know how it could affect mortgage rates. Stay tuned to our blog for updates as we start to learn more.

Rates have actually started to come down. And, recently they hit the lowest point we’ve seen in 2024. If you’re thinking about buying a home, that may leave you wondering: how much lower are they going to go?

It's still just over 3 weeks away, but questions are already ramping up regarding the impact of the Fed's rate cut on mortgage rates.

Don't believe everything you hear, especially in today's housing market. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, so having someone you can go to for trustworthy information is extra important.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make in your life, and it should be a happy milestone. But, it's also a time when you need to be extra vigilant about mortgage fraud.

Each year, the Federal Reserve meets in Jackson Hole with central bankers and academics to discuss monetary policy. Fed Chair speeches here often impact financial markets and interest rates.

Historically, the transfer of wealth from one generation to the next was a more gradual process, often limited to smaller amounts of inheritance or family savings. But today, the scale has increased in a big way.

If you're buying or selling a home, mortgage rates are crucial. They directly impact your monthly payment and should be factored into your planning.

If you haven’t kept a pulse on the current real estate landscape, now is a good time to know that buyers have a little more wiggle room in negotiations. Here’s a straightforward guide on what you might negotiate...

There's been widespread speculation as to the effect that falling rates will have on refinance demand in a world where 2/3rds of mortgages have rates under 4%. This week's data suggests it's worth discussing.

Many people assume that newly built homes are more expensive than existing ones, but that’s not always the case. In fact, exploring newly built homes can sometimes lead to more cost-effective options, especially today.

As someone who’s thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what's ahead.

Today’s headlines and news stories about home prices are confusing and make it tough to know what’s really happening. Some say home prices are heading for a correction, but what do the facts say?

Curious about selling your home? Understanding how much equity you have is the first step to unlocking what you can afford when you move. And since home prices rose so much over the past few years, most people have much more equity than they may realize.

Over the past couple of years, a lot of people have had a hard time buying a home. And while affordability is still tight, there are signs it's getting a little better and might keep improving throughout the rest of the year.

Using the equity in your home with a cash-out refinance can be a strategic way to manage debt, address rising costs, and fund important projects. If you think this might be a good option for you, reach out to us.

The events of this past week serve as an exclamation point in one of the many sentences that tells the story of the big shift away from the generationally high rates seen at the end of 2023.

The 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be an interesting one. With President Joe Biden stepping down from the race, many are wondering how this will affect mortgage rates. Let's break down what we know.

There’s no arguing this past year has been difficult for homebuyers. You may have even put your search on hold because the challenges in today’s market felt like too much to tackle. You’re not alone in that. But, here’s what you need to know. The housing market is in a transition in the second half of 2024.

In today's housing market, mortgage rates stand at about 7.5% for a 30-year fixed-rate loan. While these rates seem high compared to the historically low rates below 4% in 2020 and 2021, they are not unusually high when viewed through a broader historical lens.

While much of this week's news cycle was focused on politics, it was business as usual for the bond market and interest rates. At this time of year, that business often involves a lack of major movement outside the days with the most highly consequential economic data.

From Charleston’s vibrant and historic architecture to its picturesque coastline and charming beach towns, South Carolina offers a unique and appealing lifestyle. Here are 5 of the most affordable places to live in South Carolina. Let’s find out which cities made the list.

Understanding the intricacies of mortgage interest, loan types, extra payments, and mortgage points is crucial for making informed financial decisions. By grasping how interest rates impact your monthly payments and overall loan cost, you can save money and improve your long-term financial health.

Even if you didn't own a home at the time, you probably remember the housing crisis in 2008. That crash impacted the lives of countless people, and many now live with the worry that something like that could happen again. But rest easy, because things are different than they were back then.

There was a lot riding on this week's economic data and it delivered in a big way. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) has had the biggest influence on interest rates of any of the scheduled monthly economic reports, and for good reason.

Wire fraud represents a significant threat in the realm of real estate and mortgage transactions. Here, we’ll explore what wire fraud entails, how it commonly occurs, and practical measures to protect yourself and your finances.

In an ever-changing financial landscape, many investors are asking whether real estate remains a sound investment. You may be surprised to learn that, despite economic fluctuations, the real estate market continues to demonstrate its value. 

It may have been a shorter week than normal due to the holiday last week, but it was no less important with several economic reports adding to the case for rate cuts.

The housing market has been a hot topic of discussion lately, with many sources predicting an imminent crash. Despite these predictions, residential home prices have hit a new all-time median price record high in May and have been on an upward trend for 11 consecutive months. How is this possible?

The week began with a distinct absence of interest rate volatility, but things changed in a big way by Friday-at least compared to the previous week which was exceptionally quiet.

The 2024 Presidential election is just months away. As someone who’s thinking about potentially buying or selling a home, you’re probably curious about what effect, if any, elections have on the housing market.

While you may have a general idea of what an inspection is, maybe you’re not sure why you need one or how it’s different from an appraisal. To keep it simple, here’s an explainer of each one and what they mean for you as a homebuyer.

AI is a topic of considerable debate, but when used appropriately, it’s simply another tool to streamline processes. In the mortgage industry, AI is not replacing human workers; it’s enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness.

After a rocky start to the year, things began to improve for rates and the inflation outlook in May. June took the improvement to the next level, but this week didn't affect the bigger picture.

The unemployment rate has risen to 4.0% since April 2023, with further increases expected, potentially leading the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates. This could result in lower mortgage rates, making home buying more affordable and competitive, with strategic advantages for early buyers.

This week was hotly anticipated by investors due to the confluence of economic data and events. Depending on the outcome, interest rates stood to gain or lose quite a bit of ground. Thankfully, the news was almost all good.

The bond market started the week with a bias, favoring data beneficial to interest rates while downplaying opposing data. However, this changed with the release of Friday's jobs report.

Climate change is impacting nearly half of homes in the U.S. So, how can you be sure your investment is safe from the elements?

Today’s mortgage rates are higher than the one they currently have on their home, and that’s making it harder to want to sell and make a move. But what if there was a way to offset these higher borrowing costs? There is.

This week got off to a late start as markets were closed on Monday for Memorial Day. Upon returning to the office, traders began pushing rates higher almost immediately. In the week ahead, the potential volatility only increases as we'll get several top tier economic reports.

Financial markets experienced a dull week with minimal data and volatility, but Fed speeches reduced expectations for 2024 rate cuts from several to just one.

Navigating the current housing market can be daunting, especially with tight inventory and rising demand. Many homeowners face the dilemma of whether to buy a new home before selling their current one.

Selling a home today is more profitable than ever before. However, with this increased profitability comes a significant downside: capital-gains taxes.

As long as inflation is the top concern for financial markets, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the most important economic report on any given month and it came out this week.

When you’re planning a move, it’s normal to wonder where you’ll end up and what your future home is going to look like. Maybe you’ve got a specific picture of that house in your mind. But unless you came into this process knowing you want to buy a newly built home, you may not have pictured new home construction.

In general, you should be skeptical any time someone says a future week will be more volatile. There's really no way to know such things in advance, but this time is an exception.

Thinking about buying a home? While today’s mortgage rates might seem a bit intimidating, here are two solid reasons why, if you’re ready and able, it could still be a smart move to get your own place.

It was an action-packed week for the housing and mortgage market. Wednesday's Fed announcement was the highlight, but we also got several economic reports that caused rate volatility. Thankfully, it was mostly the good kind.

The 2024 real estate market is a tough one with roughly 32% of home sales are being clinched by all-cash buyers. The strategic advantage of wielding cash has never been clearer, but we have a solution.

The Fed expected to be able to cut rates 3 times in 2024 as recently as March. Financial markets agreed. But the data that's come out since then has everyone singing a different tune.

If there was only one thing to know about the mortgage market this week, it would be that Wednesday's inflation data prompted one of biggest single day increases in mortgage rates in decades. If there was a 2nd thing to know, it's that the first thing is arguably all that matters.

Purchasing a home represents a significant milestone, often comprising the largest investment individuals undertake. Given the substantial financial implications of housing, it's crucial to delve into the specific components contributing to these expenses and explore potential strategies for cost reduction.

Despite a strong job growth report leading to an expected rise in rates, the reaction was milder than anticipated, with attention shifting towards upcoming data like the Consumer Price Index (CPI), suggesting a nuanced approach to market movements.

Credit rates play a pivotal role in determining your mortgage terms, influencing both interest rates and loan approval. Maintaining a strong credit score can lead to lower interest rates and more favorable loan terms, ultimately saving you money over the life of your mortgage.

Are you thinking about making a move? If so, now may be the perfect time to start the process. That’s because experts say the best week to list your house is just around the corner. To find out which week is historically best to list your home, click this blog post to learn more.

Preparing your home for sale requires careful consideration and strategic planning. In today's competitive market, where timing alone may not guarantee a successful sale, it's essential to prioritize features that resonate with buyers in 2024.

While the down payment is the most common cost homebuyers think about when it comes to purchasing a home, there's also closing costs to consider. Let's dive in on what those costs are and how much you should budget for them.

In the midst of today's real estate environment, the dream of owning a home seems more challenging than ever, largely due to a notable shortage of available homes. So, what do we do?

Between the down payment, home inspection, and closing costs, it feels like home expenses never end. However, the real kicker comes when you realize you'll be making mortgage payments, along with interest, for the next three decades.

Explaining employment gaps, especially on a mortgage application, can pose challenges. Here's how you can help your lender:

While a lifeline from your parents can certainly help you purchase a home, here are some strategies and insights for prospective buyers without that luxury.

How is homeownership a durable form of wealth compared to renting? What’s the intrinsic value of real investment? We’re here to answer these questions.

In a world where financial forecasts can turn the tide of investment strategies, Goldman Sachs' recent projection for U.S. home prices sends ripples of opportunity for savvy homebuyers.

Unlocking the power of real estate investment: Explore innovative solutions for seamless home transitions and financial growth in today's dynamic market.

If you're waiting for mortgage rates to come down, you want to be paying attention to what is happening with inflation and the economy. Read this blog post to find out more on how unemployment impacts mortgage rates.

In this article, we’ll break down the FACTS and DATA about the three most common myths about the 2024 Housing Market.

2024 is shaping up to be a year of solid home appreciation, but if that's the case then why aren't home prices falling?

Many factors are at play when it comes to influencing mortgage rates in 2024, such as inflation, supply & demand, and even the Federal Reserve. To find out more, check out this blog post for a full explanation.

2023 might have been one of the worst years in recent memory for the housing market, but signs are pointing up for 2024.

Over the past decade, homeownership costs have skyrocketed. However, these increased expenses give homeowners the opportunity for potential tax benefits that can significantly boost your refund come tax filing season.