Recent Articles
Lock-in Effect: Something big just happened in the U.S. Housing Market
Find out what the experts are anticipating for 2026 housing
Published on 01/12/2026
A Tale of Two Brothers: Renting vs. Buying Over 30 Years
What happens when two people do nearly everything right financially—but make one different housing decision? This simplified hypothetical explores how time, discipline, housing costs, and appreciation affect long-term net worth. The numbers are intentionally clean and conservative, but the lesson is anything but small.
Published on 01/07/2026
Holiday Week Catch-Up: Mortgage Rates Hover Near 2-Month Lows
A holiday-week catch-up: light trading kept markets mostly sideways, but the average 30-year fixed edged to near two-month lows as bonds got a small lift from Europe and pending home sales improved.
Published on 12/30/2025
The Hidden Costs That Can Make or Break Your Mortgage Approval
Why Taxes and Insurance Matter More Than You Think When most homebuyers start house hunting, they focus on one number: “How much home can I afford?” Usually, that number is based on the purchase price and estimated mortgage payment. But there are two often-overlooked line items that can quietly shrink your buying power—or even stop a deal in its tracks: 👉 Property taxes 👉 Homeowner’s insurance Let’s break down why these matter so much, how they affect your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), and what you can do to stay ahead of surprises.
Published on 12/29/2025
Inflation Cools in November — What It Means for Mortgage Rates
Inflation slowed in November after peaking earlier this fall. Here’s what that means for mortgage rates and what homebuyers should watch next.
Published on 12/18/2025
Fed Cuts Again, But Dot Plot Steers Mortgage Rate Outlook
The Fed cut rates by 0.25% and ended quantitative tightening, but the real story for the average 30-year fixed is in the dot plot and Powell’s comments. Here’s what that means for mortgage rates and homebuyers.
Published on 12/10/2025
This Week in Mortgage Rates: Buyers Are Back as Rates Hover in the Low 6s
Mortgage rates bounced around but stayed in a tight range near the low 6% area this week, while purchase applications hit their highest level since early 2023 and refinance demand more than doubled compared to last year. Here’s what that means if you’re thinking about buying or refinancing.
Published on 12/06/2025
Stronger Data Last Week Caused a Slight Rate Bump
Stronger jobless-claims and durable-goods data from last week pushed the average 30-year fixed slightly higher, but mortgage rates are still near recent lows. Here’s what that means for buyers and homeowners
Published on 12/01/2025
Income — Not Savings — May Very Well Be The Biggest Barrier To Homeownership In 2025
A Real Hypothetical USDA Mortgage Case Study Using a $285,000 Home in Wise County, Texas Most first-time buyers believe the hardest part of buying a home is saving for the down payment. But in today’s market—with higher rates, strict underwriting rules, and rising taxes—the real obstacle is not cash… it’s income. Even when a buyer can get into a home with less than $1,000 at closing, and even when buying dramatically increases their net worth compared to renting, many families still cannot qualify because their income doesn’t meet USDA requirements or DTI guidelines. This real-world Texas scenario proves it.
Published on 11/21/2025