Tips, trends and insights for homebuyers like you.
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Homebuyer Stress in America: 2025
Today’s mortgage rates aren’t extreme, but they feel that way to homebuyers, prolonging searches and increasing stress. The real cost of homeownership has been growing significantly in recent years.1 In 2000, a typical homebuyer spent 20% of their income on a mortgage. Today, roughly 38% of a buyer’s income goes toward housing. Every day, we… Read more
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Why do mortgage lenders track all deposits?
Good question! Lenders are all about making sure you’re financially solid and that your money is legit. They want to see that your cash flow isn’t… Read more
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VA vs. conventional loans: which is better?
Choosing the type of loan that makes the most financial sense for you can be daunting for first time homebuyers and repeat purchasers alike. There’s some… Read more
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Why do you need a license to talk about interest rates?
Ever wonder why someone needs a license to talk about interest rates? Yeah, it sounds like just another layer of bureaucracy, but it’s actually super important.… Read more
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Is there a first-time homebuyer loan?
In short, no. There is not one uniform first-time homebuyer loan. But there are several options designed to benefit first-time buyers: What type of loan do… Read more
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Conventional loans 101: an insider’s guide to standard home financing
A conventional loan is like the old reliable of mortgages—provided by private lenders (not the government), it’s straightforward, flexible, and widely used. If FHA, VA, and… Read more
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Will home prices ever drop?
OK, homes are really, really expensive right now. Affordability is rough in cities like Denver or Washington DC but even across the country home prices rose… Read more
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Better to buy now or wait for rates to drop? We’ve got the answers.
Let’s be real—interest rates matter. Even a small percentage change can make a huge difference over time. For instance, on a $400,000 loan, a 6% interest… Read more
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Jumbo loans unpacked: the need to know before borrowing big
A jumbo loan is your go-to mortgage if you’re aiming for a property that goes beyond the standard limits. These loans exceed the conforming loan limits… Read more
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Closing disclosure? What’s that?
The Closing Disclosure is a document that spells out every last cent and every commitment you’re about to make before you officially become a homeowner. Here’s… Read more
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Want a lower rate? Here’s when you can refinance your home
The best time to refinance your home depends on a combination of personal factors and market conditions. Here are some key indicators that it might be… Read more
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Wait… I can use my 401(k) to buy a house?
Yes, you can tap into your 401(k) to buy a house, but it’s not something to jump into lightly. There are some real trade-offs you should… Read more
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Why the Fed doesn’t actually change your mortgage rates
Reading this title, you might be thinking, “What? The Fed doesn’t change my rates? Yeah, right!” And that’s totally fair—it’s hard to ignore the constant buzz… Read more