Mortgage News & Tips
Economists Bet Big on September Fed Rate Cut
Economists are more confident the Fed will cut rates this year, with ~ 66% predicting a September reduction. This shift comes despite concerns about high inflation, which has led some to doubt the Fed will cut rates at all in 2024.
Read MoreFirst-Time Home Buyers Need a 6-Figure Income in Florida
Due to current market trends, the path to homeownership for Millennials and Gen Zers requires careful financial planning.A Bankrate study found Americans need a 6-figure income to afford a mid-priced home.
Read MoreFalling Rates or Flatline? Freddie Mac Casts a 2024 Forecast
Freddie Mac predicts mortgage rates will remain elevated through most of 2024. High interest rates will push buyers to readjust housing expectations, but demand remains high, especially for starter homes.
Read MoreCurrent state of the housing market
In 2023, high rates led to a drop in existing home sales while new home sales remained stable. In 2024, single-family builders started strong, with larger builders outperforming smaller ones. New construction markets are thriving in areas like Cincinnati, Columbus, Texas, Southern California, and Philadelphia. Despite increased inventory, Florida builders are performing well due to…
Read MoreNon-Bank Lenders Handle 70% of Mortgages
Non-bank mortgage companies are less regulated and heavily exposed to market fluctuations. These companies manage 70% of agency-backed mortgage balances, totaling ~$6.3T.
Read MoreTexas and Florida Emerge as Buyer-Friendly Markets
Texas and Florida lead as top markets for homebuyers. 7 out of the top 10 buyer markets are in these states.
Read MoreZero-down mortgages are making a comeback
A new zero-percent down mortgage program has been launched by a major lender, allowing buyers to pay 97% of the home's value with a first mortgage and the remaining 3% in a second mortgage. Some experts are concerned about potential risks if home prices drop, leading to homeowners being underwater. Continue to full article
Read MoreShould you lock in a home equity loan rate with inflation cooling? Experts weigh in
Locking in a home equity loan rate could be beneficial despite cooling inflation. Experts suggest it can protect against future rate increases and offer lower rates compared to other loans. Using a home equity loan to pay off high-interest debt could result in significant savings. Continue to full article
Read MoreHow Fed Rates and Treasury Yields Impact Mortgage Rates
Common beliefs about mortgage rates following Fed rates or the 10-yr Treasury yield are often incorrect. The Federal Funds Rate influences but doesn't dictate mortgage rates.
Read MoreHometown Heroes Loan Program
The “Hometown Heroes Loan Program” is a type of financial assistance initiative often implemented by local governments or lending institutions to provide support to individuals who serve the community in essential roles. These roles typically include firefighters, law enforcement officers, teachers, healthcare workers, and emergency medical technicians, among others. The program typically offers special benefits…
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