NEWS & INSIGHTS

Rate Hike Again? The Fed raised its policy rate by 0.25 percentage points in September, and CME FedWatch now shows traders pricing in roughly a 70% chance of another increase in October. Even it doesn’t necessarily mean the mortgage rate will rise again in Oct, but it shows a trend of where the rate is going. As we talk with buyers, here are three things worth keeping in mind: 1️⃣ Focus on negotiating seller concessions. A credit may make a bigger difference to a buyer’s near

Interest Rates Could Rise Again in October Buyers ask me whether they should move now or wait. I understand why. When you’re making a decision this big, even a small change in the monthly payment matters. But I think there’s a better question to ask before choosing a price range: What payment would still feel comfortable if rates changed before you found your home? I always suggest testing rates half a percentage point above today’s rate if you plan to buy in three months, 0.

First-Time Homebuyer Math: $226,000 Purchase, ~$500 Cash to Close Today, I sat down and did the math for a first-time homebuyer. Purchase price: $226,000. Estimated cash to close: $500. Yes—just FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS. How is that possible? The buyer qualifies for: • 0% down • Up to $15,000 in forgivable assistance toward eligible closing costs and downpayment, but limited to 6% of the purchase price • No monthly PMI The interest rate is 7.375%. That number may sound high at fi