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

Why Now May Still Be the Right Time to Buy Agreed 50%. The housing market is slow not only because of interest rates, but because of broader concerns about the economy and financial stability. As loan originators, our job is not to push people who are not ready into a 30-year mortgage. It is to help those who can genuinely benefit from homeownership today make an informed and responsible decision. #HousingMarket #Homeownership #MortgageAdvice #ResponsibleLending #FinancialRea

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

Clear to Close in Just 8 Business Days! 🎉 Clear to Close in Just 8 Business Days! Speed matters in real estate—but speed without execution means very little. This loan reached CTC in only 8 business days including appraisal, thanks to strong teamwork, clear communication, and everyone staying one step ahead throughout the process. Very proud of the GMCC Vera Team and grateful for everyone behind the scenes who made this happen. For our clients and referral partners, our comm

What Does a 25 Bps Fed Rate Hike Actually Mean to You? Today, the Federal Reserve will announce its latest interest-rate decision. If rates move by 25 basis points (0.25%), what does that actually mean for you? One important misconception first: A 25-bps Fed move does NOT mean mortgage rates automatically move 0.25%. The Fed controls a short-term policy rate. Mortgage rates are influenced more by the bond market, inflation expectations, economic conditions, and—most important

Buy Without Sell: When You Don't Have to Sell Your Current Home Before Buying the Next One. $104K annual income. $550K new home. 10% down. Three weeks to close. Most lenders said no — the current home was listed, but with no offer in hand. One suggested a hard money loan. But this borrower wasn't buying an investment property. They were simply moving from one primary residence to another. Here's the situation: 🏠 Current Home - Expected sale price: $450,000 - Outstanding mort

Why APR Alone Is a Poor Way to Compare Mortgages "Just choose the lowest APR." If only mortgage shopping were that simple. APR includes the interest rate and certain financing charges. But it does not know your plans to sell, refinance, or make extra principal payments. You may be planning a three-year relationship with the mortgage. APR is doing the math for a 30-year marriage. Lender credits can also muddy the comparison. One lender charges you $600 for an appraisal. Anothe