The Emotional Rewards of Homeownership and Why It’s Worth Celebrating in June

June is National Homeownership Month, a time not only to talk about the practical steps toward owning a home but also to reflect on the emotional rewards that make the journey worth it. As a mortgage professional, I spend a lot of time working with numbers such as credit scores, down payments, and interest rates. But the most powerful part of homeownership is what cannot be measured with a calculator. Pride in OwnershipOwning a home brings pride. There is something deeply satisfying about unlocking your front door and knowing that it belongs to you. Whether it is your very first…
Read More

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 16th, 2025

The CPI and PPI have yet to reveal the impacts of the tariff policies that were placed temporarily, which gives some potential insight that there might be a path forward for the Federal Reserve to look at potential rate cuts. However, economists across many industries are expecting inflation to increase temporarily as an impact for the policies that were put in place. Significant uncertainty remains across many import and export markets, with major players opting to err on the side of caution while awaiting a final decision from the administration regarding its policies. Consumer sentiment has shown a slight improvement…
Read More

Creative Strategies for Saving on Closing Costs

When you are budgeting for a new home, it’s easy to focus on the down payment, but do not forget the closing costs. These fees typically range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price and cover things like the appraisal, title search, loan origination, and other administrative expenses. For many buyers, especially first-timers, they can feel like an unwelcome surprise. The good news? There are creative, effective ways to reduce these expenses and make homeownership more affordable. 1. Negotiate With the Seller In a buyer-friendly market, you may be able to negotiate for the seller to cover part…
Read More

How to Leverage Home Equity for Financial Freedom

If you’ve owned your home for a few years, chances are you have built up equity, maybe more than you realize. But what exactly is home equity, and how can you use it to build wealth, reduce debt, or increase financial flexibility? We will discuss how homeowners are turning their built-up equity into tools for financial freedom, and how you can, too. What Is Home Equity?Home equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your home is valued at $450,000 and you owe $250,000, you have $200,000…
Read More

Are Interest-Only Mortgages A Smart Strategy or Risky Business?

When exploring home financing options, many borrowers are intrigued by interest-only mortgages. These loans offer the benefit of lower initial monthly payments, which can seem attractive, especially in high-cost areas or when cash flow is tight. But how exactly do they work, and are they the right fit for your financial goals? What Is an Interest-Only Mortgage?An interest-only mortgage allows you to pay just the interest on your loan for a set period, typically 5 to 10 years. During this time, your payments do not reduce the loan’s principal balance. Once that period ends, you begin paying both principal and…
Read More