What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 27th, 2025

Despite the recent pause on tariffs for Europe and progressing talks with China, the economic outlook remains largely negative across all sectors and markets. Although this week was relatively light on economic reports, the most notable was the Leading Economic Indicators, which showed a significant decline in every measurable category for April. This decline is largely attributed to the tariff policies implemented recently. Overall, the outlook remains pessimistic, despite other markets showing a more favorable reaction to the recent pauses on tariffs. U.S. Leading Economic Indicators The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the US fell sharply by 1.0%…
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Honoring Our Heroes and Celebrating the Meaning of Home

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to freedom have made it possible for all of us to pursue our dreams, including the dream of home ownership.What Home Truly MeansHome is more than four walls and a roof, more than a place to lay your head at night, it is where memories are made, milestones are reached, and futures are built. It is the front porch where your friends and neighbors gather, the backyard where barbecues bring families together, and the…
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How Much Down Payment Do You Need for a Mortgage When Buying a Home?

If you're considering buying a home, you're likely wondering how much you’ll need for a down payment. The common belief is that you need to put down 20% of the home’s purchase price, but that’s not the only option and in many cases, it’s not even necessary. Let’s break down what’s really required and explore your choices. The Traditional 20% RuleTraditionally, lenders prefer a 20% down payment. Why? Because it lowers their risk. If you’re purchasing a $200,500 home (the national median sales price), that is a down payment of $40,100. Understandably, many buyers, especially first-timer, struggle to save that…
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What To Do When Your Mortgage Loan is Declined

Getting turned down for a mortgage can be discouraging, but it doesn’t mean the dream of homeownership is over. In fact, understanding why your application was declined is the first step toward making a stronger comeback. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons a mortgage might be denied and what you can do about it. 1. Loan-to-Value (LTV) RatioYour loan-to-value ratio is the percentage of the property’s appraised value that you want to borrow. For instance, if you’re buying a $300,000 home and requesting a $270,000 loan, your LTV is 90%. Lenders typically prefer a lower LTV because…
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Pet-Friendly Mortgages And How Owning Pets Could Affect Your Loan Choices

We love our pets, they are part of the family. But did you know that your furry (or feathered) friend could play a surprising role in your homebuying journey? While your dog probably will not impact your credit score, being a pet owner can influence where and how you buy a home, and even the type of loan you choose.As a mortgage originator, I have worked with many clients who did not realize their pets could affect everything from HOA rules to homeowners’ insurance policies. Here is what you need to know before you start the house hunt with your…
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