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Many borrowers who purchased homes between 2023 and 2025 could still save money by refinancing, even with current rates above 6.5%. At a 6.37% rate, 32.5% of recent borrowers might benefit, with average annual savings of $2,320. Savings improve if rates drop to 6%. Refinancing costs must be weighed against monthly savings, typically requiring about…

Buying a home involves key steps: determining your must-haves, choosing a home type, estimating mortgage affordability, and planning for down payment and closing costs. Shop for homes and lenders, get pre-approved, submit competitive offers, and conduct home inspections. After closing, maintain the property, save for emergencies, and continue retirement savings. First-time buyers may qualify for…

To all great Americans around the world, a very Happy Fourth of July to you all. This day is incredibly significant as the day the United States officially became its own nation. Let’s celebrate America’s birthday with festivals, parades, fireworks and other festive activities.The 4th of July marks the day America became a country where…

In Q1 2026, owner-occupied real estate value reached a record $48.7 trillion, up $810 billion from the previous quarter and $1.2 trillion over the year. Mortgage debt hit an all-time high of $13.8 trillion, growing 2.8% annually but slower than recent years. Home equity rose to $34.9 trillion, or 71.6% of property value, providing a…

A current buyer survey found 53% of Americans said buying makes more sense now, while 47% preferred renting or living with family. Homeownership appeal was clear: 90% viewed a home as a valuable investment, 94% said it provides stability, and 32% felt more confident buying. Affordability challenged buyers, with 58% naming high prices the biggest…

10-yr government yields ↓~3 basis points to ~4.4%, while 2-yr yields ↓~4 basis points to near ~4% after the preliminary agreement, as investors reassessed inflation. The 10-yr benchmark guides 30-yr fixed mortgage rates, so its current trajectory may help shape the US summer selling season for brokers. Mid-Q2 energy costs left consumer inflation at ~4%…

Across the US, 63% of homeowners underestimated ownership costs, with first-time buyers even more likely to face budget surprises after closing in the current market. The median shortfall was $400 per mo, or ~$5K per yr, showing why buyers need plans beyond the mortgage payment before shopping. Budget checkpoints should include property taxes, insurance, HOA…

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to 6.48%, down 37 basis points from last year, improving affordability for homebuyers. This decrease can save nearly $98 monthly on a $400,000 loan, totaling over $35,000 in interest savings over 30 years. The 15-year fixed rate also declined to 5.79%. Rising incomes outpacing home prices and stabilizing…

Missouri ranks 15th nationally for how quickly residents can save for a home down payment, needing about 12 years on average. In Kansas City, several down payment assistance programs help buyers, including two from the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) and Habitat for Humanity’s grant. MHDC offers the First Place and Next Step programs with…

Mortgage rates have slightly declined to around 6.49%, offering some hope for buyers. Despite rates being higher than recent lows, benefits include less competition, more room to negotiate prices, and favorable seasonal timing for home inspections and moves before the school year. Buyers with good credit may find rates under 6% by shopping around, making…