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New US condo lending rules took effect on August 3, pushing lenders to scrutinize association finances, reserve funding, and maintenance more closely before approving purchases. Associations now need larger repair reserves, rising from ~10% to ~15% of annual budgets, and many condos lost the simplified review shortcut. Most condo deals now require a fuller project…

First-time homebuyers made up 49% of purchase mortgages in 2025, down from 56% in 2022, despite rising home prices and incomes. Their median home price was $345,741 with a median income of $77,208 and a 4.85% down payment. Repeat buyers purchased more expensive homes at a median price of $482,000 with a median income of…

Mortgage refinance demand has surged by 20% compared to last year, indicating many homeowners are seeking to improve their financial situations. This increase occurs despite recent interest rate fluctuations, suggesting other factors motivate refinancing. Even small reductions in interest rates can lead to significant long-term savings, making refinancing an attractive option for many borrowers. Continue…

Mortgage applications remained nearly flat, rising 0.04% as a slight drop in oil prices lowered the 30-year fixed rate to 6.57%, boosting purchase applications by 1% while refinance activity fell 1%. Purchase applications were 3% higher than the previous year, supported by improved inventory and cooling home-price growth. Adjustable-rate mortgage demand dropped to 7.6%, the…

Affordability had largely stabilized after several difficult years, but the typical US household still earned well below what was needed to comfortably buy a home. The gap narrowed because household income growth slightly outpaced housing costs, making purchase budgets somewhat easier to manage even as overall affordability remained strained. Housing costs took a smaller share…

Renting can offer flexibility and lower short-term costs, while ownership may build wealth, reduce taxes, and become cost-effective over time for many households. If a home fits your needs, compare lenders carefully and look for financing solutions aligned with your budget, goals, and buyer profile. With current 30-yr fixed rates around ~6% to near 7%,…

In 2025, first-time homebuyers accounted for 49% of home loans despite rising house prices. The median age of first-time buyers remained 33, with median downpayments slightly dropping to 4.85%. Home prices rose 10%, and median income for first-time buyers increased 25%. Repeat buyers grew to 51% of loans, with median age 44 and incomes up…

U.S. home sales rose 5.9% year-over-year in June, with 381,125 homes sold, driven by lower mortgage costs. The median monthly mortgage payment dropped 2.5% to $1,884. New listings increased 3%, while active inventory grew only 0.9%, the slowest annual gain since December 2023. Lower-priced homes led sales and listing growth. Median home value rose 1.1%…

A 15-year mortgage offers benefits like lower interest rates, faster equity building, and significant interest savings compared to a 30-year loan. It suits buyers with stable, high incomes, those buying below budget, nearing retirement, or with emergency funds. It’s also ideal for those maxing out retirement contributions, refinancing later in life, or valuing the peace…

A 3-2-1 buydown temporarily lowers a buyer's mortgage rate for the first three years, then returns the loan to its original fixed rate afterward. The buydown cost usually equals the buyer's early savings and is often covered by the seller, builder, or lender to support affordability. These loans typically apply to primary and secondary homes,…