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Buying a home in the current market can feel daunting—especially with mortgage rates hovering near 6%. Compared to 2021, that’s a 33% reduction in purchasing power, making every dollar count more than ever. We’ve seen firsthand how factors like credit scores, private mortgage insurance, and overall debt can shape your monthly payment and long-term costs.…

When it comes to making that first move toward homeownership, understanding your down payment options is key. In 2025, we saw the median down payment for U.S. homebuyers land at 19%. For first-timers, it averaged around 10%, while repeat buyers typically put down 23%. The type of loan you choose can impact these numbers—some programs…

Forecasting mortgage rates is always a key concern for anyone considering homeownership, and we know how important it is to make sense of the numbers. Recent data-driven projections show that mortgage rates, which track closely with the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield, are likely to hover around 6% through 2027. If the economy manages a gentle…

We’re seeing a noticeable shift in the housing market: 20.4% of active listings have reduced their prices. This past Mid-Q3, homes going under contract dipped by less than 1% year-over-year, breaking an eight-month streak of steady gains. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate reached nearly 6.7% early in the quarter, stayed high for several weeks,…

The recent Fed rate hikes have truly shifted the landscape for anyone hoping to buy or sell a home. With the central bank’s benchmark rate climbing to around 4% and 30-year mortgage rates approaching 7%, affordability has changed almost overnight. These higher rates have trimmed buyers’ purchasing power, meaning fewer people qualify and sellers often…

We always keep an eye on trends that shape the lending landscape—because understanding where the market is headed means we can better serve our clients. Commercial mortgage originations in the U.S. jumped 16% year over year in Q2, signaling increased confidence and activity among borrowers. What stands out to us is how alternative lenders now…

One of the first questions we hear from homebuyers is: How much do I actually need for a down payment? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on the loan program and your eligibility, down payments can range from 0% (like with VA and USDA loans) to over 20%. Conventional loans typically start around 3%, while FHA…

As you start your journey to homeownership, it’s important to ask the right questions—because understanding the details now can save you stress later. At KC Mortgage Duo, we encourage clients to clarify their budget, list their must-haves, and consider how long they plan to stay in the home. Don’t overlook the full range of costs…

With all the talk about where mortgage rates might go, many are asking if we’ll see rates hit 7% in 2026. Right now, 30-year fixed mortgages are hovering between 6.7% and 6.9%. Of course, what you qualify for can depend on your credit, where you’re buying, and your overall financial picture. Rates could rise if…

As educators and advocates in the home financing journey, we’re seeing more buyers explore global rent-to-own agreements as a stepping stone toward homeownership. These arrangements allow renters to move in now, build savings for a future down payment, and work toward qualifying for a mortgage down the line—something we know can be especially valuable for…