What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 25th, 2025

The FOMC meeting that was held the previous week to discuss upcoming decisions addressed the future of the economic landscape. During his remarks, Jerome Powell stated that inflation will rise in the future, with consumers bearing the burden. Many have speculated that this means reductions in current rates are unlikely to happen anytime soon, in an attempt to keep inflation under control. Another notable release was the leading economic indicators, which once again showed contraction—signaling the potential for further economic decline. Leading Economic IndicatorsThe Leading Economic Indicator (LEI) for the US inched down by 0.1% in July 2025 to 98.7…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 18th, 2025

This marks the first release of CPI and PPI data since the recent reduction in data collection that is used to determine the current inflation. The Producer Price Index has shown quite clearly that there has been the biggest whole price jump in the last 3 years, showing that the administration's policies on tariffs are having an impact. The CPI has shown a similar increase in inflation, but still within expectations in lieu of the current tariff policies.  There is still data to be collected, with some speculation that the Federal Reserve may implement rate cuts in the future. Consumer…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 11th, 2025

The major report to look out for was the Trade Balance, which has decreased more than expected, suggesting that the current administration's policies are having an impact. However, the long-term impact on the economy as a whole remain to be seen. This was followed closely by consumer credit, which came in far lower than expected, though many are predicting that consumer credit usage will grow over time. While the labor market remains constrained, the consumer market has remained stable in spite of the uncertainty brought on by the tariff policies. Trade BalanceThe U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 4th, 2025

There were several notable releases this last week, with the largest being the PCE Index — the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator. The PCE Index may be the more accurate indicator going forward, as data collection for the Consumer Price Index has been recently cut, thereby reducing its reliability. As expected, the inflation numbers have been steadily rising with the PCE Index, indicating that impacts from the tariffs are now filtering into prices for both producers and consumers. As a follow up, Personal Income & Spending has had a light upturn after the initial panic with the tariffs. Lastly, the…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 28th, 2025

Very little was released this week due to the major inflation data releases from the previous week. The Leading Economic Index was the most significant—and only—impactful release this week, showing a further decline in overall sentiment about the current economic situation. The majority of the decline was largely driven by expectations for business conditions. The decline was faster than expected, enough to warrant continued monitoring of the Leading Economic Index going forward. Leading Economic IndicatorsThe Conference Board Leading Economic Index for the US declined by 0.3% in June 2025 to 98.8, after no change in May (revised upward from -0.1%…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 21st, 2025

While inflation has slowed down since the pandemic, it is showing a faster-than-expected rise for consumers, as the CPI (Consumer Price Index) has reported a higher than expected 0.3% increase, contrasted to the 0.2% expected increase. Meanwhile, the PPI (Producer Price Index) has proven to be entirely flat, with the largest takeaway being that signs of tariff-related inflation are — at best — scattered among data reports, leading to many speculating that the impacts have been overestimated. Given continued inflation for consumers, it is very unlikely the Federal Reserve will make any adjustments to the rate as it adopts a…
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From Search to Keys How Long Does Buying a Home Take

Buying a home is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming if you are not sure what to expect. One of the most common questions from homebuyers is how long the process takes from start to finish. The answer depends on several factors, but knowing the general timeline can help you plan and reduce stress. The Home Search PhaseFinding the right home can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. This phase includes deciding what you want in a home, searching listings, attending showings, and narrowing down your choices. Some buyers find their perfect home quickly,…
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The Truth About Buying a Home with No Money Down

For many first-time homebuyers, the idea of purchasing a home with no money down sounds too good to be true. It is often advertised as a dream scenario, but the reality is more nuanced. There are options out there that allow for low or no down payment, but they come with specific requirements and considerations. Understanding these options can help you make a smart and informed decision as you plan your path to homeownership. Understanding No Money Down ProgramsThere are a few loan programs that offer the possibility of buying a home without a down payment. Two of the most…
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Beyond the Mortgage Payment What Homeownership Really Costs

Owning a home is a major milestone and a meaningful investment. It offers stability, personal freedom, and the chance to build equity over time. However, while many buyers focus on saving for the down payment and qualifying for a loan, there are additional expenses that often catch new homeowners off guard. Understanding the hidden costs of homeownership can help you prepare financially and avoid surprises. Property Taxes and InsuranceOnce you own a home, you are responsible for property taxes, which vary depending on your location and the value of your property. These are recurring costs that can increase over time.…
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How to Tell If a Home Purchase Price Is Truly a Good Deal

Buying a home is one of the largest investments most people will make. It is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to decide whether the home you love is priced fairly. So how do you know if you are getting a good deal? The answer involves more than just looking at the listing price. Here are the key factors to consider. Compare Similar Homes in the AreaThe best way to evaluate a home’s value is to compare it to recent sales in the neighborhood. These are often referred to as comparable sales, and they…
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