Recent Articles

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Gen Z and the Dream of Homeownership: Adapting to a Challenging Market

A new Realtor.com survey reveals that 1 in 5 Gen Z adults say housing affordability is their top life concern. Learn how young buyers are adapting, saving, and staying determined to achieve homeownership.

Published on 10/15/2025

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How to shop for a mortgage loan originator

Mortgage shopping can be a complicated and time-consuming process

Published on 10/13/2025

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Mortgage Rates Tick Up Slightly as Bonds Weaken and MBS Underperform

On October 9, 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate edged slightly higher to 6.38% after a weaker 30-year Treasury auction and mild MBS underperformance. Rates remain stable within a narrow range as the government shutdown continues.

Published on 10/10/2025

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How to find a buyers’ real estate agent and negotiate the commission

California law requires house hunters sign a buyer representation and broker compensation agreement before making an offer

Published on 10/06/2025

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Mortgage Rates Holds Steady After Weak Jobs Report

On October 1, 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate held at 6.37% after weak private payroll data. Bigger shifts may follow when the delayed government jobs report is released.

Published on 10/01/2025

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How to avoid overpaying for escrow and title insurance

Federal law allows homebuyers to shop and choose their settlement services

Published on 09/29/2025

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3 Reasons Home Affordability Is Improving This Fall

Affordability is finally improving this fall thanks to lower average 30-year fixed mortgage rates, slower home price growth, and rising wages. Learn why now could be the right time to buy.

Published on 09/26/2025

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Mortgage applications explode as interest rates drop

The refinance index increased 58% from the previous week and was 70% higher than the same week one year ago

Published on 09/22/2025

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Mortgage Rates Hit Yearly Lows—Then Jump After the Fed Cut. Here’s What Happened (and Why Applications Just Surged)

After touching yearly lows early in the week, the average 30-year fixed rose following the Fed’s rate cut—thanks to the dot plot and Powell’s comments. Still, mortgage applications just saw their biggest weekly jump since 2021 as homeowners reacted to earlier rate declines. Here’s what it means for buyers and homeowners.

Published on 09/19/2025

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Timing your refinance: Should you wait for Fed rate cuts?

Should you wait to refinance as rates are about to head lower? Or should you pull the trigger now, assuming you are “in the money?”

Published on 09/15/2025

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Mortgage Rates Near 11 Month Lows—What’s Next With the Fed?

The average 30-year fixed is holding near the lowest levels since October 2024 after a weak jobs report and cooler inflation. Here’s why—and what to watch at next week’s Fed meeting.

Published on 09/12/2025

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How 4 exotic mortgages can help unconventional borrowers

If a homebuyer doesn’t fit the conventional mortgage box, there is the option to use a so-called non-qualified mortgage, which often comes with higher rates and more money down

Published on 09/08/2025

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Why Mortgage Rates Move: What Every Homebuyer Should Know

Mortgage rates are holding near 10-month lows—but don’t assume they’ll stay there. Learn why rates move, what drives them, and what smart buyers and homeowners should do next.

Published on 09/03/2025

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Own 2 homes? What is and what is not mortgage fraud

There are situations in which a homebuyer could have two primary residences. The distinction that makes this legal is time.

Published on 09/02/2025

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Mortgage Rates Holding Steady… For Now

After Powell's Jackson Hole speech, mortgage rates hit their lowest levels since Oct 2024. But don’t get too comfortable—more movement could be coming after Friday’s inflation data and next week's jobs report.

Published on 08/27/2025

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California’s tappable home equity slips in second quarter

As the pace of California home appreciation cools, Riverside County sees the largest decline in tappable equity in 12 months

Published on 08/26/2025

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30-year fixed rate mortgage drops to 5.99% for California buyers

A well-qualified borrower in California can lock down a 30-year fixed rate mortgage at 5.99% with 1-point cost.

Published on 08/25/2025

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Lower Rates? Don’t Relax Just Yet

Mortgage rates stayed mostly flat this week, holding near 10-month lows. Here’s what happened from August 18–20 and why upcoming economic data could shake things up.

Published on 08/20/2025

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Mortgage Rates at 10-Month Lows! Big Opportunity!

Mortgage rates are holding near 10-month lows after early August’s jobs report and mixed inflation data. Here’s what homebuyers and homeowners need to know.

Published on 08/14/2025

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Barrage of mortgage lenders in your mailbox coming to an end under new law

The bipartisan Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act will put an end to "trigger leads" sold by credit reporting companies to mortgage lenders

Published on 08/11/2025