Mortgage rates have been a little volatile lately. And if that’s made you hesitate, you’re not alone. But here’s the part most people aren’t talking about: Even now, rates are still lower than they were during the last 3 Spring seasons. So, while things may feel a bit uncertain, the opportunity to buy hasn’t disappeared. Want to talk through your options and check how the numbers could look at today’s rates? Let’s connect. #MortgageRates #HomeAffordability #KeepingCurrentMatters ...

 


According to Google Trends, online searches for down payment information recently hit an all-time high. And that’s a clear sign more buyers are trying to figure out what they really need to save before making a move (see graph below):
If you’re wondering the same thing, you can always turn to the internet for answers. But a lot of the time, it’s better to ask a local expert. Because here’s what a pro would tell you.
The 20% Down Payment Myth
The idea that you need 20% down to buy a home is one of the biggest misconceptions around the homebuying process. And the data debunks the myth.
While there are benefits to putting that much money down, most first-time buyers put down far less.
Here’s why. Unless it’s stated by your lender, you typically don’t have to have a 20% down payment. There are even some loan options designed to help you get into a home with a much smaller upfront cost. As the Mo ...

 


For a while, buying your first home hasn’t just felt hard. It may have felt out of reach.
Not because you weren’t ready.
Not because you weren’t trying.
But because every time you ran the numbers, they didn’t work.
That’s why so many first-time buyers stepped back.
But after years of sitting on the outside looking in, this Spring could give buyers like you an opening again – especially in some markets.
Metros Where Buyers May Have an Easier Time Breaking into the Market 
Zillow just released a list of the top 50 metros for first-time buyers this Spring. And here’s a quick snapshot of the top 10 (see chart below): 

According to Zillow, in these top-ranked markets, median-income households can afford 68% of all homes for sale. Let that sink in.
Not long ago, it felt like you could barely afford anything.
Now, you may actually have some options&nbs ...

 
Want to make a move, but you're worried it’s going to take longer than you’d like? Here’s what you need to know. The average home is taking about 57 days to sell. And that actually isn’t slow. It’s normal. No matter what you’re reading online, know that the market hasn’t stalled. And neither has your move. The reality is homes that are priced and positioned right are still selling. So, if you want to move, you can. Let’s talk about how to set your house up to sell quickly in today’s market. #SellMyHouse #DaysOnMarket #KeepingCurrentMatters ...

 


With economic headlines, global events, and near constant talk about affordability, you may be wondering if this is the right time to move. But here’s what you need to remember.
While recent events do have some impact on the housing market, they don’t take buying off the table. You just have to use a different strategy.
Mortgage Rates Have Been Up Slightly – Here's Why
After trending down for most of 2025, mortgage rates have been higher again for over roughly a month now. And experts say it’s a result of what's happening overseas and in the broader economy. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains:

“Mortgage rates have recently moved higher, driven by geopolitical uncertainty and rising energy costs that are contributing to inflation concerns.”

But what does that really mean for you? Should you wait for everything to settle back down before you buy a home?
The short answer is no. Y ...