Yes — but I would call it a “good time to buy carefully,” not a “great time to buy.”  The current market actually gives you some advantages that weren’t available to buyers a couple of years ago. What’s happening right now? 1. Mortgage rates are the biggest negative.As of October 1, Freddie Mac’s national average […]

The housing market is showing signs of a significant shift as mortgage rates climb above 7%, putting pressure on both buyers and sellers. According to Realtor.com’s September 2026 housing market data, 20.8% of U.S. listings had a price reduction, up 0.9 percentage points from a year earlier. That represents the highest share of price cuts […]

With mortgage rates hovering around 7%, many homebuyers are taking a second look at adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). While a traditional 30-year fixed mortgage offers predictability, an ARM can provide a significantly lower initial rate and monthly payment. So, is an ARM worth considering? The answer depends largely on how long you expect to own the […]

Your credit score can affect far more than your ability to get a credit card. Lenders, landlords, insurers, and even utility companies may consider your credit history when deciding whether to approve an application or what terms to offer. Because credit scoring can seem complicated, several myths continue to circulate. Here are some of the […]

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. Along with the excitement of getting the keys comes a long list of potential expenses; some expected, others less predictable. That’s why many homeowners consider purchasing a home warranty. But is a home warranty worth the cost? The answer depends on the age […]

If you’ve spent any time browsing property listings recently, you know the feeling: the excitement of a potential new beginning quickly dampened by the sticker shock of current market realities. Being a homebuyer in 2026 is, to put it mildly, a complex experience. While there are whispers that we are reaching a turning point, the […]

Mortgage rates dropped on Wednesday due to a combination of lower oil prices and the announcement of changes to Treasury’s bond buyback program. The oil price angle is easy to understand. Throughout the war, higher fuel prices have caused volatility in inflation expectations and inflation is a critical consideration for bonds/rates.  The Treasury buyback news is […]

Starter home affordability has improved for eight straight months, but buyers still face tight conditions in many markets. Americans now need an estimated $70,693 in annual income to afford a typical U.S. starter home (homes in the 5th to 35th percentile of sale prices), down 1.5% from a year ago. That marks continued easing in […]

This summer brought more “for sale” signs across the Puget Sound yet many homes are lingering on the market as buyers hesitate to make big moves. A new report from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service shows King County now has more than three months of inventory for single family homes, the highest level in at […]

Effective for loan application dates on or after August 3rd, Fannie Mae’s Limited Review and Freddie Mac’s Streamlined Review will be eliminated. Lenders may implement earlier so the application date and each lender’s internal policy determine applicability. Established condo projects previously eligible for abbreviated reviews will generally require a Full Review unless they qualify for […]