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 […]

The debate over who’s to blame for today’s housing crunch—Boomers hoarding homes, Gen Z being priced out, or bad policy—has grown loud and unhelpful. Headlines trade on catchy stats that get shared widely but don’t always tell the full story. Here’s a clear, consumer-focused take on what’s really going on, how Gen Z compares to […]

For many older neighborhoods, a small metal eagle perched above a garage or front door quietly marks a major milestone: the mortgage is paid. These decorative eagles sometimes wooden, cast iron, or gilt were popularized in the post-World War II era as returning veterans used the G.I. Bill to buy homes. As families freed themselves […]

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs today announced revisions to its appraisal requirements and processes designed to reduce delays, eliminate outdated rules and help Veteran homebuyers move more quickly in a competitive housing market. The updates are effective now and are reflected in the revised VA Lenders Handbook (Pamphlet 26-7), Chapter 12. Key changes Topic […]

Short answer: a nationwide housing market crash in 2026 is unlikely. What’s more likely is continued normalization; modest price growth, slower turnover, and significant local variation. Here’s a clear, practical summary of the data, risks to watch, and how to prepare. Why a crash is unlikely Current market picture What could still trigger a crash […]

Good news for homebuyers: mortgage insurance (MI) premiums are permanently tax-deductible — and that can lower the cost of buying a home, especially for buyers putting down less than 20%. What changed Who can use it Why it matters to buyers A simple example Other related tax changes to know What to tell your loan […]