Home Mortgages / Credit

You Can’t Control What’s Happening with Mortgage Rates. But You Can Control This

.  Mortgage rates have been volatile lately. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, that can make it harder to plan. But there are still things you can do to get the best rate possible in today’s market. It starts with having the right information. So, what’s causing the bumps in rates? And what can you do about it? Let’s break it down. Full article here: You Can’t Control What’s...

What Lenders Are Getting Wrong About Down Payment Assistance

  Down payment assistance (DPA) has quietly become one of the most powerful — and most misunderstood — tools in mortgage lending. Despite near-record availability and growing flexibility, persistent myths keep many lenders from fully using DPA to expand approvals, improve affordability and strengthen pipelines. We think it’s time to separate fact from fiction. Full article here: What Lenders...

Mortgage holders fall into 3 groups, from those with rock-bottom rates to over 6%

Mortgage rates don’t just affect your monthly housing payments — they can influence your ability to move and upsize your home. Two households with similar incomes and home values can have radically different financial flexibility, simply because of timing. An article in Fortune suggests that today’s housing market has split homeowners into three distinct mortgage classes. Full article here:...

Mortgage Rates Recently Hit a 3-Year Low. Here’s Why That’s Still a Big Deal.

  If you’re one of the thousands of homebuyers waiting for rates to fall, you should know it’s already happening. And they recently crossed an important milestone. Rates officially dipped their toes into the 5s – something that hasn’t happened in about 3 years. Full article here: Mortgage Rates Recently Hit a 3-Year Low. Here’s Why That’s Still a Big Deal. (512) 853-0110...

Mortgage Rates End 2025 at the Lowest Level of the Year

  Long-term mortgage rates have been declining since mid- 2025 and ended the year at their lowest level since September 2024. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.19% in December, 5 basis points (bps) lower than November. Full article here: Mortgage Rates End 2025 at the Lowest Level of the Year (512) 853-0110 or robert@AustinTxHomeSales.com If you are...

Report: Mortgage rates may drop below 6% 

Mortgage rates could briefly drop below 6 percent in 2026 according to a new forecast. Lending Tree’s 2026 Housing and Economic Predictions report expects mortgage rates to drop into the 5% range sometime next year, something that has not happened since 2022. Freddie Mac currently has the 30-year fixed-term mortgage rate at 6.1 percent, and the overall rate has not dropped below 6 percent since 2022....

U.S. long-term mortgage rates fall to 6.15% 

The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage fell to its lowest level of 2025 this week (w/e 12/31), an encouraging sign for prospective home buyers. The average long-term mortgage rate dipped to 6.15% from 6.18% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Wednesday. That’s the lowest average long-term rate since October 3, 2024 when it dipped to 6.12% before shooting back up. One year ago, the rate...

Mortgage Activity Continued to Climb in November

  Mortgage activity continued to climb in November, posting the largest year-over-year increase in more than five years. Every major category increased on a year-over-year basis as mortgage rates continue to trend lower, led by strong increases in refinancing and adjustable-rate mortgage activity.  Full article here: Mortgage Activity Continued to Climb in November (512) 853-0110...

A Mortgage Rate Drop to 6% Would Ring in More Home Buying

  Mortgage rates have been moderating in recent weeks, and the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage could dip to 6% in the new year, if real estate predictions hold. That would be a notable decrease from the 7% rates seen at the start of 2025—and it could unleash a group of home buyers who had been sidelined in the market. Full article here: A Mortgage Rate Drop to 6% Would Ring in More Home Buying (512)...

Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate

  If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you’ve probably thought: “I’d like to move… but I don’t want to give up my 3% rate.” That’s fair. That rate has been one of your best financial wins – and it can be hard to let go. But here’s what you need to remember...a great rate won’t make up for a home that no longer works for you. Life changes, and sometimes, your home needs to change with...

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