Housing & Markets

Homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages are likely to benefit from continued inflation because tangible assets, like real estate, appreciate over time. Money, on the other hand, will lose value during inflationary periods. When possible, if you’re able to invest in real estate versus keeping money in savings, you’re more likely to receive strong and stable returns.

The state and local tax deduction (SALT) is worth considering if you're thinking about itemizing rather than taking the standard deduction. Learn more about this deduction and whether you could benefit from it at tax time.

Are you looking to buy or refinance a home in 2022? Then you'll want to know if industry leaders expect borrowing costs to remain low. Check out our mortgage rate outlook before starting the loan process.

Thanks to an underwriting change from Fannie Mae, renters looking to buy a home will now have an easier time. Read this article to see what's different with the process and how you may benefit.

Today's homebuyers are starting to see the impact of higher lumber prices on the housing market. Continue reading to learn more about this trend and why it's still a good time to become a homeowner.

Mortgage rates are steadily climbing after hitting record lows countless times in 2020 and early 2021. But that doesn't mean you should hold off on a home purchase or refinance. Continue reading for more information.

A Joe Biden presidency could mean significant changes for the U.S. housing market. A revamped first-time home buyer tax incentive and affordable housing efforts are just some of the possibilities. Learn more in this article.

As a future homeowner, you may be debating whether to buy property in a major city or the suburbs. Read this article as we discuss the pros and cons of living in both environments.

Things are changing with mortgages, from credit score requirements to program availability. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page to see how these lending updates may impact your loan.

Workers in the cannabis industry used to have a difficult time qualifying for a mortgage. So what are your home loan options as a cannabis dispensary owner or employee? Check out this article for helpful information.

The VA loan is one of the most attractive programs in the mortgage industry. Starting in 2020, a new law went into effect to increase loan limits and the funding fee. Here's what you need to know.

Many variables go into determining when the right time is to sell a house, including the strength of your housing market. If you live in Philadelphia, here are a few things you need to know before you list.

A mortgage broker career is a rewarding opportunity for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset, especially if you have an interest in finance and real estate. Here's what you need to know to become a mortgage broker.

Mortgage rates are always changing. So, how do you secure the most competitive rate? Start by asking yourself these questions, and you're on your way to significant savings over the life of your loan.

In November 2017, President Trump nominated Jerome Powell to serve as the Chair of the Federal Reserve (Fed), replacing then Fed Chair Janet Yellen. Learn how this political move has impacted you and your mortgage loan.

On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act." Changes have affected households differently, based on local home values and tax rates since the initial rollout of the tax reform. But here is a general breakdown of what  homeowners — and those who were looking to buy or sell a home — saw come of the tax overhaul:

The interest rates paid on borrowed money (and earned on certain bank accounts) are often tied to decisions made at Fed meetings. It’s been strongly suggested that one is coming in mid-December of this year. How will you be affected? Here's what you need to know.

Unveiled in 1944 as part of what became the G.I. Bill, VA loans make it easier for veterans and active duty service members to buy and stay in a home. Qualifying service members can choose to put no money down and pay no mortgage insurance, while rates tend to be at least a quarter-point lower than what's available in a conventional mortgage. Despite this, the majority of post-9/11 vets have yet to use the VA home loan.

In his first few hours on the job, President Donald J. Trump reversed a planned cut in the cost of government-backed Federal Housing Administration mortgages. Lobbying groups responded predictably, blasting the move. The outcry, however, obscures a crucial truth: the fundamental economics of FHA mortgages haven’t really changed.

In July 2010, Congress passed and President Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The Act created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which is the U.S. government agency that ensures consumers are treated fairly.

Not sure if now is a good time to invest in a home? Are you even ready to buy? Those questions are somewhat easy, as they depend on each individual’s financial situation and goals. That’s why getting pre-approved for a home loan is the recommended first step in the home buying process.