August 12, 2026
We Need a Break!
We Need a Break! This summer Stacy and I travelled to Europe to visit with my daughter Savita, her fiancé Noah, and to see my mom’s four surviving siblings, Maya, Mira, Sheela, and Bipin. Savita and Noah have
Real Mortgage Advice · Blog
Market updates & straight talk
Mortgage rate movement, Fed decisions, market analysis, and home loan education — written for real people, not for the industry.
Latest · September 1, 2026
Doctor’s Orders: Zero Down, Zero PMI
Doctor’s Orders: Zero Down, Zero PMI 30-year fixed mortgage rates are running roughly 0.125% (APR) higher than they were a year ago, as long-term borrowing costs remain elevated across the board. 10-Year Treasury Yield: trading above 4.7%, near
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June 26, 2026
Peace Has Benefits
Peace Has Benefits June has delivered the geopolitical breakthrough mortgage borrowers have been waiting for since the Iran war began on 2/28/2026. On June 17th, 2026, President Trump and Iran signed a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, in
June 3, 2026
Inflation’s Triple Threat
Inflation’s Triple Threat Last month I closed by warning that the bond market’s temporary breather could end quickly. It has. Mortgage rates have resumed their climb as a triple-stack of hot inflation reports, surging oil prices, a fresh
April 24, 2026
Mortgage Rates Catch A Break
Mortgage Rates Catch A Break April has delivered some welcome relief for mortgage borrowers. After the 4/7/2026 cease-fire announcement between the U.S. and Iran, oil prices posted their biggest single-day drop since 2020 – U.S. crude fell roughly
March 24, 2026
Mortgage Rates are Confused
Mortgage Rates are Confused Mortgage rates are up again thanks to higher inflation. Many of you may have seen the media report on 2/25/2026 that 30-year fixed mortgage rates fell below 6% for the first time since 2022.
March 13, 2026
The Circle of Life Continues
The Circle of Life Continues Mortgage rates are still in line with where they were to start the year, despite some volatility that caused mortgage rates to increase slightly during January and February of this year. The average
January 28, 2026
Savita is getting married!
Savita is getting married! The New Year is starting out favorably for mortgage interest rates. Thursday, 1/8/2026, Trump directed Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac to purchase $200 Billion of their own Mortgage Backed Securities, MBS, from the markets. This increase in
December 15, 2025
Mortgage rates fall, but not for the reason you are led to believe.
Mortgage rates fall, but not for the reason you are led to believe. Mortgage rates remain volatile but are slowly heading downwards. The Federal Reserve cut their target rate, the Fed Funds, for the third time this year on
October 24, 2025
Lower mortgage rates continue!
Mortgage rates have held onto the lower rate environment for over 8 weeks now. That is two weeks longer than the 6-week run we had last year before mortgage rates went back up again. Hopefully we are at the
September 23, 2025
Lower mortgage rates are back, for now…
Hi Friends, The most recent Fed meeting on 9/17 didn’t surprise anyone with the Fed voting 11–1 to lower the federal funds target rate by 0.25%, bringing the range down to 4%–4.25%. This rate cut was already baked into
February 20, 2025
What Are Closing Costs?
First Time Home Buyers Guide to Closing Costs You have your downpayment. Great. You are ready to close the deal on your loan and start making bids on houses! Soon you get your closing statement and there
September 13, 2024
The Indonesia SCUBA dive trip was a huge success!
The Indonesia SCUBA dive trip was a huge success! We were in North Sulawesi on the Islands of Bunaken, Bangka, and Lembeh. The amount of biodiversity in the oceans around these islands is staggering. Every coral field seems endless with
September 13, 2024
Rate Drop Has Begun!!
Lowest Levels Since March 2023 On August 2nd we saw mortgage rates fall to their lowest levels since March of 2023, very close to 6% APR for 30 Year Fixed. My phone and e-mail have been inundated since then
September 13, 2024
Finally — A Rate Cut
30-Year Rate Drop The Federal Reserve is finally in agreement that inflation is heading towards their 2% target due to the better-than-expected June CPI (Consumer Price Index) inflation readings. The June CPI report showed that overall inflation was down
September 13, 2024
Good News for Mortgage Rates in May
Fed Funds Rate Stayed the Same Good news for mortgage interest rates in May with the Federal Reserve leaving their target rate, The Fed Funds, in the range of 5.25% - 5.5%. The Fed did not increase the Fed
September 13, 2024
Rates Still in Limbo
Rate Cut Delay After a nice move down in mortgage interest rates to end the month of March 2024, rates began marching upwards again in April 2024. We saw 30-year fixed mortgage rates get close to 6.5% APR in
September 13, 2024
New HELOC for Uni Hills—FINALLY!
Fed Still Holding the Line No surprises were coming out of the most recent two-day Federal Reserve Open Market Committee Meeting (FOMC) that concluded on March 20th, 2024. The Fed kept the status quo and refrained from cutting their
March 29, 2024
What Goes Down Must Come Up
Inflation Rising Hi Friends, December 2021 saw mortgage rates continue to be pressured higher due to persistent inflation in the markets. The annual inflation rate increased over 6% in November 2021, which is three times the Federal Reserve’s desired
March 29, 2024
First Time Buyer’s Brush with Financial Disaster
Difficult Loan Situations Hi Friends, One of the most gratifying experiences I have, doing the work I do, is to help people in need purchase property despite the many obstacles that arise during a real estate transaction. During my
March 29, 2024
UltraFICO Helps Millennial Home Buyers
UltraFICO Credit Scoring Helps Millennial Home Buyers Are you a millennial? Or concerned about the financial wellbeing of your millennial child? Low Credit Usage According to recent research, only 33% of adults ages 18
March 29, 2024
Holiday Joy
They grow up fast! This holiday season I was fortunate to spend some time with my only child, my daughter Savita, who lives in Berlin, Germany. She is finishing her master’s degree in journalism at an international university in
March 29, 2024
Still Waiting for the Mortgage Market
Still Waiting Mortgage interest rates have yet to make a significant move lower because the inflation numbers haven’t decreased enough to create more demand in the bond market. I had been hoping for rates to improve after the 5/10/23
March 29, 2024
Inflation — Killer of Mortgage Rates
Inflation Stubbornly High Mortgage rates continue to remain stubbornly high due to the worse-than-expected inflation readings in February. The average 30-year Fixed interest rates fell close to 6% APR for zero points right around Christmas of last year. That
March 29, 2024
Mortgage Interest Rate Drop!
Hikes on Hold The Federal Reserve continued holding on interest rate hikes and finally started showing signs that rate cuts would be coming soon. After the December 12-13 Federal Open Committee Market (FOMC) meeting, the Fed not only paused
March 29, 2024
Getting Over the Interest Rate Hump
Rate Hike Pause Continues At the conclusion of the November 1, 2023, Federal Reserve meeting, the Fed continued the pause in interest rate hikes to the Fed Funds rate. This was a follow-through on the pause from the September
March 29, 2024
What is a Bank Statement Loan?
Loan Options As a mortgage consultant, it's important to me be able to educate clients to ensure that they understand the various financing options available to meet their needs. Today, I'd like to discuss a less commonly understood type
March 29, 2024
Tough Loan Cases + Current Rates
The Maze of Tough Loan Cases I recently closed a very difficult transaction that, if any number of lenders had applied common sense, should have been easy to close. As many of you know if you've read my About
March 29, 2024
Refinancing Goes Nuts!
Fed Cuts Rate and Refinancing Goes Nuts! The Federal Reserve cut their target interest rate, the Fed Funds, by .25% at the conclusion of their two-day Open Market Committee Meeting on September 19th. This rate cut was anticipated by
March 29, 2024
Rates, Recession, & Refinance Opportunities
The Mechanics of Rising Rates Hi Friends, We all knew this was coming and mortgage interest rates have finally increased significantly. Rates are up over 1% from where they were in December of 2021 due to rising inflation. The
March 29, 2024
Relationships Matter Most
Family Ties Hi Friends, I have recently returned from two weeks in Switzerland visiting my 83 year old mother who moved there in 2018 to live with two of her younger sisters at a nursing home the sisters operate
March 29, 2024
Historically Low First Mortgage Rates
Rates at 30 Year Low This week, mortgage rates for conforming, single-unit, residential properties have come back down to the lowest levels in three decades, with some borrowers being able to lock and close 30-year fixed-rate loans at 3%
March 29, 2024
Profiting from the Coronavirus Crisis?
Low Mortgage Rates During Economic Crisis Mortgage interest rates continue to be near the all-time low levels we have been experiencing since June of this year. In the first week of August, rates bottomed out, ending the run on
March 29, 2024
2019 New Year Mortgage Rates
Rocky December 2018 We ended 2018 with lots of volatility in the stock market which did help improve mortgage interest rates to end the year. Despite the Federal Reserve’s expected interest rate hike of .25% on December 19th 2018, mortgage
March 29, 2024
Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) Opportunity
Home Buyer Squeeze Hello friends, Mortgage rates keep rising at a very brisk pace. April 2022 saw mortgage interest rates rise up 2% higher than they were in December of 2021. This quick rise in rates has obvious consequences.
March 29, 2024
An Ethical Business Story
I'd like to share something that happened to me this past week that will help explain how ethical business practices extend to others in my industry, not just borrowers. I got a call from a potential borrower who wanted to
March 29, 2024
Another Bank Bailout?
Recession Déjà Vu Hi Friends, March was a volatile month in the markets. The headlines were full of news that reminded us of the Great Recession of 2008 with multiple banks facing major liquidity issues. The Federal Reserves’ steep
March 29, 2024
Back from SCUBA to Another Refinance Frenzy
Back from an Amazing SCUBA Trip Hi Friends I’m back from a much-needed break in the action after taking a sabbatical from new business that lasted from April 1 – June 19 of this year. During that time, I
March 29, 2024
COVID-19 and Mortgage Loans
Link Between COVID-19 & Mortgage Loans As the COVID-19 shelter-in-place directive is impacting all areas in our society and the global society at large, the effects are being felt in the mortgage markets as well. Mortgage interest rates that
March 29, 2024
Crazy Time Mortgage Rate Lows
Hi Friends, This is a CRAZY time for everyone and for many reasons, but also especially in the mortgage industry. We're experiencing crazy time mortgage rate lows. I have had over 100 new loan requests in the last two
March 29, 2024
Diving with Giants
Markets Are Volatile Hi Friends, Mortgage interest rates have moved slightly lower since my last update, due to a decrease in the 10-year treasury and 30-year bond yields. As of April 16th, 2021, Rates were .25% lower than they
March 29, 2024
Father Daughter Retrospective
Home Buying Is Up Hi Friends, As mortgage interest rates have started to fall with inflation in the first quarter of this year, I have experienced an increase in home buyer activity and mortgage applications. The recent slight dip
March 29, 2024
February 2021 Mortgage Rate Update
Hi Friends, Mortgage interest rates continue to be near the all-time low levels we have continued to experience since June of 2020. Mortgage rates are still at historically low levels despite the FHFA (Federal Housing Finance Administration) refinance fee
March 29, 2024
Tips for First Time Home Buyers
Buying your first home is a momentous time in most people's lives. Here are some tips for first time home buyers to help you sail through the experience. Get a GOOD Realtor I tell this to my clients all the
March 29, 2024
Happy New Year — Rates Are Headed Down!
Happy new year, friends! Rates Down As Predicted Mortgage interest rates finally started falling in November 2022, as I had predicted in my November newsletter. Year over year inflation numbers started to come down, which is great news for
March 29, 2024
Health, Community, & Finance
Unprecedented Disruption All of us right now are experiencing unprecedented health, social and market disruptions and are directly impacted by the frequent changes and uncertainty. What started as and continues to be a global health crisis has quickly added
March 29, 2024
HELOC vs. Refinance
HELOC vs. refinance: Which is better for a cash-out loan? Is a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a refinance of your principal mortgage the better option for you? Market Rate Can Help You Choose A recession in 2020
March 29, 2024
Hold On for a Bumpy Ride
Hello friends, A lot has happened since I penned the last installment of my newsletter. Continued rising inflation, historically high gas prices, the Federal Reserve’s March meeting that resulted in a rate hike, a volatile stock market, faster rising
March 29, 2024
Home Buyers: How to Deal with the Hottest Inflation in 40 Years
Hi Friends, Mortgage interest rates continue to be high due to the hottest inflation readings in over 40 years. The effects of the Federal Reserve’s rate hikes are not yet making a significant impact on reducing inflation, but there
March 29, 2024
Last Chance to Refinance?
Pandemic Measures Continue For Now Hi Friends, Mortgage interest rates continue to be close to historically low levels, helped by the continuing easing measures the Federal Reserve implemented at the beginning of the pandemic. These measures included reducing the
March 29, 2024
Loans for First Time Buyers + Current Rates
Hello, friends. Here's my monthly update on the outlook for current rates in general, but first — information about loans for first-time home buyers. Skip to Current Rates here. Loans for First Time Buyers With rates falling again
March 29, 2024
Loans for Self-Employed + Current Rates
Here's my monthly update on the outlook for current rates in general, but first — news about loans for self-employed home buyers. Skip to Current Rates here. Loans for Self-Employed Stated Income Loans More new mortgage products have been
March 29, 2024
Loans for Seniors & Veterans + Current Rates
I have news this month on loans for seniors and veterans, but first let's look at the overall outlook for December. End of Year Mortgage Rates Hello, Friends. Mortgage interest rates continue to be around 1.125% lower now than
March 29, 2024
Low Mortgage Rate Party Is Over
After 12 Months of Historic Lows Hi Friends, Mortgage interest rates have continued to rise since my last update. Many of you who are watching the ten-year treasury bond yield already know that the party is over. After 12
March 29, 2024
Misconceptions About Mortgage Interest Rates
Yes, Rates Are Near the All-Time Low Mortgage interest rates continue to be near the all-time low levels we have been experiencing since June of this year. In today’s edition of m,y blog newsletter, I am sharing new and
March 29, 2024
Mortgage Rates & SCUBA Diving
December Stock Market Corrections The corrections in the stock market to end 2018 rolled into the beginning of 2019. This helped push money into the bond market, which resulted in lower mortgage interest rates to start in 2019. The
March 29, 2024
Mortgage Broker vs. Mortgage Consultant: What’s the Difference?
Mortgage Lending Roles Mortgage lending has its own vocabulary that can be confusing for buyers, especially first time home buyers researching how to get a good mortgage loan. People often ask how to compare mortgage brokers vs. mortgage consultants
March 29, 2024
Mortgage Rate Seesaw
Hello, friends. We are in a new higher interest rate environment and are heading even higher going into 2019 and 2020. I'll explain what's happening behind the scenes and what you can expect to unfold in the next year or
March 29, 2024
Mortgage Rates in Uncharted Waters
Refinance Fee Hike Increases Rates Mortgage interest rates continue to be near the all-time low levels we have continued to experience since June of this year. Mortgage rates are still at historically low levels despite the Federal Housing Finance
March 29, 2024
Mortgage Refinance Opportunity
Hello Friends, here's my market rates email list update for August 2019. Federal Reserve Rate Cut The Federal Reserve did cut their target rate .25% yesterday, July 31st, as anticipated. They also ended their balance sheet reduction plan two
March 29, 2024
Need Help With a Mortgage Loan?
Hello, friends. I'm here to educate home buyers and guide them through the mortgage loan process to get them the loan they need for their unique situation. Here's an overview of what I do for anyone who needs help with
March 29, 2024
Real Estate Markets Respond to Rising Rates
Hi Friends, Mortgage interest rates are at the highest levels I have seen since 2007. They have more than doubled since December of 2021 and the effects of this rapid rise in rates are finally being felt in the
March 29, 2024
Spring Buying Season Is Here
Hello, friends. Home Buying Competition The spring home-buying season is starting to heat up in my area and it is starting to feel a lot like 2020 and 2021 again. Many of the home buyers I have pre-approved for
March 29, 2024
Taking a Breather!
Mortgage Rate Update Mortgage interest rates continue to be near the all-time low levels we have been experiencing since June of this year. Mortgage rates are still at historically low levels despite the FHFA (Federal Housing Finance Administration) refinance
March 29, 2024
Trump Impact on Mortgage Lending
When Donald Trump was voted in as the next president of the United States in 2016, the markets perceived that as a bullish event. This means that money began flowing into the stock market like crazy, hitting highs on the
March 29, 2024
Turbulent 2022 Mortgage Rates
Refinances & Purchases Drop Hi Friends, Mortgage rates keep rising at a very brisk pace. May 2022 saw mortgage interest rates rise up 2.375% higher than they were in December of 2021. Refinances were down over 75% month over
March 29, 2024
Vic Joshi Top Producer Awards
Top Producer Awards for 2019 & 2020! During my years as a mortgage consultant with C2 Financial, I beat a personal record with these top producer awards — all thanks to you, my clients! 2019: #1 C2 Financial agent
March 29, 2024
What’s the Deal with Redfin Mortgage?
DIY Mortgage Loans A lot of people ask us why they should bother with using a real estate broker as opposed to using an app like Redfin Mortgage that launched last fall. They see that there seems to be a
March 29, 2024
Window of Opportunity to Buy or Refinance Now
Rates Heading Down Mortgage rates have stabilized and are slowly heading lower due to the continued good news on inflation. PCE: Measure of Inflation The Fed’s favorite measure of inflation, Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), showed that inflation rose 0.1%
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