Blog - Tawnya King

04 Aug 2025

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 4th, 2025

Financial Reports

There were several notable releases this last week, with the largest being the PCE Index — the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator. The PCE Index may be the more accurate indicator going forward, as data collection for the Consumer Price Index has been recently cut, thereby reducing its reliability. As expected, the inflation numbers have been steadily rising with the PCE Index, indicating that impacts from the tariffs are now filtering into prices for both producers and consumers. As a follow up, Personal Income & Spending has had a light upturn after the initial panic with the tariffs. Lastly, the…

01 Aug 2025

By Tawnya King

The Risks of Using a Mortgage for House Flipping

Home Financing Tips

House flipping, the practice of buying a property, renovating it, and quickly selling it for a profit, can be an exciting and potentially lucrative investment strategy. However, financing a flip with a traditional mortgage carries significant risks that investors should carefully consider before proceeding. Higher Interest Rates and FeesTraditional mortgages typically offer lower interest rates for long-term homeownership, but they are not designed for short-term investments like flipping. Many lenders may charge higher rates or fees on loans for investment properties. This can increase your carrying costs, reducing your profit margin. Longer Approval and Closing TimesMortgage approval processes for primary…

31 Jul 2025

By Tawnya King

Should You Get a Mortgage If You Plan to Move Soon?

Mortgage

Deciding to buy a home when you know you might move within a few years can be a challenging choice. Many people wonder if it makes financial sense to take on a mortgage if they will not live in the property long term. The answer depends on several factors, including your personal goals, market conditions, and your financial situation. Consider Your Time HorizonMortgage loans often come with upfront costs such as closing fees, appraisal costs, and sometimes private mortgage insurance. If you plan to move within a year or two, these costs can outweigh the benefits of homeownership. However, if…

30 Jul 2025

By Tawnya King

How to Remove PMI Without Refinancing

Personal Finance

Private mortgage insurance, or PMI, is often required when a homebuyer makes a down payment of less than twenty percent. While PMI helps lenders reduce risk, it adds extra cost to your monthly mortgage payment. The good news is that you may be able to remove PMI without refinancing your loan. Understanding the options available can help you save money and accelerate building equity in your home. Understand When PMI Can Be RemovedFederal law, specifically the Homeowners Protection Act, requires lenders to automatically cancel PMI once your loan balance reaches eighty percent of the original home value. You can also…

29 Jul 2025

By Tawnya King

The Effect of Local Job Markets on Mortgage Lending

Mortagage Tips

When evaluating the housing market, many people focus on home prices and interest rates. However, one critical factor that often goes unnoticed is the strength of the local job market. Employment trends directly affect mortgage lending by influencing both buyer demand and lender confidence. Why Local Employment MattersA stable job market means more people have consistent incomes, making them more likely to qualify for home loans. Lenders assess local employment data when determining mortgage risk in a particular area. If job growth is strong, lenders are typically more willing to offer loans, knowing that borrowers are less likely to default.…

28 Jul 2025

By Tawnya King

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 28th, 2025

Financial Reports

Very little was released this week due to the major inflation data releases from the previous week. The Leading Economic Index was the most significant—and only—impactful release this week, showing a further decline in overall sentiment about the current economic situation. The majority of the decline was largely driven by expectations for business conditions. The decline was faster than expected, enough to warrant continued monitoring of the Leading Economic Index going forward. Leading Economic IndicatorsThe Conference Board Leading Economic Index for the US declined by 0.3% in June 2025 to 98.8, after no change in May (revised upward from -0.1%…

25 Jul 2025

By Tawnya King

The Effect of Local Job Markets on Mortgage Lending

Mortgage Tips

When evaluating the housing market, many people focus on home prices and interest rates. However, one critical factor that often goes unnoticed is the strength of the local job market. Employment trends directly affect mortgage lending by influencing both buyer demand and lender confidence. Why Local Employment MattersA stable job market means more people have consistent incomes, making them more likely to qualify for home loans. Lenders assess local employment data when determining mortgage risk in a particular area. If job growth is strong, lenders are typically more willing to offer loans, knowing that borrowers are less likely to default.…