18 Jul 2025
By Tawnya King

Could You Save Money by Refinancing Right Now?

Financial Reports
Understanding the Real BenefitsThe most common reason to refinance is to lower your monthly payment by getting a better interest rate. But refinancing can also help you pay off your loan faster, switch from an adjustable to a fixed rate, or tap into your home equity for important expenses. If your credit score has improved, or if your home has gained value, you may qualify for better loan terms now than when you originally purchased. Lower Monthly Payments or Faster PayoffEven a small drop in your interest rate can make a big difference over the life of your loan. For…
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17 Jul 2025
By Tawnya King

The One Number More Important Than Your Credit Score for Mortgage Approval

Financial Reports
When it comes to getting approved for a mortgage, most people immediately think of their credit score. While it is definitely important, there is another number that can play an even bigger role in your approval, our debt-to-income ratio. Also known as DTI, this number gives lenders a clearer picture of your ability to manage monthly payments and overall debt. What Is Debt-to-Income RatioYour debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. This includes things like credit cards, car loans, student loans, and the projected mortgage payment. It does not include groceries, utilities,…
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16 Jul 2025
By Tawnya King

How to Talk to Your Parents About Co-Signing a Mortgage

Financial Reports
Asking your parents to co-sign a mortgage can be one of the most vulnerable conversations you will ever have. It is not just about paperwork and finances, it is about trust, timing, and long-term commitment. Whether you are a first-time buyer or trying to qualify for better loan terms, a co-signer can make a big difference, but only if everyone involved is fully informed and comfortable. Understand What Co-Signing Really MeansBefore bringing it up, make sure you understand what co-signing a mortgage involves. A co-signer is not just offering moral support, they are legally agreeing to repay the loan if…
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15 Jul 2025
By Tawnya King

Understanding the Fear Behind Mortgage Debt and How to Move Past It

Financial Reports
Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones in life, but the thought of taking on a mortgage often creates anxiety. The idea of owing hundreds of thousands of dollars can feel overwhelming, even if you are financially stable. If you have ever hesitated to move forward with a home loan out of fear, you are not alone. This emotional reaction is more common than many people realize. The Emotional Triggers of DebtFear of mortgage debt is often tied to our instinct to avoid financial risk. Debt can carry a negative emotional weight, especially for those who have…
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14 Jul 2025
By Tawnya King

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 14th, 2025

Financial Reports
This was an extremely light release week with only the Consumer Credit Report. The amount of expected credit was expected to rise but only showed half the growth — a sign that things are still in stable condition. The most important reports will be featured with next week's releases of inflation data in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Producer Price Index (PPI), as well as the Federal Reserve’s Beige book. The Trump Administration has also further extended the pauses on the tariffs which has been a welcome relief. Consumer CreditTotal U.S. consumer credit growth slowed to a $5.1…
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07 Jul 2025
By Tawnya King

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 7th, 2025

Financial Reports
With next week featuring both the CPI and PPI reports, the release schedule for this upcoming week will be extremely light. This previous week featured a small number of notable data releases. First being the trade deficit which has shown a sharp decline due to the tariff policies, but has increased again with the pause on tariffs. The manufacturing sector has seen growth as well with the PMI Manufacturing data, but inflation also proves to have grown just as much. Lastly, employment numbers have shown a stronger than expected labor market, but there are still expectations that things will cool…
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30 Jun 2025
By Tawnya King

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 30th, 2025

Financial Reports
With the passing of the previous busy weeks of rate decisions, this week features the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation report in the PCE Index, which has shown that inflation has come in hotter than expected for the month of May. This likely cements the Federal Reserve’s decision to take no action until later and further confirming most economists' predictions. The consumer confidence has also taken a hit as it has further declined again for the month of May, indicating there is still significant apprehension within the markets and consumers alike. This is accompanied by Consumer Spending data, which met expectations,…
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