Mortgage Blog
Bridging Through Emerging Markets
Category: Mortgage (41 posts)
Mortgage Renewals in Early 2025 - Where Might Rates Land?
May 4, 2025 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
A friendly guide for American homeowners who are about to renegotiate one of the biggest contracts of their lives. Introduction - Why Everyone Is Talking About 2025 Refinances If your existing m ...
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Tariffs and Their Impact on Interest Rates: What Homebuyers Need to Know
April 5, 2025 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
You might be surprised to learn that something like tariffs-basically taxes placed on imported goods-could affect your mortgage or home-buying plans. Tariffs can seem like distant economic policies, b ...
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Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement? Pros and Cons to Consider
March 21, 2025 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
As retirement approaches, many homeowners ponder whether paying off their mortgage early is a wise decision. While the idea of owning your home outright is certainly appealing, it's important to evalu ...
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March 19, 2025 - Federal Reserve Maintains Interest Rates
March 20, 2025 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. The unemployment rate has stabilized at a low level in recent months, and labor market conditions remain solid ...
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Understanding Down Payments for Your Mortgage
March 7, 2025 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Understanding Down Payments for Your Mortgage When purchasing a home, a significant challenge you may encounter is saving for a down payment. But what is a down payment, and how does it influence you ...
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How will tariffs potentially affect Interest rates
February 26, 2025 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
As a mortgage professional, I recognize that our financial landscape often feels like a complex maze, especially when global events are involved. One topic that has recently generated significant disc ...
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How Rising Interest Rates Impact Your Homebuying Power
February 5, 2025 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Have you noticed that mortgage rates have been rising recently? If so, you're not alone. Increasing interest rates can impact everything from the size of the loan you qualify for to the monthly pa ...
read moreJan 25-2025 - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
January 29, 2025 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. The unemployment rate has stabilized at a low level in recent months, and labor market conditions remain solid ...
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Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: Which Is Right for You?
January 21, 2025 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Hello! If you're on the journey to homeownership, one of the most significant decisions you'll have to make is choosing the right type of mortgage. It can seem overwhelming with all the numbers and ...
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December 18, 2025 - US Federal Reserve Rate Cut
December 18, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
On December 18, 2024, the Federal Reserve announced a significant policy shift, lowering the federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage points to a range of 4.25% to 4.5%. This marks an ongoing effort to b ...
read moreNov 7-2024 - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
November 7, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Since earlier in the year, labor market conditions have generally eased, a ...
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Home Equity Loan vs Personal Loan - Choosing the Best Option
October 8, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
When borrowing money, many people weigh the options between a home equity loan and a personal loan. Each choice offers unique features, benefits, and potential drawbacks that can significantly impact ...
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FHA Home Loans - 7 Things You Need To Know Before Applying
September 24, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
If you're considering purchasing a home but feel uncertain whether you'll qualify for a traditional loan, an FHA loan could be a great option. Here are seven key things you need to know before applyin ...
read moreSeptember 18, 2024 - Federal Reserve - Rates Dropping
September 18, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Job gains have slowed, and the unemployment rate has moved up but remains low. Inflation has made further prog ...
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With Lower Interest Rates Coming, Is Now a Good Time to Refinance My Mortgage?
September 6, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
With whispers of lower interest rates on the horizon, many homeowners ask the million-dollar question: Is now a good time to refinance my mortgage? The short answer is: It very well could be! But be ...
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What Lower Interest Rates Mean for New Homebuyers
August 23, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
If you're in the market to buy a new home, you've probably noticed that interest rates might soon be dropping. You might be wondering, "What does this mean for me?" The good news is that lower interes ...
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Understanding Your Mortgage Payment - A Beginner's Guide
August 8, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Navigating the world of home financing can be overwhelming for first-time homebuyers. One of the most critical aspects to understand is your mortgage payment. Breaking down the main items of a mor ...
read moreFederal Reserve issues FOMC statement
July 31, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Job gains have moderated, and the unemployment rate has moved up but remains low. Inflation has eased over the ...
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7 Things to Know When You Are Looking to Purchase a Cottage or Vacation Home
July 8, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Purchasing a cottage or vacation home can be a dream come true, offering a serene retreat from everyday life. However, it's essential to approach this investment with careful planning and knowledge. H ...
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How Interest Rates Affect Housing in the USA
June 19, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Suppose you've been watching the news or talking to friends about the housing market. In that case, you've probably heard about rising interest rates. But what does that actually mean for you? Let's b ...
read moreJune 12 - 2024 - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
June 12, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Job gains have remained strong, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation has eased over the past ...
read moreDoes a Mortgage Refinance Require an Appraisal?
June 4, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
When considering refinancing your mortgage, many questions arise, and one of the most common is whether an appraisal is necessary. Understanding the role of an appraisal in the refinancing process c ...
read moreUnlocking Financial Flexibility: The Benefits of a Cash-Out Refinance
May 23, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Unlocking Financial Flexibility: The Benefits of a Cash-Out Refinance When managing your finances, leveraging the equity in your home can be a powerful strategy. One popular method for doing this ...
read moreUnderstanding FHA Loans: A Guide for Homebuyers
May 8, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
As a mortgage professional, I've guided many clients through obtaining a home loan. One of the most popular options for first-time homebuyers and those with less-than-perfect credit is available ...
read moreMay 1-2024 - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
May 1, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Job gains have remained strong, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation has eased over the past ...
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Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage: Items to consider
April 24, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage can be a beneficial decision for homeowners. It can help you pay off your mortgage faster and save money on interest payments in the long run. However, there are se ...
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Navigating Your First Home Purchase: A Step-by-Step Mortgage Guide
April 8, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Hey there, future homeowners! Embarking on the journey to buy your first home is like setting sail on an epic adventure. It's thrilling, a bit overwhelming, and packed with moments that'll have you ri ...
read moreRate Hold - March 20, 2024
March 20, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have remained strong, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation has eased over the past year ...
read moreWhen Steady Interest Rates Meet Rising Home Sales
February 28, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
In the ever-evolving landscape of the American housing market, we find ourselves at a crossroads where interest rates are holding steady, yet home sales are on an upward trajectory. This scenario ...
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Using Home Equity Loans to Pay Off High-Interest Debt: Should You Do It?
February 19, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Are you considering the leap to use a home equity loan to pay off high-interest debt? The allure is evident - with typically lower fixed interest rates than credit cards, these loans offer potential s ...
read moreJanuary 2024 Rate Update - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
February 1, 2024 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have moderated since early last year but remain strong, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inf ...
read moreDecember 2023 Rate Update - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
December 13, 2023 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Recent indicators suggest that growth of economic activity has slowed from its strong pace in the third quarter. Job gains have moderated since earlier in the year but remain strong, and the unemp ...
read moreNavigating the New Normal: How Remote Work is Reshaping the US Mortgage and Real Estate Landscape
December 3, 2023 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
In recent years, we've witnessed a seismic shift in our work lives, notably the rise of remote work catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This change isn't just about swapping office desks for dinin ...
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Unlock Your Home’s Potential: Using Home Equity for Renovations
November 15, 2023 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
What is home equity? Imagine your home is a piggy bank, except instead of spare change, it's filled with the value you've built up over time. Home equity is the difference between your home's market ...
read moreFederal Reserve issues FOMC statement - Nov 1, 2023
November 1, 2023 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity expanded at a strong pace in the third quarter. Job gains have moderated since earlier in the year but remain strong, and the unemployment rate has rem ...
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Mortgage Brokers vs. Direct Lenders: Why a Broker Might Be Your Best Choice
October 18, 2023 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Mortgage Brokers vs. Direct Lenders: Why a Broker Might Be Your Best Choice Hi there, prospective homeowner! Dive into any mortgage conversation, and you'll hear the terms "mortgage brokers" an ...
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When Your Dream Home Catches Your Eye: Be Prepared to Seal the Deal
October 10, 2023 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
The thrill of finding your dream home is unmatched and can be very exciting. Once you stumble upon the perfect home within your budget, it's time to step up and make a proposition. But before you do, ...
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A Guide To First-Time Home Buyer Programs, Loans And Grants
September 30, 2023 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Purchasing a home involves many considerations, and it's common for first-time buyers to have queries. You might be curious about tips for first-time homeowners, or how to secure assistance for down ...
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Understanding Title Insurance Costs: A Beginners Guide
September 18, 2023 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Embarking on the journey of purchasing a new home is thrilling, yet the financial commitment can be daunting. It's imperative for prospective homeowners to take preventive steps to ensure their fina ...
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Closing Costs: What Are They, And How Much Will You Pay?
August 23, 2023 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Understanding Closing Costs: What They Are and What You'll Pay When you buy a house, your down payment isn't the only money you'll need at the closing table. Closing costs are additional expenses, se ...
read moreNavigating High-Interest Rates and Inflation: A Guide to Mortgage Management
August 5, 2023 | Posted by: Honam Rodriguez
Introduction As your trusted mortgage professional, I understand that the current economic backdrop in the USA is posing challenges for many homeowners. With interest rates and inflation on the ris ...
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