Higher Rates Hit Mortgage Apps, But Only Modestly

Mortgage applications declined last week, reversing some of the prior period’s gains as rates climbed to their highest level in a month. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported a 4.4% decrease on a seasonally adjusted basis for the week ending May 1. The decline was broad-based, with both pu

2-Month Glut of Data Brings New Home Sales Back to Center of The Range

New home sales moved higher in March and February. Both months were reported on a single day this week as the Census Bureau continues catching up from the government shutdown.  After dropping to 587k in January, sales rose to 635k in February and 682k in March. This represents a solid bounce ba

6 Steps to Build Credit Before Buying a House

If you’re planning to buy a home, your credit score will play a major role in the mortgage process. It can influence whether you’re approved, the interest rate you receive, and how much you’ll pay over the life of your loan. While many buyers assume they need perfect credit to qualify, that’s not th

A Guide to Types of Historic Homes and Preserving Their Original Character

Historic houses offer a sense of history, craftsmanship, and character that’s hard to find in newer construction. Learning about the types of historic homes helps buyers and homeowners recognize the architectural details and design elements that define each style – and make more informed buying or r