Mortgage Demand Calm Before The Storm?

Mortgage application activity edged ever-so-slightly higher last week, with the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reporting an increase of 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis for the week ending February 20. Refi applications continue to do the heavy lifting. The Refinance Index increased 4% from t

Home Prices Still Rising, But Pace Remains Subdued

Home price appreciation pulled back slightly at the end of last year, according to December data from both FHFA and S&P/Cotality Case-Shiller. The reports reinforce the message that prices continued to appreciate modestly through the end of 2025. FHFA’s seasonally adjusted House Price Index show

Is a Range Hood Necessary? What Homeowners Should Know About Code, Safety, and Value

Kitchen upgrades often focus on countertops, cabinets, and appliances. Ventilation, however, tends to get less attention until smoke fills the room or a home inspection flags an issue. When homeowners start comparing renovation costs, permits, and long term affordability, questions about code requir

How to Buy a House with Low Income Even If You Have Little Savings

If you’re wondering how to buy a house with low income, you’re not alone. Many buyers assume homeownership is out of reach if they earn less than the area’s median income — but that’s not always true. Buying a home with a low income is possible. The key is understanding which loan programs are desig