As someone thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what’s ahead. One thing that can affect mortgage rates is the Federal Funds Rate, which influences how much it costs banks to borrow money from each other. While the Federal Reserve (the Fed) doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, they control […]

Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now. You may even see some headlines talking about last week’s Federal Reserve (the Fed) meeting and what it means for rates. But the Fed doesn’t determine mortgage rates, even if the headlines make it sound like they do. The truth is, mortgage rates are impacted by a lot of factors: geo-political […]

You may have heard mortgage rates will stay a bit higher for longer than originally expected. And if you’re wondering why, the answer lies in the latest economic data. Here’s a quick overview of what’s happening with mortgage rates and what experts say is ahead. Economic Factors That Impact Mortgage Rates When it comes to mortgage […]

If you’re considering buying a home, chances are you’ve got mortgage rates on your mind. You’ve heard about how they impact how much you can afford in your monthly mortgage payment, and you want to make sure you’re factoring that in as you plan your move. The problem is, with all the headlines in the news about rates lately, it […]

When mortgage rates spiked over the last few years, some homeowners put their plans to move on pause. Maybe you did, too, because you didn’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate for your next home. But is that still the right strategy for you? In today’s market, data shows more homeowners are getting […]

Recent headlines may leave you wondering what’s next for mortgage rates. Maybe you’d previously heard there would be cuts this year that would bring rates down. That refers to the Federal Reserve (the Fed) and what they do to their Fed Funds Rate. Cutting or lowering the Fed Funds Rate doesn’t directly determine mortgage rates but tends to […]

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, mortgage rates are probably top of mind for you. They may even be why you’ve put your plans on hold. When rates climbed near 8% last year, some buyers found the numbers just didn’t make sense for their budget anymore. That may be the case for you, too. Data from Bright MLS shows the top reason buyers […]

Some Highlights If you’re looking to buy a home in Chicago, Illinois, and nearby areas, it’s important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month. That’s because even a small change in mortgage rates can have a big impact on your purchasing power. The best way to navigate changing mortgage rates and make an informed […]

There’s a lot of confusion in the market about what’s happening with day-to-day movement in mortgage rates right now, but here’s what you really need to know: compared to the near 8% peak last fall, mortgage rates have trended down overall. And if you’re looking to buy or sell a home, this is a big deal. While they will continue to […]

Are you feeling a bit unsure about what’s happening with mortgage rates? That might be because you’ve heard someone say they’re coming down. But then you read somewhere else that they’re up again. And that may leave you scratching your head and wondering what’s true. The most straightforward answer is that what you read or […]

On the road to becoming a homeowner? If so, you may have heard the term pre-approval get tossed around. Let’s break down what it is and why it’s important if you’re looking to buy a home in 2024. What Pre-Approval Is As part of the homebuying process, your lender will look at your finances to figure out what they’re […]

If you’re looking to buy a home in Chicago, Illinois, you’ve probably been paying close attention to mortgage rates. Over the last few years, they hit record lows, rose dramatically, and dropped slightly. Ever wonder why? The answer is complicated because a lot can influence mortgage rates. Here are just a few of the most impactful factors […]