Home sales projected to grow 4.9% in 2026. Median home prices expected to decline -2.3%. Sales growth offsets falling prices. Buyers may find more affordable options. Sellers face slower price appreciation.

Before making a home offer, securing mortgage financing is crucial. Mortgage prequalification is a basic financial review, while preapproval involves detailed verification and carries more weight with sellers. Preapproval requires extensive documentation, including income, tax returns, and asset statements. It typically lasts 90 days and may take 1-10 days to process. Multiple credit checks within 14 days count as one inquiry. Compare loan estimates carefully, considering fees beyond interest rates. Finalize the loan by confirming purchase details and financial status before closing. Continue to full article

Slide 1 Homes are finally more budget-friendly—median price $385K, up $9K since last year! Slide 2 Mortgage rates dropped 0.7% since May—your dream home might cost less now. Slide 3 Inventory jumped 18%—more homes to choose from than any November since 2015! Slide 4 65% of U.S. markets saw rising prices—your investment still has upside potential. Slide 5 Prices keep creeping up but easing rates give buyers confidence to act fast.

Refinancing a mortgage can lead to savings, but it requires upfront costs that may take years to recoup. To determine the break-even point, add total refinancing costs and divide by monthly savings. Common reasons for refinancing include securing a lower interest rate, shortening the loan term, or accessing home equity. It's essential to compare offers from multiple lenders and consider factors like potential prepayment penalties and credit score impacts. Refinancing to a shorter term can also yield significant long-term savings. Continue to full article

When shopping for a mortgage, it's essential to prepare your finances by reviewing your credit score, calculating your debt-to-income ratio, and assessing your savings for upfront costs. Determine how much you can afford, including down payments and ongoing expenses. Get prequalified to estimate potential loan amounts, research various loan options, and apply for preapproval to strengthen your buying position. Compare loan estimates from different lenders to find the best terms, and consider locking in your interest rate to avoid fluctuations before closing. Continue to full article

National median rents for zero- to two-bedroom units in the 50 largest U.S. metros fell 1% year over year to $1,693 in November, showing continued rent softening through 2025. Median rents remain over 17% higher than in 2019. Only five metros are affordable for two minimum-wage earners. Minimum wage increases in some metros next year will improve affordability, notably in Detroit, Miami, and Tampa. Continue to full article

Slide 1 Buyers: 2026 quietly shifts power as incomes finally outrun home prices. Slide 2 Affordability improved 7 straight months; longest streak since 2019. Slide 3 Hidden driver: 2.8% income growth beats price growth, boosting buying power even with high rates. Slide 4 That math alone adds ~3% affordability by late 2026, last seen summer 2022. Slide 5 Mortgage rates aren’t crashing—~6.2% early 2026, maybe sub-6% by year-end.

2026 existing home sales: ↑ 4.9% yearly 2026 median sale price: ↓ 2.3% yearly

To ease the mortgage refinancing process, continue making regular payments and prepare your home for appraisal, as first impressions matter. Keep paystubs and bank statements handy, as underwriters may request them. Avoid applying for new credit or changing jobs during this time, as these can cause delays. Do not make undocumented deposits and keep them small. Delay significant home improvement projects that require permits. Always feel free to ask questions for guidance throughout the process. Continue to full article

Phoenix housing prices are expected to fall in 2026. Mortgage rate declines will reduce monthly payment burdens. Slight price changes will still increase affordability for buyers. The market may become more accessible to first-time buyers. Overall housing costs may be lower than in 2025.

Home-buyers should avoid several costly mistakes when applying for a mortgage. Key points include not changing jobs or careers, as this can raise red flags for lenders. Avoid applying for new credit cards or closing major credit accounts, as these actions can negatively impact credit scores. Refrain from making large purchases or deposits before closing, as they can affect debt-to-income ratios and raise questions from lenders. Lastly, ensure timely bill payments and maintain open communication with your lender to avoid jeopardizing your mortgage application. Continue to full article

When preparing for a mortgage, it's crucial to compare at least three to five lenders to find the best options, potentially saving up to $3,000. Key factors to consider include interest rates, which can vary significantly among lenders, and various fees that impact closing costs. Evaluate loan products based on qualifying requirements and down payment options. Additionally, consider the lender's reputation, service quality, and online presence. Improving your credit score and gathering financial documentation early can enhance your chances of mortgage approval. Continue to full article

Phoenix’s market is expected to see increases in 2026, though trends vary by submarket. Limited inventory and strong demand in key neighborhoods support modest price growth.

Phoenix–Mesa–Chandler, AZ is projected to see a notable monthly housing cost decline among the top 50 US metros in 2026. Monthly housing payments in the Phoenix area are projected to fall 5.31% yearly, averaging ~$2,353/mo. Lower mortgage rates combined with modest home price growth are expected to reduce monthly housing costs. Phoenix is likely to benefit from easing financing conditions in a market that has seen strong growth. Overall, more affordable monthly payments may encourage sustained buyer interest without overheating the market.

Refinancing a mortgage involves replacing an existing home loan with a new one, often to take advantage of lower interest rates, alter loan terms, access equity, or consolidate debt. Key steps include choosing the type of refinance, finding a lender, gathering documents, fixing the interest rate, undergoing underwriting, and closing the deal. Ideal times to refinance include when interest rates drop significantly, your credit score improves, or you want to change loan terms. However, refinancing may not be beneficial during high rates or if closing costs outweigh savings. Continue to full article

Phoenix home values are predicted to soften further in 2026. Buyer demand in Phoenix may shift toward smaller, affordable homes. Phoenix investors may anticipate slower profit margins next year. Phoenix’s cooling trend is expected to continue into mid-2026. More Phoenix sellers may adjust pricing to attract cautious buyers.

Median household income: ~$81,486 Typical tax burden: ~$18,501 Essential expenditures: ~$32,808 Median home sale price: ~$446,900 Time to save for 10% down payment: ~15-yr

A new year arrives with fresh goals, bold ideas, and the momentum to turn today’s plans into tomorrow’s lasting success. 2026 begins with opportunity ahead, inviting smarter decisions, renewed focus, and confidence to shape what comes next. Happy New Year 2026, a time to celebrate progress, embrace change, and move forward with optimism, purpose, and clarity.

Securing a lower mortgage rate depends on factors like credit score, down payment size, employment history, and debt-to-income ratio. To improve your chances, focus on enhancing your credit score by making timely payments, reducing debt, and maintaining a low credit utilization ratio. Save for a substantial down payment, build a consistent employment history, and maintain a positive debt-to-income ratio. Additionally, explore different loan types, consider paying mortgage points, and compare quotes from multiple lenders to find the best rates. Continue to full article

To exit a reverse mortgage, consider these five options: 1. **Right of Rescission**: Cancel the loan within 3 days of closing without penalty. 2. **Sell the House**: Use sale proceeds to pay off the loan; any excess remains with you. 3. **Pay It Back**: Repay the loan using personal funds, either in a lump sum or through a payment plan. 4. **Refinance**: Change to a reverse mortgage with better terms if interest rates have dropped or home value has increased. 5. **New Loan**: Refinance into a conventional loan, allowing for monthly payments and preserving home equity. Continue to full article

Monitoring household budgets is crucial, especially with rising costs. Even fixed-rate mortgage payments can fluctuate due to property taxes and homeowners insurance. Homeowners can explore options to lower payments, such as shopping for insurance, removing private mortgage insurance (PMI), appealing property tax assessments, or recasting loans. Refinancing from an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed rate or obtaining a lower interest rate can also help reduce monthly payments. Saving money is beneficial at any financial stage. Continue to full article

The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them, and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.Popular modern customs include gift-giving and the display of various holiday decorations.Here's wishing you Happy Holidays! May the good times and treasures of the present become the golden memories of tomorrow. We hope you have a safe and relaxing holiday season.Happy Holidays!

Financial fears deter many renters from buying homes, often due to limited credit knowledge. First-time buyers can improve mortgage chances by reducing debt, cleaning credit reports, avoiding new credit, increasing down payments, and preparing documents early. Anticipate closing costs, choose the right loan type, beware of misleading low rates, negotiate home prices, and maintain a cash reserve of three months' salary for financial stability. Continue to full article

Choosing the right mortgage broker is crucial for securing the best deal when buying or refinancing a home. Key tips include asking for local recommendations, checking online reviews, verifying licensing through the SAFE Act and NMLS, and assessing communication and expertise. A good broker listens to your needs, offers personalized options, and has strong lender relationships. Always shop around, ask about fees, rate locks, and request references to ensure a smooth mortgage process. Continue to full article

Western real estate markets are expected to stabilize or see moderate growth in 2026, with cities like Denver, Northern Colorado, Boise, Vegas, Phoenix, and Tucson showing positive trends. California faces challenges due to limited supply and affordability. Underbuilt markets and steady job growth support new home demand, while land shortages and rising costs may impact builders. Opportunities lie in addressing product gaps and targeted development. Continue to full article