Everyone loves the idea of lower mortgage rates—and for good reason. A lower rate means a lower monthly payment and more buying power. But here’s the part that often gets overlooked: when mortgage rates fall, home prices often rise. And sometimes, those rising prices can cancel out the benefit of a lower rate. This creates…
Let’s face it—everyone wants to know when mortgage rates will drop. Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing an existing loan, or just watching from the sidelines, it’s tempting to wait for the “perfect” rate. But here’s the truth: no one can predict how low mortgage rates will go, not even the experts. That’s because…
Over the past week, there has been a lot of noise around mortgage rates. Headlines moved fast, social media lit up, and many buyers and homeowners were left wondering the same thing: “Are rates finally coming down?” The short answer, as of mid-January, is no. Mortgage rates are essentially unchanged. Last week, President Trump made…
Everyone dreams of buying a home at just the right moment—when prices are low, rates are perfect, and the competition has cooled off. The reality? Perfect timing in real estate is nearly impossible. What you can do is focus on the practical factors that tell you when it’s the right time for you to buy,…
On September 17th, 2025, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates—a move that had many people instantly thinking mortgage rates would drop too. But if you’ve been watching this closely, you know it doesn’t work that way. In fact, this exact scenario played out before. Back in June and again in September of 2024, everyone expected…
If you’re on the hunt for a home in Sonoma County, you might have noticed listings aren’t flying off the shelves as quickly as they were—yet the pace is still brisk. In May 2025, homes typically went pending in about 37 days, about six days longer than last year. That extra time isn’t just a…
What Happens If Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Go Private? The housing market as we know it is built on a critical but often overlooked foundation: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These two government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) have been in federal conservatorship since 2008, following the financial crisis, and they remain under the oversight of the…
Why Chasing a Lower Mortgage Rate Can Backfire When buying a home, it’s natural to want the lowest mortgage rate possible. But sometimes, chasing a slightly better rate from another lender—especially after your offer has already been accepted—can backfire in a big way. Real-World Scenario You’ve got an offer accepted on a house. You’re working…