Rachel's Blog

Mortgage Terminology 101: What Every Home Buyer Should Know

Like any field or industry, a boatload of terms goes hand-in-hand with the mortgage world. For home buyers, it can be an overwhelming process, with unfamiliar terms being flung at you left and right. But just because it can be a lot at once doesn’t mean it has to be. We’ve compiled some of the most commonly used words and phrases that are pertinent to the home buying process. We hope this helps set you up for success as your home loan gets closer to the finish line!

From 2025 to 2026: 5 Real Estate Takeaways for the New Year

January is a time of perspective, a great time for reflecting. Whether it’s for personal or professional goals, many of us ask the same question: what worked and what didn’t work last year? If you’re a prospective homeowner, it’s helpful to ask the same question with the housing industry. You’ll want to know when to seriously dive into the market, how to time any potential rate drops, and begin strategizing your 2026 game plan.

The Perks of Home Buying in the Winter Season

When most people think of the best season to buy a home, summer comes to mind. Likely, there’s an understandable reluctance to moving when there’s snow on the ground. However, is it not worse to move in 80-90 degree heat, with the sun beating down relentlessly while moving heavy boxes and furniture? In the colder season, moving will keep you warm, and you likely won’t be affected by the cold as much as you’d think. There’s also less competition to contend with and more time to work with your agent. And best of all, your negotiation power has much more weight in the winter. Still not convinced? Let’s walk through some of the perks of home buying this winter.

Real Estate Life Lessons from "White Christmas"

A timeless classic of the holiday season, “White Christmas” dropped in 1954, starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. It was the top grossing film that year, and its iconic songs have permeated every winter of the last seven decades, with memorable melodies and important life lessons that resonate with families still to this day. As we near the holidays and close out the year, we want to explore how the life lessons in “White Christmas” can apply to the lives of home buyers and homeowners alike.

The Real Cost of Waiting to Buy a Home

Why Waiting Feels Safe, but Rarely Is For a lot of potential home buyers, waiting feels like the right move.  Prices feel high.  Rates feel uncertain.  Headlines don’t help.  So the instinct is to sit tight and wait for things to improve.

The Gift That Lasts: How to Make a Holiday Impact with HomeFundIt"

Tired of receiving gifts that go unused every year? You might be interested in an alternative gifting method this holiday season. Instead of physical presents, why not receive the gift of homeownership? Through our down payment gifting platform HomeFundIt™, your friends and family can help you take one step closer to becoming a homeowner in the new year.

Market Update: Fed Cuts Rates Again as Policymakers Split on 2026

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) wrapped up its last meeting of the year today, and the big headline is straightforward: the Fed cut its benchmark interest rate by 0.25%. That moves the federal funds rate to roughly 3.50%–3.75%, marking the third cut of 2025. The cut itself was widely expected. What matters more is why they did it, how divided they were, and what that signals for mortgage rates and housing going into next year.

5 Advantages to Buying a Home Before the End of the Year

As the end of the year drifts ever closer, a window of opportunity awaits hopeful home buyers. Like the gleam of the North Star on a winter’s night, the dream of homeownership winks invitingly from the threshold of your future home. It’s true that the final quarter of the year can offer numerous dividends to a winter home buyer than an eager summer house hunter. Below you are five possible advantages for buying a home in the final stretch of the year.

How a Quick Mortgage Review Can Free Up Real Money Each Month

Why a Mortgage Review Matters Right Now A lot of people worry about the cost of groceries or gas but never look at the one bill that actually moves the needle… their mortgage. Spending a few minutes on a mortgage review can create more financial relief than any budgeting trick out there. With rates coming down, home values climbing and debt rising for a lot of families, this is a simple way to make sure you’re in the best place for your overall financial picture.

Get Ahead of the Holidays: Tap Your Home Equity Early

The holidays are full of excitement, but they can also bring financial stress. With Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas approaching, winter expenses can add up quickly, and high-interest debt (like credit card bills) can linger well into the new year. Whether you want to purchase a home or use your home equity to ease expenses, we can help you make this season full of joy. Why don’t we take a gander at the ways that you can make the holidays work for you?

5 Tips on Budgeting for Your First House

One of the most important questions that any burgeoning home buyer can ask is: how much can I actually afford? Once you find the answer, you’ll be well on your way to buying your first home! Next step: create a practical budgeting plan to help you set aside the funds you’ll need to buy a home. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. Here are five simple steps to help you create the perfect home buying budget.

Market Update: Mortgage Rates Get Spooked by Haunting Words

Do you feel that? The chill in the air? Just when mortgage rates were trending around their lowest levels of the year, something made them jump. Now, they’re trending higher, with a classic time warp erasing the gains they had made earlier this week. The culprit? Not a masked monster, but a familiar face…read more to see who’s the source of the spooks.

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