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2026 Mortgage Rate Outlook — What Homebuyers Should Expect This Year
A new year brings new market dynamics, and understanding where mortgage rates may be headed can help you make confident, strategic decisions in 2026. Here’s what experts are watching closely this year: Economic Performance & Inflation Trends Mortgage rates often move with inflation. If inflation continues to cool, buyers may see more favorable rate opportunities throughout the year. Housing Demand Levels Strong demand can keep pressure on home prices. Staying informed on mark

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Jan 51 min read


New Year, New Home — Steps to Get Mortgage-Ready in 30 Days
If buying a new home is part of your 2026 goals, you can make major progress in just one month. With the right plan, you’ll be financially prepared, confident, and ready to move when the perfect home appears. Here’s your simple 30-day roadmap: Week 1: Organize Your Finances Gather all essential documents — bank statements, tax returns, W-2s/1099s, pay stubs, and a list of your assets and debts. Having everything ready speeds up the process and eliminates delays later. Week 2:

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Jan 11 min read


Preparing for 2026 — Mortgage Trends to Watch as the Year Comes to a Close
As 2025 winds down, many buyers and homeowners are already looking ahead to what 2026 may bring. The mortgage landscape continues to shift—as it always does—but early indicators are already giving us clues about what to expect. Whether you're planning to buy, refinance, or simply improve your financial readiness, understanding these trends now will empower you to make smarter, more strategic decisions in the new year. Here are the major trends shaping the 2026 mortgage outloo

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Dec 30, 20252 min read


Is Buying a Home Your 2026 Resolution? Here’s How to Make It Happen
If homeownership is part of your 2026 vision board, now is the perfect time to start laying the groundwork. With the right strategy and mindset, you can turn your resolution into a real set of keys in your hand. Here’s how to prepare effectively and make your homebuying goal a reality: 1. Know Your Numbers A strong financial foundation begins with understanding where you stand today.Take time to review: Your credit score and credit history Income and employment stability Debt

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Dec 29, 20252 min read


Why January is One of the Best Times to Buy a Home?
January often gets overlooked as a prime month for home shopping — but smart buyers know it’s one of the best times to start the process. With the holiday rush behind us and the spring market still weeks away, January gives homebuyers a unique edge. Here’s why starting your home search early in the year can put you ahead: ✓ Motivated Sellers Ready for Quick Closings Homeowners listing in January typically want to move fast — whether due to job changes, relocation, or financia

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Dec 15, 20252 min read


Year-End Review — What 2025 Taught Us About the Mortgage Market
As 2025 comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to step back and reflect on what this year revealed about the mortgage and housing market. From stabilizing interest rates to a shift in buyer strategies, 2025 brought key changes that will impact anyone planning to buy, refinance, or invest in 2026. Understanding these lessons gives you a major advantage — because when you know what shaped the market this year, you can better prepare for what’s ahead. Here are the biggest takeaw

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Dec 15, 20252 min read


Holiday Homebuyer Guide — How to Secure a Home During the Festive Season
Most people slow down during the holidays — wrapping gifts, traveling, or simply taking a break. But what many don’t realize is that December is one of the most strategic months to buy a home , especially if you're planning to begin 2026 settled into a fresh new space. If you’re serious about becoming a homeowner, the festive season can work in your favor . With less competition and more motivated sellers, buyers often find better deals and a smoother overall process during t

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Dec 8, 20252 min read


Year-End Mortgage Checklist: What Homebuyers Should Do Before 2026
As 2025 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at your financial readiness—especially if homeownership, refinancing, or major real estate moves are on your 2026 vision board. The final weeks of the year offer a strategic window to review your finances, strengthen your credit, and position yourself for the best possible loan options. The more prepared you are now, the smoother and more successful your mortgage journey will be in 2026. Here are the most i

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Dec 4, 20253 min read


Why You Don't Want To Skip Your Home Inspection
When you finally find the home you want to buy, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. You’ve toured the place, imagined your furniture in it, maybe even pictured your morning coffee on the porch. The last thing you want is to slow down the process with more steps or lose out to another buyer’s offer because they skipped their inspection. But here’s the thing. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. And no matter how perfect that house

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Jul 28, 20253 min read


Good News for Homebuyers: More Listings Mean More Opportunities
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the right moment to jump back into the home search — this might be it. Over the past...

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Jul 21, 20252 min read


Things To Avoid After You Apply for a Mortgage
You've submitted your mortgage application—congratulations! You're one big step closer to homeownership. But while it may feel like the...

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Jul 14, 20252 min read


Pre-Approval Isn’t Commitment – It’s Clarity
Let’s be real — you don’t have to be ready to buy a house today to start preparing for it. In fact, one of the smartest steps you can...

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Jul 7, 20252 min read


If the Asking Price Isn’t Compelling, It’s Not Selling — Here’s What You Need to Know
As a mortgage loan officer, I often get a behind-the-scenes look at why some homes sit on the market while others fly off within days....

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Jun 30, 20252 min read


Why Buying a Home Now Is Your Winning Play
Why Buying a Home Now Is Your Winning Play You may be sitting on the sidelines wondering if it’s better to buy now or wait. But buying...

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Feb 10, 20252 min read


Downsizing for Retirement: Unlocking Your Home’s Equity to Secure Your Future
As retirement approaches, it’s time to start thinking about what your next chapter will look like. One of the most important aspects of a...

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Feb 4, 20253 min read


Why You Should Stop Waiting for the Perfect Housing Market
It’s tempting to wait for the “perfect moment” to make a move in today’s housing market. Maybe you’re hoping mortgage rates will drop, or...

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Jan 27, 20252 min read


2025 Housing Market Forecast: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
The housing market in 2025 is shaping up to be an interesting year for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. Based on expert projections,...

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Jan 20, 20252 min read


How Much Home Equity Have You Gained? The Answer Might Surprise You
As a homeowner, one of the most powerful financial tools at your disposal is your home equity. Equity represents the difference between...

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Jan 14, 20254 min read


New Year, New Home: Why 2025 is the Perfect Time to Buy a Home
As we welcome 2025 with fresh goals and aspirations, many of us are thinking about significant life changes. For some, it’s about...

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Jan 6, 20252 min read


Is Mortgage Refinancing Right for You? Exploring Your Options with The Home Loan Expert
As a homeowner, you may find yourself contemplating the idea of mortgage refinancing as a means to improve your financial standing....

URLocalLender The Frater Team
Apr 19, 20242 min read
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