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General

Rates Did What?

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) met for its sixth of eight scheduled meetings this year and, as widely expected, reduced the benchmark federal funds rate by a quarter point.

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General

Last Call: The Buyer’s Market May Be Closing

This week’s inspiration comes from Semisonic’s 1998 hit Closing Time. Much like the final call at a bar, prospective homebuyers may soon face the end of a rare window of opportunity.

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General

The Fed Cut 2025

The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate by 0.25% at Wednesday’s meeting, a move fully anticipated by markets.

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A family in the front yard of their new home. A for sale sign next to them with a sold sign places over it.
General

Don’t Stop Believing: Homeownership May Be Closer Than You Think…

This week’s inspiration comes from Journey’s 1981 anthem Don’t Stop Believin’. For many first-time homebuyers, the song’s title captures both the challenge and the hope of entering today’s housing market.

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Carol Ann from Poltergeist II on the phone.
General

“They’re Back… Again”: The Return of No-Down Payment Loans

Normally, I draw inspiration for these articles from rock music, but today I turn to a classic film from 1986—Poltergeist II: The Other Side.

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General

This Week’s Market Reflection: A Beautiful Day for Housing and the Economy

Inspired by U2’s 2000 hit “Beautiful Day,” this week’s economic outlook carries a similar message: after three turbulent years, the horizon is finally brightening. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has pushed past the 45,000 mark

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General

40-Year Mortgages: Why Not?

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is an American institution—so ingrained in our housing finance system that many assume it has always existed. In reality, this product emerged in the mid-1930s to early 1940s, largely as part of New Deal

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General

Don’t Be Fooled Again: The Illusion of Improved Affordability in Atlanta’s Housing Market

Let’s turn back the clock to July 30, 2023. In Metro Atlanta, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was hovering just below 7%. Industry forecasts were awash with optimism. We were told rates would be falling soon—perhaps below 6% by year-end.

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General

This Week’s Market Reflection: Inspired by BTO Taking Care of Business

As many of you know, after seven rewarding years with BankSouth, I joined forces with Jeff Zulauf—one of the top-producing mortgage professionals in Georgia—to launch the Aiken Zulauf Mortgage Group, powered by CrossCountry Mortgage.

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General

This Week’s Market Reflection: Inspired by Guns N’ Roses – Patience

Despite a recent stream of economic data suggesting a decelerating economy, easing inflation, and subtle signs of softening in the labor market, last Thursday’s employment report delivered a sobering reality check.

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