Keep On Knocking….But You Can’t Come In…
Last week, the bond market looked like it was knocking on Heaven’s door. This morning? That door appears to have installed a deadbolt, a chain lock, and possibly a security camera.
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Rates Edge to Lowest Levels in Three Years… But Don’t Pop the Champagne Yet
Mortgage rates drifted modestly lower this week, with the average 30-year fixed settling near 5.99%, typically accompanied by 0.50–0.75 discount points. Yes, that technically places us below the psychologically stubborn 6% threshold.
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Now This Would Solve Home Purchase Affordability
Every once in a while, a policy idea comes along that doesn’t just nudge the affordability needle — it grabs it by the collar, shakes it violently, and says: “Let’s fix this.”
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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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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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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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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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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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“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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Should I Stay or Should I Go
This week’s inspiration comes from the 1982 hit Should I Stay or Should I Go by The Clash—a fitting question for many people currently weighing whether to continue renting or take the leap into homeownership.
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