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
Learn More
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
This Week’s Market Reflection: Inspired by The Grateful Dead
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.
Learn More
This Week’s Market Reflection: Inspired by Timbuc 3
Despite today’s employment report showing a slight decline in the unemployment rate to 4.1% (down from 4.2%) and non-farm payrolls increasing by 147,000, markets responded with a marginal uptick in interest rates.
Learn More
This Week’s Market Reflection: Inspired by the Bangles “Walk Like An Egyptian”
Over the years, I’ve observed two markedly different approaches to selling real estate—resale properties versus new construction—and it may be time for resale sellers to start “selling like a builder.”
Learn More
This Week’s Market Reflection: Inspired by Styx’s “Mr. Roboto”
This week’s musical inspiration is drawn from the 1983 Styx hit, “Mr. Roboto.” The iconic opening lyric— “Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto,” or “Thank you very much” in Japanese—serves as an ironic backdrop for interpreting recent policy commentary from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and his colleagues.
Learn More
Driving Until You Qualify
This week’s musical inspiration comes from Willie Nelson’s iconic 1980 country hit On the Road Again. The song captures the feeling of constant travel—an increasingly relevant theme for many aspiring homeowners
Learn More
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.
Learn More