“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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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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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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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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Making the Best of a Bad Situation: A Thought on Tariffs, Inflation, and Consumption
This week, I’m drawing musical inspiration from Ray Stevens’ 1986 hit “Makin’ the Best of a Bad Situation.” The reason? The growing concern among economists and media pundits regarding the potential inflationary impact of tariffs scheduled to take effect later this summer.
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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
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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.
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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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