The Mortgage Rate You See Online Isn’t Necessarily the One You’d Get.


You may have seen the headlines saying mortgage rates have climbed to the highest point since January 2025. And if that's left you reluctant to buy a home, here's what you need to remember… 
That's not necessarily the number you'd get. 
It's a common misconception that the rate you see in the headlines is the same one you'd get when you buy. The truth is, mortgage rates shift often, and the rate you actually end up with can vary a lot from what you may see or hear about. 
What Determines Your Real Rate? 
Advertised rates and “real rates” aren’t always the same. That’s because real rates are based on your specific situation, which includes your overall finances and goals. The rates you see in the headlines can’t possibly reflect that. 
That’s why only a lender can tell you what your real rate will be. To figure out your unique ...

Selling This Fall? You Want To Get These 4 Things Right.


Selling your house this fall is absolutely doable. But there’s something you need to know about this time of year. 
Buyer activity typically starts to slow while the number of homes for sale climb – and you need the right strategy to get attention in this type of market.
The good news? There’s a lot you can control.
From how you price and present your house to how you negotiate and respond to feedback. Here are four things you’ll want to get right this fall. 
#1: Price To Get Buyers’ Attention
In the fall, there are typically fewer buyers looking and more homes for them to choose from. So, you want to make the most of every buyer who comes across your house.
And your price is one of the first things that can make them stop and take a closer look – or keep scrolling. 
That’s why this isn’t the time to start high “just to see what happens.”
If ...

Data Centers Are Moving Closer to Homes. What Does That Mean for You?


Data centers probably weren't on your list of things to think about when buying or selling a home.
School districts? Sure. How close you are to family? Absolutely. A large building full of computer servers down the road? Probably not.
But that may be changing.
Data centers are popping up in more communities across the country. And as they do, buyers and homeowners are starting to wonder what having one nearby could mean for everything from home values to utility bills. So, let's get into what the data actually says. Because there's a lot more nuance here than if they’re “good” or “bad.”
Data Centers Are Showing Up in a Lot More ZIP Codes
According to Realtor.com, back in 2015, only about a dozen ZIP codes had a large data center. But by the first half of 2026, that number had climbed to more than 100 – and it's projected to rise even further by the end of the year (see ...

Why Buyers Shouldn't Overlook a Fall Move


You've been waiting for something to change before you buy. It just might not be the thing you expected…
While everyone’s paying attention to mortgage rates, only the savviest buyers know that the changing season can start tipping things in their favor. 
Because every fall, buyers tend to get more to choose from, better prices, and more room to negotiate. And that’s why Hannah Jones, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, says:
“We always see that the best time to buy window usually falls in the early fall around October.”
And that’s exactly why, if you've been waiting for a better moment to buy, this season may be worth a closer look – even with rates where they are.
1. There Are More Homes To Choose From
One of the biggest frustrations buyers have had over the past few years has been a lack of choices. Fall tends to help with that.
Based on seasonal trends, Realtor.com data shows there a ...

Thinking About Tapping into Your 401(k) To Buy a Home? Read This First.


Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home. Maybe you've caught the buzz and wondered whether that money could get you into a home faster, especially with affordability as tough as it is. 
Here’s what you need to remember. Pulling from your retirement savings is a big decision, so take time to weigh all your options first and be sure to talk with a financial expert before you do anything.
Why Dipping into a 401(k) Can Be Tempting
Data from Empower shows many Americans have built up considerable retirement savings. The median 401(k) amount for anyone in their 40s-60s is six figures (see graph below):
And when you've got a good chunk saved and your dream home is right there, reaching for it can feel like an easy call.
But dipping into your retirement savings to buy a home could cost you a penalty and set back your finance ...