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Home Loan News..


Why Mondays Matter More Than You Think: Small Actions, Big Mortgage Wins
The start of the week sets the tone for everything that follows — in business, in markets, and in mortgage results. While most people see Monday as a reset, the best loan officers and buyers use it as a launch pad . Market Update Rates remain stable in the mid-6% range this week. Volatility has cooled as inflation data continues to show slow improvement. That stability has kept buyers cautiously active and given sellers more time to negotiate. The result: a balanced market —

Michael Belfor
2 hours ago1 min read


Loan Assumption: Transferring Mortgage Responsibility
A loan assumption occurs when a homebuyer takes over the seller’s existing mortgage instead of securing a new loan. This process can be beneficial for buyers, especially when interest rates have risen since the original loan was taken out. With a loan assumption, the buyer can take advantage of the seller’s lower interest rate, potentially saving a significant amount over the life of the loan. One of the key benefits of loan assumptions is the potential for lower monthly paym

Michael Belfor
23 hours ago2 min read


Jobs Are Weakening, the Fed Is Watching — and Mortgage Rates Are Holding Steady
Interest rates have remained unexpectedly stable this week, even as more data points to a softening labor market and an extended federal government shutdown. The Challenger Job Cuts Report showed 153,000 layoffs in October — up 183% from last month and nearly triple last year’s number. Private-sector data from Revelio Labs echoed the slowdown, showing roughly 9,000 fewer jobs in October, largely from government and tech sectors. Despite these weak readings, mortgage rates bar

Michael Belfor
3 days ago1 min read


Market Wrap: Why Rates Are Settling and Confidence Is Rising
Mortgage rates stayed steady through the first week of November, landing around the mid-6% range. With inflation reports trending in the right direction and bond yields softening, buyers have reason to feel encouraged again. Why It Matters Stability builds confidence. For months, volatility has kept many people on the sidelines. Now, calm conditions are giving prepared buyers the upper hand. Opportunity Ahead Lower rate locks this week for well-qualified borrowers Sellers sti

Michael Belfor
3 days ago1 min read


The Power of Transparency: How Clear Numbers Build Real Confidence
In uncertain markets, the loudest voices usually aren’t the most helpful.Confidence doesn’t come from hype — it comes from honesty. Why Transparency Wins When clients see real numbers, the fear fades.They stop guessing, start planning, and make better decisions.That’s how trust is built — through clarity, not comfort. A borrower who understands their true payment at 6.625%, their refinance break-even at 5.75%, and their total savings with a 2/1 buydown isn’t anxious. They’re

Michael Belfor
4 days ago1 min read


Starting a Testimonial Corner: Sharing Client Success Stories
Creating a testimonial corner on your blog is an excellent way to showcase the positive experiences of your clients and build credibility for your mortgage services. Client testimonials provide social proof of your expertise and reliability, and they offer potential clients insights into what they can expect when working with you. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to start a testimonial corner, gather client stories, and effectively showcase their feedback. Why Start a Tes

Michael Belfor
6 days ago2 min read


Clarity Over Chaos: The Real Advantage in Today’s Market
When markets get noisy, fear gets louder. Buyers freeze, agents stress, and headlines try their hardest to convince everyone that the sky is falling.But here’s the truth: chaos only controls the people who don’t have clarity. Why Clarity Matters People don’t need hype — they need a plan.They don’t need predictions — they need numbers.They don’t need pressure — they need peace. When someone understands their buying power, their payment, and their strategy, the noise loses its

Michael Belfor
6 days ago1 min read


November Momentum: The Month That Rewards Consistency
November always tests consistency. The distractions grow, the year feels long, and it’s easy to lose focus before the finish line. But this is exactly when momentum matters most. The Market Outlook Rates remain steady, hovering in the mid-6% range. Buyers who start early this month could close before the holidays — giving them both tax advantages and peace of mind heading into 2026. Meanwhile, agents who keep prospecting and nurturing relationships through year-end are buildi

Michael Belfor
Nov 31 min read


Biweekly Payment Mortgages: Accelerating Loan Repayment
A biweekly payment mortgage is a strategy that allows borrowers to make payments every two weeks instead of once a month. By making half of a monthly mortgage payment every two weeks, homeowners make the equivalent of 13 full monthly payments each year, instead of the standard 12. This extra payment can help accelerate the repayment of the mortgage and save money on interest over time. One of the biggest advantages of a biweekly payment mortgage is that it reduces the total i

Michael Belfor
Nov 22 min read


Why Waiting for Perfect Rates Can Cost More Than You Think
Mortgage rates have held steady through most of October, with 30-year fixed rates hovering in the mid-6% range. Many buyers are sitting on the sidelines, hoping for a “perfect” rate drop before jumping in. But what most don’t realize is that waiting often ends up costing more — even if rates move slightly lower later on. The Math Behind “Waiting It Out” Let’s take a simple example.A buyer looking at a $700,000 home today with 10% down at 6.5% has a principal and interest paym

Michael Belfor
Oct 312 min read


A Simple Checklist for Buyers Moving to a New State
Moving to a new state can be exciting but also challenging, especially when it comes to updating your address. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help ensure a smooth transition and make sure you don’t miss any important updates. 1. Update Your Address with the Postal Service Submit a Change of Address Form: Fill out the USPS change of address form online or at your local post office. This will forward your mail to your new address and help you avoid missing important docume

Michael Belfor
Oct 303 min read


The Fed Cut Rates — So Why Did Mortgage Rates Move the Other Way?
This afternoon, the Federal Reserve announced a quarter-point rate cut , bringing its benchmark rate down by 0.25%. Markets expected this move — but what caught everyone’s attention was what came next. During the press conference, Fed Chair Jerome Powell struck a cautious tone, saying that while the economy is cooling, the Fed will base future rate cuts on data rather than setting a preset path. In other words, no promises for additional cuts yet. At first, bonds improved sli

Michael Belfor
Oct 291 min read


Exploring Pet-Friendly Areas in Your City
When moving to a new city, pet owners often have specific needs and preferences regarding pet-friendly amenities and services. From dog parks to veterinary services, finding the right resources can significantly enhance the quality of life for pets and their owners. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the key pet-friendly areas and services in your city, helping potential new residents find the best options for their furry friends. Pet-Friendly Amenities and Services Dog

Michael Belfor
Oct 292 min read


Consistency & Cost Control for Homebuyers
Mortgage rates have hovered in a tight range this month, with most 30-year fixed loans settling near the mid-6s. While many buyers are waiting for rates to fall further, those who stay engaged now are finding better opportunities — fewer bidding wars, more seller credits, and flexible negotiations. Why Consistency Still Wins The most successful buyers stay active during slower weeks. Checking updated pre-approvals, refreshing credit scores, and revisiting payment goals keeps

Michael Belfor
Oct 291 min read


TIPS FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS II: Interviewing Recent Sellers- Lessons Learned and Feedback
Just as interviewing recent buyers can provide valuable insights, speaking with recent sellers offers an opportunity to understand their experiences in the home-selling process. By gathering feedback from those who have recently sold their homes, you can uncover both the successes and challenges they faced, helping you improve your services and better assist future clients. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of interviewing recent sellers and highlight key themes f

Michael Belfor
Oct 283 min read


Sunday Reset: Work from Rest, Not Rest from Work
Sunday isn’t about what you produce — it’s about what you protect. Peace, faith, family, and gratitude are fuel for every decision you make during the week. Rest is the space where God restores your clarity, your creativity, and your courage. If you’ve been grinding nonstop, take this as permission to pause. You don’t lose momentum when you rest — you strengthen it. Jesus modeled rest on purpose. He stepped away from crowds to pray, to think, to realign with His mission. You

Michael Belfor
Oct 271 min read


Down Payment Grants: Government-Funded Assistance
Down payment grants are a form of financial assistance provided by government programs to help homebuyers cover the upfront costs of purchasing a home. These grants are typically aimed at first-time homebuyers or low- to moderate-income buyers, and unlike loans, they do not need to be repaid. This makes down payment grants an attractive option for those who need help affording a home but don’t want to take on additional debt. One of the main benefits of down payment grants is

Michael Belfor
Oct 262 min read


Mortgage Credit Certificates: Tax Benefits for Homeowners
A Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) is a tax credit program that allows eligible homebuyers to reduce their federal income tax liability based on the interest they pay on their mortgage. The MCC program is typically offered to first-time homebuyers through state or local housing agencies, and it provides a way to make homeownership more affordable by lowering your overall tax burden. One of the biggest advantages of an MCC is that it allows you to claim a percentage of your m

Michael Belfor
Oct 252 min read


Saturday Strategy: Prepare Before the Door Open
Saturday is the day preparation meets opportunity. Too often, buyers spend weekends “browsing,” not realizing that the best homes go under contract while they’re still crunching numbers. Preparation turns the weekend from window-shopping to winning. If you want to buy, get pre-approved first. That one step separates dreamers from doers. It tells sellers, “We’re ready.” Agents, this is your sweet spot. Use today to lead with clarity — not pressure. A buyer who understands thei

Michael Belfor
Oct 251 min read


September CPI Report Brings a Bit of Relief — But Rates Hold Steady
Prices across the economy rose a little slower than expected in September, which is a good sign for anyone hoping to see lower mortgage rates ahead. The latest government report showed that inflation increased 0.3% for the month and 3% over the past year , just slightly less than economists had predicted. “Core” inflation — which leaves out food and gas prices — also came in a little lower than expected. That means prices for most everyday items are no longer rising as fast a

Michael Belfor
Oct 242 min read
Content by The Belfor Team, Mortgage Lender California
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