The blog / Ed Parcaut
Homeownership. Real estate. The decisions behind your next chapter. Practical perspective from Ed.
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Worried about another housing crash? Lending standards offer an important point of comparison. Here is how mortgage credit availability changed after the housing bubble, what the index measures, and how to put those differences in perspective.
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Mortgage rates and economic uncertainty can make buying a home feel complicated. Looking at historical home price growth, regional differences and the alternative of renting can help you think beyond the immediate decision.
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Selling your home without an agent means taking on more than the listing. From preparation and pricing to paperwork and negotiations, understand the responsibilities of selling on your own before deciding which path to take.
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Your credit score helps lenders evaluate your mortgage application and can affect your rate. Learn what score ranges mean, where to focus your credit efforts, and why a lender’s review matters more than a single number.
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Energy efficiency and eco-friendly features can make your home more appealing to buyers. Learn which features buyers value, what upgrades to discuss with your agent, and how to highlight improvements you have already made.
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A falling median sales price does not necessarily mean individual homes are losing value. Learn how the mix of homes sold, mortgage affordability and different reporting methods can tell different stories about home prices.
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A 20% down payment is not always required to buy a home. Learn what the original research says, explore low and no down payment options, and build a savings plan around the loan and assistance programs you may qualify for.
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A decline in homeowner equity does not tell the whole story. Learn why the amount remaining matters, how to put national figures in context, and what to review before making plans for your home.
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Mortgage rates matter when you sell and buy another home, but they are not the whole decision. A job change, growing household, retirement or health concern may make a move worth considering. Start with what you need, then weigh the financial fit.
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Home price headlines can seem contradictory because they compare different time periods. Learn how year-over-year and month-over-month data work, why both matter, and what to check before making a buying or selling decision.
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Mortgage rates on existing loans and homeowner equity help explain the housing market’s underlying strength. Here’s how those two fundamentals support homeowners and why the original analysis drew a contrast with 2008.
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Mortgage rates are influenced by more than the Treasury yield. Learn how mortgage-backed securities, investor risk and the spread between rates help explain why borrowing costs rise and what could allow them to ease.
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