All posts by George Duarte

From Divorce to Fresh Starts, the Mortgage Paths No One Talks About

When people think about getting a mortgage, the story usually sounds the same, young couple, starter home, perfect timing. But real life does not always follow that script. The truth is, many people come to the mortgage process in the middle of a major life change. Divorce, job loss, rebuilding credit, or starting over later in life, these chapters are real, and so are the mortgage paths that come with them.

Why Getting Pre-Approved Feels So Intimidating, and Why It Shouldn’t

For many people, the idea of getting pre-approved for a mortgage feels overwhelming. You are asked to hand over personal financial information, trust a stranger with your credit report, and answer questions you may not feel ready to face. It is no wonder some buyers delay this step, even when they are serious about purchasing a home.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 4th, 2025

There were several notable releases this last week, with the largest being the PCE Index — the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator. The PCE Index may be the more accurate indicator going forward, as data collection for the Consumer Price Index has been recently cut, thereby reducing its reliability. As expected, the inflation numbers have been steadily rising with the PCE Index, indicating that impacts from the tariffs are now filtering into prices for both producers and consumers.

As a follow up, Personal Income & Spending has had a light upturn after the initial panic with the tariffs. Lastly, the job numbers from last week have been unexpectedly weak, showing a slow down of the economy overall due to many factors.

Should You Get a Mortgage If You Plan to Move Soon?

Deciding to buy a home when you know you might move within a few years can be a challenging choice. Many people wonder if it makes financial sense to take on a mortgage if they will not live in the property long term. The answer depends on several factors, including your personal goals, market conditions, and your financial situation.

How to Remove PMI Without Refinancing

Private mortgage insurance, or PMI, is often required when a homebuyer makes a down payment of less than twenty percent. While PMI helps lenders reduce risk, it adds extra cost to your monthly mortgage payment. The good news is that you may be able to remove PMI without refinancing your loan. Understanding the options available can help you save money and accelerate building equity in your home.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 28th, 2025

Very little was released this week due to the major inflation data releases from the previous week. The Leading Economic Index was the most significant–and only–impactful release this week, showing a further decline in overall sentiment about the current economic situation. The majority of the decline was caused largely driven by expectations for business conditions. The decline was faster than expected, enough to warrant continued monitoring of the Leading Economic Index going forward.

How to Determine Your Ideal Monthly Mortgage Payment

Buying a home is one of the most exciting financial decisions you will ever make, but understanding what you can comfortably afford each month is essential for long-term success. Your ideal monthly mortgage payment should not just fit within your budget today, but also allow for financial flexibility and security in the future.

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