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There’s a promising proposal on the horizon that could make mortgage relief a bit less complicated for homeowners. Instead of creating a separate interest-free lien when missed-payment assistance is needed, FHA is considering a change that would keep repayment documentation within the homeowner’s existing insured loan. Why does this matter? When it comes time to sell, refinance, assume, or transfer property, a separate lien often means more paperwork, title questions, and an extra step to coordinate payoff—potential hurdles for both buyers and sellers.

The proposed approach would still require repayment, but it could make the process smoother by removing the need to resolve a subordinate second lien. As an agent who believes in seamless, informed transactions, I always recommend discussing any past mortgage relief with your sellers early on, and looping in the title company and lender before any title issues arise.

If approved, this demonstration program would run for five years and apply to standalone claims, modifications, or payment supplements, with comments open until September 3. My commitment remains to help clients navigate every step with clarity and confidence—so you can focus on your goals, not unnecessary complications.

Slide 1
Experts predict mortgage rates will hover around mid-6% through most of 2026.

Slide 2
Fannie Mae forecasts 6.5% by end-2025, easing to 6.1% by end-2026.

Slide 3
MBA and NAR project 6.7% by late 2025, gradually dipping to 6.0–6.5% in 2026.

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NAHB sees 6.6% now, moving slowly down to 6.32% next year.

Slide 5
Deloitte and Goldman Sachs tie rates to Treasury yields, expecting 6.0–6.2% for 2026.

US mortgage application volume stayed nearly flat recently, as steady borrowing costs gave both buyers and refinancers little fresh incentive to make a move.
Purchase activity led the slowdown, with applications ↓2% on a seasonally adjusted basis and ↓3% unadjusted from the previous reading across the US.
Refinance activity provided limited support, with the index ↑2% and the refinance share near 42%, while larger-balance borrowers remained less likely to act.
Affordability pressures and economic uncertainty pushed some buyers to delay decisions, although VA applications offered a modest bright spot as their share hit 12.6%.
Mortgage pricing changed little, and with the 30-yr conforming rate near 7% and no central bank rate cuts expected through 2026, patience remained key.

When it comes to selling a home, transparency is key to building trust and ensuring a smooth transaction for everyone involved. Sellers are generally required to disclose any known structural issues—think foundation, roof, wall, or other component problems—that might impact a property’s value or appeal. Details like past water damage, any history with mold, or previous encounters with termites, rodents, or other pests are important for buyers to know before they commit to moving forward with confidence.

If your home was built before 1978, federal law mandates disclosing any lead-based paint, and it’s equally important to report the presence of asbestos, radon, or other environmental hazards. Sellers should also be upfront about major repairs, renovations, unpermitted work, or known defects in HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, or appliances—these disclosures help buyers truly understand the condition of the property they’re considering.

Because every state has its own requirements, it’s wise to lean on a trusted real estate professional or attorney to make sure you’re meeting all obligations and minimizing legal risk after the sale. My approach to real estate is rooted in integrity and open communication, guiding clients through these essential steps so you can make informed decisions and feel secure every step of the way.

As a real estate professional, I know how vital a clear, accurate credit report is when you’re preparing to buy a home. If you spot an error on your report, you don’t need to rely on outside help—there are straightforward steps you can take yourself. Start by reaching out directly to the company that reported the mistake—this could be a bank, lender, landlord, or creditor. Provide your full name, address, phone number, report confirmation number, a detailed list of the disputed items, supporting documentation, and a clear request for correction. Sending this information by certified mail helps ensure your request is tracked.

By law, the company must investigate within 30 days. If the information is incorrect or cannot be verified, they’re required to fix or remove it and alert all three credit bureaus. Should the company stand by their report, you have the right to add your own explanation to your credit file. Remember, you can also dispute items directly with the credit bureaus—online, by mail, or by phone. For those affected by identity theft, federal resources are available. Credit bureaus may reject frivolous disputes, but they must provide an explanation within five business days.

Protecting your interests means staying proactive—review your credit reports every year to catch and resolve issues early. An accurate credit history can be one of your strongest assets on the path to homeownership.

Recent data shows US apartment vacancy eased to about 8% in late Q2 2026, but it’s important to look beneath the surface. Most of this improvement comes from new communities quickly leasing up, rather than stronger performance across established properties. Quarterly absorption reached around 164,000 units, topping the 118,000 new units delivered. Yet, stabilized properties still experienced a national vacancy increase of roughly 35 basis points year-over-year. High-end four- and five-star apartments captured nearly 70% of overall demand, and while this segment’s overall vacancy improved, stabilized luxury properties are finding it tougher to backfill. The national gap between overall and stabilized vacancy widened to about 50 basis points, highlighting how much new lease-ups are driving results while older properties feel ongoing leasing pressure. Looking ahead, headline vacancy rates may keep improving, but many existing apartment communities could continue to face challenges into 2027 as operators focus on retention, creative incentives, and repositioning strategies. As someone committed to guiding clients through complex market shifts, I stay focused on providing honest advice and tailored strategies to help you navigate these evolving opportunities—whether you’re considering an investment, a new purchase, or the sale of a long-held property.