Brandon Garcia3 min read
Deed of Trust Explained: Meaning, Process and Advantages
A deed of trust is a real estate financing document that hands legal title of a property to a neutral third party, called a trustee, who holds it until the…
CapeLens — Savings, CDs & Checking Yield Guide
Brandon Garcia3 min read
Brandon Garcia3 min read
Mortgage Rates Fall to 3 Year Low Amid Iran Conflict Uncertainty
Mortgage rates dipped below 6% for the first time since 2022, then reversed course as the Iran conflict rattled markets. Here is what the swing means for buyers and refinancers.
Derrick Patel3 min read
Starter Homes Hit $1 Million in These US Cities
Starter home prices have crossed $1 million in 233 U.S. metros, up from just 85 in 2020. Here's what that means for what buyers actually need to earn.
Brandon Garcia5 min read
Mortgage Rates Forecast: Will They Fall Through 2026?
Mortgage rates rose after the Fed's latest cut, not fell, again. Here's why the two don't move together, what forecasters expect through 2026, and what it means for buyers weighing…
Jorge Hernandez5 min read
Mortgage Payments: What Percentage of Income Should You Spend?
The 28/36 rule caps mortgage spending at 28% of income, but with rates near 6.12% and down payments averaging just 6%, is the old guideline still realistic?
Brandon Garcia6 min read
Fed Rate Cut: Should You Refinance Your Mortgage Now?
Mortgage refinance rates jumped this week despite a Fed rate cut, climbing to 6.82%. Here's why the two don't always move together, and how to tell if refinancing still makes…
Brandon Garcia4 min read
Reverse Mortgages and Irrevocable Trusts: What Homeowners Should Know
Reverse mortgages tap home equity for retirees while irrevocable trusts shield assets from estate taxes and Medicaid limits. Here's how each works, what they cost, and why combining them rarely…
Brandon Garcia5 min read
What Is ARM Margin? How Adjustable Rate Mortgage Margins Work
ARM margin can quietly decide whether your adjustable rate mortgage stays cheap or turns costly. Here's how the fixed spread works, why credit scores move it, and where borrowers can…
Brandon Garcia7 min read
Best Real Estate Websites to Use in July 2026
Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, Foreclosure.com, Apartments.com and FSBO.com all promise to simplify property search, but their listing counts, fees and fine print vary more than they let on.
Derrick Patel3 min read
Why Are Mortgage Rates Falling to Lowest Since May?
Mortgage rates dipped to 6.43% this week as US Iran tensions eased, but economists warn the relief is modest and the housing market's lock in effect persists.