Powell Hints at Change At the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium on August 22, 2025, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell suggested that a Federal Reserve rate cut may be coming in September. He acknowledged that while inflation in 2025 remains above the Fed’s 2% target, slowing job growth is raising concerns. Powell stressed that the Fed will remain data-driven and independent from politics, leaving...
Mortgage rates are still a hot topic, and for good reason. After the most recent jobs report came in weaker than expected, the bond market reacted almost instantly. As a result, in early August mortgage rates dropped to their lowest point so far this year at 6.55%. While that may not seem like a huge shift, many buyers have been waiting for rates to ease. Even a modest drop like this gives hope that we...
Buyer activity is picking up again and the signs are hard to miss. Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening behind the scenes and why the housing market may be more active than it appears. Buyers Are Looking, and Search Trends Prove It One of the best ways to gauge what’s on people’s minds is to look at what they’re searching for online. According to Google Trends, interest in phrases...
According to Fannie Mae, 90% of buyers either don’t know what credit score lenders are actually looking for or assume it needs to be higher than it really is. That’s a big deal, because it means many potential homebuyers may be holding back unnecessarily, thinking they don’t qualify. You might even be one of them. But the truth is, the requirements may be more accessible than you think. Let’s...
If you're thinking about moving to Westlake Village, or you already live here and are planning your child’s next steps, there’s one thing you’ll want to know: this community is home to some of the best schools in the area. Whether you're interested in public education, a charter alternative, or a private school experience, Westlake Village offers top-tier options across the board. Public Schools...
If you've been keeping an eye on the market, you've probably already noticed some changes this year. So, what's on the horizon? From home prices to mortgage rates, here’s what the latest expert forecasts predict for the remainder of 2025 and what these shifts could mean for you. Will Home Prices Fall? Many buyers are hoping home prices will drop soon, and recent headlines showing slight dips in some...
Thinking about selling your home? It's easy to run into a few common mistakes that can make the process more stressful or even lead to lost money. The good news is that these pitfalls are simple to avoid when you know what to look out for. Here’s a closer look at the most frequent missteps sellers make and how working with the right agent can help you stay on track. 1. Overpricing Your House It’s...
If you’ve been putting off buying a home because you assumed getting approved for a mortgage would be too difficult, it might be time to take another look. The good news is that while lending standards remain solid and responsible, qualifying for a mortgage is gradually becoming more achievable especially for buyers with strong financial profiles. Many lenders are beginning to ease up on some of their...
Life can feel a little uncertain these days — from inflation to the economy and shifts in the housing market, there's a lot to navigate. But even with all that change, one thing remains clear: many people still long for a place to truly call their own. In times of unpredictability, home has a unique way of offering comfort and stability. As the team at 1000WATT says: “Homeownership isn’t...
Thinking about selling your home on your own as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO)? You’re not alone—it’s something many homeowners consider. However, with today’s changing market conditions, more and more sellers are realizing it may not be worth the gamble. In fact, the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that fewer homeowners than ever are choosing to go it alone...