Holly & Chris Luxury Homes

Mortgage Rates

What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a Home?

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...

What You Need to Know About Mortgages Right Now

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...

What Every Homeowner Needs To Know In Today’s Shifting Market

Here’s an important update for you. The housing market is moving toward a healthier, more balanced state — and while that might not sound exciting at first, it’s actually a positive development. This shift is expected. It just feels different because we've all gotten used to the fast-paced, highly competitive seller’s market of the past few years. That said, there’s still plenty of...

What Buyers Need To Know About Homeowners Association Fees

When you're in the market for a new home, your focus is likely on mortgage rates, home prices, your down payment, and closing costs. But one thing that might not be top of mind is homeowners association (HOA) fees. While not every home comes with them, it’s important to know they’re a possibility—especially depending on the neighborhood you choose. A homeowners association is a group that manages...

Mortgage Rates Reach Year’s Lowest Level

If you’ve been hesitant to buy a home due to high mortgage rates, now may be a good time to revisit the market. Mortgage rates have been steadily declining in recent weeks, creating an opportunity for potential buyers to re-engage. According to Freddie Mac, mortgage rates have fallen for seven consecutive weeks, now reaching their lowest point so far this year (see graph below). While this shift may...