Signal vs. Noise: The Fed, The Jobs, and The Rising Cost of Waiting

It is Wednesday, January 28th. The Federal Reserve wraps up its two-day meeting today, with a statement due at 2:00 PM ET. While the media focuses on the immediate “noise” of the press conference, I want to focus on the “signal” coming from the latest economic data. Home Prices Are resilient We have been discussing […]

Why Stability Matters More Than the Daily Drop

If you checked the financial news earlier this week, you likely saw red. Mortgage-backed securities (MBS)—the bonds that largely determine mortgage rates—had a difficult three-day stretch. When MBS prices go down, mortgage rates go up. It is natural to see this and worry that the recent trend of improving rates is over. However, looking at […]

Monday Market Update: What the Bond Buyback Means for Your Mortgage This Week

If you were watching the financial news late last week, you likely saw the headlines about the government’s directive for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase mortgage bonds. On social media this weekend, there was a lot of noise. Some sources were claiming the “bottom was dropping out” of rates, while others were creating […]

2026 Housing Outlook: Your Path to Homeownership is Improving!

Are you ready to buy a home? As your local Mortgage Banker, Sal Trapani of MJ Mortgage LLC is here to break down the latest forecast from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) presented on November 14, 2025. The housing market is expected to rebound in 2026, creating a more favorable environment for homebuyers like […]

October 2025 Housing Market Forecast: What Homebuyers Need to Know

Fannie Mae has released its Economic and Housing Outlook for October 2025, providing key projections for the economy and the housing market. If you are looking to buy a home in the near future, this forecast offers a glimpse at what experts are anticipating for mortgage rates, home prices, and more. Here are the key […]

Navigating the August 2025 Mortgage Market: A Homebuyer’s Guide to Rates

Today’s Mortgage Rate Snapshot (As of August 15, 2025) The average interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 6.552%. This represents the lowest average for this type of loan since early August. The rate is down 5 basis points from the previous day and approximately 8 basis points from a week ago. Why Are […]

Navigating the 2025 Housing Market: A Buyer’s Guide to Rates, Prices, and Inventory

As a homebuyer, staying informed about the current market is key to making a confident decision. A recent mid-year forecast from Realtor.com reveals a complex but slowly improving landscape for buyers. The market is gradually rebalancing, offering some cautious optimism with easing mortgage rates and more available homes. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways […]

Mortgage Applications on the Rise: What This Means for You!

Good news for the housing market! The latest Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) survey for the week ending June 6, 2025, shows a significant increase in mortgage applications, signaling renewed positive sentiment among homebuyers and those looking to refinance. Key Highlights: Overall Growth: Mortgage applications jumped 12.5% week-over-week, hitting their highest level in over a month. […]

How a Flawed Jobs Report Just Pushed Mortgage Rates Higher — What Buyers and Realtors Should Know

This past week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its latest jobs report — and while the headlines looked positive at first, the details tell a very different story. Unfortunately, the initial market reaction to the headline number pressured mortgage bonds, driving mortgage rates higher in the short term. Here’s what really happened, and […]

Tag: Mortgage Rates