Inflation Up 0.3% in June

Brad BeckettNotes

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is reporting that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.3% in June, 2025.  The all items index was up 2.7% for the 12 months ending in June.  The shelter index increased 0.2% and was the primary factor in the all items monthly increase. The indexes for used cars & trucks, new vehicles, and airline fares were among the major indexes that decreased in June. Click here to read the full release at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.   The post Inflation Up 0.3% in June appeared first on Real Estate Investing Today.

How to Successfuly Execute Mortgage Release of Liability?

Jamie JohnsonReal Estate

Key Takeaways A release of liability removes one person from the mortgage, but only with lender approval. It’s commonly used during divorce, property transfers, or when selling a share of a home. Alternatives include refinancing, selling the home, or mortgage assumption with a release. Check options for a mortgage release of liability. Start here A mortgage release of liability is a legal agreement that removes one person from a home loan — usually after a divorce or property transfer — but it only happens if the lender agrees. In this article (Skip to…) What is a release of liability from a mortgage? A release of liability from a mortgage is a formal agreement with your lender that takes one person off the loan. It means they’re no longer legally or financially responsible for making payments or covering the debt if something goes wrong. Check options for a mortgage release of …

Mortgage Rate History | Chart & Trends Over Time 2025

Peter MillerReal Estate

Trends in historical mortgage rates After years of rising home prices and elevated mortgage rates, the first half of 2025 has shown signs of relief for buyers. While mortgage rates remain relatively unchanged, slower home price growth, increased inventory, and more negotiating power have begun to tip the scales in buyers’ favor. But the big question remains: Will rates come down meaningfully, or are we in for a longer period of high borrowing costs? Mortgage rates have held steady this year, dipping just 16 basis points with only modest changes expected ahead. With the Federal Reserve holding rates steady and remaining cautious about inflation, any future cuts are likely to be measured. For now, buyers and homeowners are watching closely, hoping for affordability gains, but preparing for a slower pace of change. But here’s what many overlook: The average rate is just that—an average. If you have strong credit and …

Population of Older Adults Now Comparable to Children

Brad BeckettReal Estate

The U.S. Census Bureau says that from 2023-2024, the population aged 65+ increased by 3.1% (to 61.2 million) while the population under age 18 decreased by 0.2% (to 73.1 million).  Interestingly, this means ongoing growth among older folks, coupled with persistent annual declines those under 18 has reduced the gap between these two groups from just over 20 million in 2020 to just below 12 million in 2024.  Indeed….Stay safe and have a Happy Friday!!! Click here to read the full report at the U.S. Census Bureau.   The post Population of Older Adults Now Comparable to Children appeared first on Real Estate Investing Today.

Wyoming First-Time Home Buyer | Grants & Programs 2025

Peter WardenNotes

What to know about buying a house in Wyoming If you’re a Wyoming first-time home buyer, you’re aware that home prices in the Equality State have been rising fast — even more quickly than nationwide. That can be a real challenge when saving for a down payment. Fortunately, Wyoming offers some excellent help, including low-interest mortgages, home buyer education courses, and, if you’re eligible, down payment assistance of up to $15,000. Here’s how to get started. Verify your home buying eligibility in Wyoming. Start here In this article (Skip to…) Wyoming first-time home buyer programs The Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA)4 says its Standard First-Time Homebuyer product offers special mortgages with low fixed-interest rates. Your loan may also come with down payment assistance (more on that below). Verify your home buying eligibility in Wyoming. Start here As is usual with state-backed mortgage programs, these loans have income and purchase price …

Wisconsin First-Time Home Buyer | Grants & Programs 2025

Peter WardenNotes

What to know about buying a house in Wisconsin Wisconsin first-time home buyers have a leg up over buyers in some other states. Both home prices and home price inflation are well below national averages. Of course, saving for your down payment and getting a home loan can still be a challenge. But Wisconsin has loan programs to help. The Badger State offers special mortgages and education to first-time buyers in Wisconsin. It also has several down payment assistance programs that can help you meet your down payment and closing cost needs. Here’s what you can expect. Verify your home buying eligibility in Wisconsin. Start here In this article (Skip to …) Wisconsin first-time home buyer programs The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) has two main types of mortgages: WHEDA Advantage Conventional: A type of conventional mortgage conforming with Fannie Mae’s rules. This is a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage …

West Virginia First-Time Home Buyer | Grants & Programs 2025

Peter WardenNotes

What to know about buying a house in West Virginia If you’re a West Virginia first-time home buyer, you have an advantage in some ways. The cost of living is relatively lower than the national average, as are home prices. Even better, West Virginia provides home-buyer education classes, special mortgages, and down payment assistance programs that can offer cash assistance to qualified buyers. Are you ready to begin? Verify your home buying eligibility in West Virginia. Start here In this article (Skip to …) West Virginia first-time home buyer programs The West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF) offers first-time buyers in the Mountain State two paths to homeownership. You can use either of these loan programs to purchase a single-family home, a townhome, a manufactured home, or units in approved condominiums called planned unit developments (PUDs). Verify your home buying eligibility in West Virginia. Start here WVHDF Homeownership Program The …

Washington First-Time Home Buyer | Programs & Grants 2025

Peter WardenNotes

What to know about buying a house in Washington If you’re a Washington first-time home buyer, you can face some hurdles. But take heart. The Evergreen State offers extensive support, ranging from free homebuyer education to special mortgages. And, if you’re eligible, you could be in line for cash assistance toward your down payment and closing costs. Here’s how to get started. Verify your home buying eligibility in Washington. Start here In this article (Skip to …) Washington first-time home buyer programs The Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) has two main mortgage programs. They are called Home Advantage and House Key Opportunity. Both programs may provide Washington first-time homebuyers with preferential interest rates and down payment assistance. Verify your home buying eligibility in Washington. Start here WSHFC Home Advantage Washington first-time homebuyers may be able to qualify for a reduced interest rate with the help of the Home Advantage …

D.C. First-Time Home Buyer | Grants & Programs 2025

Peter WardenNotes

What to know about buying a house in Washington D.C. Washington D.C. first-time home buyers face steep housing prices on average — well above the national median. But there’s good news, too. You might be in line for all sorts of help, from special mortgages to home buyer education courses and even down payment assistance. Explore all your options to find out how you can buy a house in D.C. more affordably. Verify your home buying eligibility in D.C. Start here In this article (Skip to…) D.C. first-time home buyer programs The D.C. Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) has a range of home buyer assistance programs. Its offerings are mainly designed to help moderate and low-income families purchase a single-family home sooner than they thought possible. Verify your home buying eligibility in D.C. Start here DC Open Doors (DCOD) The DC Open Doors promises “competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance …

Virginia First-Time Home Buyer: 2025 Programs and Grants

Peter WardenNotes

What to know about buying a house in Virginia Real estate prices have been rising in the Old Dominion state, which can often put home buyers under pressure. Luckily, if you’re a Virginia first-time home buyer, there’s plenty of help available. That ranges from advice and home buyer education courses to cash grants or loans to help you out with your down payment. Here’s how to get started. Verify your home buying eligibility in Virginia. Start here In this article (Skip to …) Virginia first-time home buyer programs There’s no shortage of support programs for Virginia first-time home buyers. You might be able to get help with advice, education, mortgages, or down payment assistance (DPA). The latter are often delivered through a local provider run by your city, county, or a nonprofit in your area. Verify your home buying eligibility in VA. Start here Two such organizations offer statewide support …