Don’t Stop Believing: Homeownership May Be Closer Than You Think…
This week’s inspiration comes from Journey’s 1981 anthem Don’t Stop Believin’. For many first-time homebuyers, the song’s title captures both the challenge and the hope of entering today’s housing market.
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“They’re Back… Again”: The Return of No-Down Payment Loans
Normally, I draw inspiration for these articles from rock music, but today I turn to a classic film from 1986—Poltergeist II: The Other Side.
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This Week’s Market Reflection: A Beautiful Day for Housing and the Economy
Inspired by U2’s 2000 hit “Beautiful Day,” this week’s economic outlook carries a similar message: after three turbulent years, the horizon is finally brightening. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has pushed past the 45,000 mark.
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40-Year Mortgages: Why Not?
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is an American institution—so ingrained in our housing finance system that many assume it has always existed. In reality, this product emerged in the mid-1930s to early 1940s, largely as part of New Deal
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Don’t Be Fooled Again: The Illusion of Improved Affordability in Atlanta’s Housing Market
Let’s turn back the clock to July 30, 2023. In Metro Atlanta, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was hovering just below 7%. Industry forecasts were awash with optimism. We were told rates would be falling soon—perhaps below 6% by year-end.
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This Week’s Market Reflection: Inspired by BTO Taking Care of Business
As many of you know, after seven rewarding years with BankSouth, I joined forces with Jeff Zulauf—to launch the Aiken Zulauf Mortgage Group, powered by CrossCountry Mortgage.
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This Week’s Market Reflection: Inspired by Guns N’ Roses – Patience
This week offered a meaningful glimpse into the impact of tariffs on inflation. The core inflation figure for June rose by only 0.1% month-over-month—completely in line with expectations.
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This Week’s Market Reflection: Inspired by The Grateful Dead
Despite a recent stream of economic data suggesting a decelerating economy, easing inflation, and subtle signs of softening in the labor market, last Thursday’s employment report delivered a sobering reality check.
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This Week’s Market Reflection: Inspired by Timbuc 3
Despite today’s employment report showing a slight decline in the unemployment rate to 4.1% (down from 4.2%) and non-farm payrolls increasing by 147,000, markets responded with a marginal uptick in interest rates.
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This Week’s Market Reflection: Inspired by the Bangles “Walk Like An Egyptian”
Over the years, I’ve observed two markedly different approaches to selling real estate—resale properties versus new construction—and it may be time for resale sellers to start “selling like a builder.”
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