When Getting a Mortgage…Maybe We’re Asking the Wrong Questions
As I write this, the federal government has been shut down for 28 days. That’s four full weeks during which hundreds of thousands of federal employees have gone without a paycheck—a full month without income for families who depend on it.
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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 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 BTO Taking Care of Business
As many of you know, after seven rewarding years with BankSouth, I joined forces with Jeff Zulauf—one of the top-producing mortgage professionals in Georgia—to launch the Aiken Zulauf Mortgage Group, powered by CrossCountry Mortgage.
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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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Now This Would Solve Home Purchase Affordability
Every once in a while, a policy idea comes along that doesn’t just nudge the affordability needle — it grabs it by the collar, shakes it violently, and says: “Let’s fix this.”
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This Week’s Market Reflection: Inspired by Guns N’ Roses – Patience
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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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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Should I Stay or Should I Go
This week’s inspiration comes from the 1982 hit Should I Stay or Should I Go by The Clash—a fitting question for many people currently weighing whether to continue renting or take the leap into homeownership.
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