Blog – Mark Feder

24 Nov 2025

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 24th, 2025

Financial Reports

This week finally got a strong release of regularly scheduled data, with unemployment figures coming out first, along with employment-rate data. The prior week included the Consumer Price Index, which came in favorable. Some of the unemployment-related numbers, however, weren’t as telling as they could be: the forecast was roughly 50,000, but the actual figure landed closer to 110,000. That’s an order-of-magnitude miss, suggesting we may need to allow some time for the data to self-correct. The coming week is slated to include both the PPI—which has drifted out of sync with the CPI—and the PCE Index. These are the…

21 Nov 2025

By Mark Feder

Understanding the Conversation Around Longer Mortgage Terms

Mortgage Tips

The idea of extending mortgage terms well beyond the traditional thirty years is gaining new attention. With rising home prices and tightened affordability, many buyers are wondering whether a much longer loan could help lower the monthly payment enough to make homeownership more achievable. Before deciding if this type of option makes sense, it is important to look at why the concept is being discussed and what it could mean for buyers in the real world. Why Longer Mortgage Terms Are Being DiscussedThe primary reason is affordability. Home prices have increased across many markets, and even with modest rate improvements,…

20 Nov 2025

By Mark Feder

A Season of Generosity and Homeownership Opportunities

Home Buyer Tips

The time between Thanksgiving and the New Year is known for gratitude, togetherness and heartfelt giving. Many families share meaningful gifts during this stretch of the year, and some buyers discover that these seasonal acts of generosity can help make homeownership possible. If you have found the right home but need help with upfront costs, financial gifts from loved ones may be the support that brings your plans together. Understanding Financial Gifts for Homebuyers Financial gifts are funds given by approved donors to help you cover mortgage related expenses, including the down payment and closing costs. These gifts can ease…

19 Nov 2025

By Mark Feder

Understanding How Debt Affects Your Ability to Buy a Home

Home Buyer Tips

Many future buyers think they must eliminate every debt before applying for a mortgage. Reducing debt is helpful, but it is not a requirement for homeownership. You can qualify for a loan even if you have credit cards, student loans or a car payment. What matters most is how well you manage those obligations and how they fit into your overall financial picture. Why Lenders Pay Attention to Your DebtWhen you apply for a mortgage, the lender reviews your debt-to-income ratio. This is the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward debt payments. A high ratio signals financial…