Lock-in Effect: Below-3% Mortgages Fade | https://debbiewarford.com
Slide 1 Ultra-low mortgage rates below 3% during 2020–2022 created today’s housing market lock-in effect. Slide 2 Homeowners keep ultra-low loans because moving means paying much higher mortgage rates today. Slide 3 This lock-in helped push existing home…
How the War Shapes Spring 2026 Real Estate | https://debbiewarford.com
The war shocks markets, pushing 30-yr fixed mortgage to mid-6% in Late-Winter. Higher rates and uncertainty drove pending sales ↓~3.2%–3.5% across various regions. New listings ↑~1.9% in Late-Winter, easing scarcity. Price growth stabilized ~1%–2%…
U.S. Home Prices Keep Rising, but Growth Is Slowing | https://debbiewarford.com
FHFA data showed nationwide prices kept climbing, but growth cooled versus earlier decade. Regional differences mattered more, shaping home values and affordability across the US. Midwest and South saw solid gains, tied to jobs, affordability, new…
Rent or Buy? The Real Tradeoff Most People Don’t Talk About
You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now? It’s a question a lot of people are asking. With today’s home prices and mortgage rates, renting can feel like the easier path. In some cases, it might even seem like…
Home Prices Are Growing Fastest in These States
The 15 fastest-growing U.S. states include the District of Columbia, Florida, Texas, Utah, South Carolina, Nevada, Idaho, North Carolina, Delaware, Arizona, New Jersey, Washington, Tennessee, Georgia, and Massachusetts. These states attract residents due…
Demand Explains Housing Gaps | https://debbiewarford.com
Housing affordability debates often blame regulations, but research says constraints miss key differences. Study instead tracks demand via avg. income growth and population growth across metros. From 2000–2020, demand indicators better explained varied…
Cities Where Newer Luxury Homes Cost Less Than $1 Million in 2026
The U.S. luxury housing market varies by region, with coastal metros offering smaller, older homes at higher prices, while Sun Belt and Midwest markets provide newer, larger luxury homes often under $1 million. Top metros with newer luxury homes include…
Getting a Tax Refund? Here’s How It Can Help You Buy a Home
If you’re getting a tax refund this year, here’s something worth thinking about. That money could actually help you get closer to buying a home. It may not be something you’ve factored into your plan yet, but it can give your savings a nice boost right…
Does More Exposure Increase Home Value? | https://debbiewarford.com
Greater market exposure increases competition among buyers, helping sellers achieve higher home values in the U.S. housing market. Limited or “off-market” listings reduce visibility, which can prevent homes from reaching their full market potential.…
Dallas-Fort Worth Buyers Gain Leverage | https://debbiewarford.com
Mortgage rates climbed after Iran war, as energy prices fueled inflation worries. 30-yr mortgage avg. moved from just under ~6% to mid-6%. Dallas-Fort Worth sellers faced lower listings prices, more inventory, and incentive pressure. One buyer negotiated…