How the Fed Rate Cut Affects Homebuyers
The Fed just cut rates. Here’s how it impacts mortgages, refinancing opportunities, and the long-term housing market outlook.
Updated 5/27/2026
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Mortgage & Financing Articles
Practical, plain-English articles for buyers and sellers.
Browse our categorized real estate articles covering mortgage rates, first-time home buying tips, and strategies for sellers. Whether you're buying or selling in Phoenix or nationwide, these guides help you make smarter decisions and potentially save thousands in commissions.
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Featured Real Estate Guides
Start with one of these core guides, then explore related articles below for more specific buying and selling topics.
Probate Real Estate Guide
Learn how probate home sales work, including timing, costs, agent choice, and estate value.
Divorce Real Estate Guide
Understand options for selling, buying out, or dividing home equity during divorce.
First-Time Home Buyer Guide
Follow the buying journey from budgeting and pre-approval to offers, inspections, and closing.
Buyer Programs by State
Explore down payment assistance, loan options, and local resources for first-time buyers.
Helpful Tools for Buyers & Sellers
Looking for quick answers? Use these tools to estimate affordability, compare agents, and understand commission costs.
Mortgage & Financing
Articles about affordability, rates, loan options, credit, and the financing decisions that shape your budget.
View all categories →Understanding the Mortgage Process
This guide simplifies the mortgage process for home buyers—covering steps, loan types, and tips for securing the best rate.
Updated 5/23/2026
The 20% Down Payment Myth | How Much You Really Need
You don’t need 20% down to buy a home. Learn the real options—from 0% to 20%—and how to choose the best down payment for your situation.
Updated 5/23/2026
What Really Drives Mortgage Rates
Mortgage rates aren’t random. Learn how inflation, the Fed, and economic signals shape what you’ll pay on a home loan.
Updated 5/23/2026
PMI, Loan Types and Budgeting Tips
Learn how different loan types affect your budget, what PMI really is, and how to choose a financing plan that fits your first home.
Updated 5/23/2026
Mortgage Rates Recap for Buyers
You can’t control rates, but you can control when and how you buy. Here’s a simple breakdown of everything you’ve learned.
Updated 5/23/2026
How the Fed Influences Mortgage Rates
The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates directly—but it influences them. Here’s how their actions ripple through the housing market.
Updated 5/23/2026
How Bonds and Global Events Shape Rates
Mortgage rates don’t just follow inflation and the Fed—they react to global events and market uncertainty. Here’s how it all ties together.
Updated 5/23/2026
Credit's Role in Buying Your First Home
Your credit score affects your mortgage rate and affordability. Learn how boosting it can simplify homebuying and save you money.
Updated 5/23/2026
First-Time Buyer Credit and Pre-Approval Tips
Learn how to strengthen your credit and get pre-approved—two of the most powerful steps a first-time buyer can take.
Updated 5/23/2026
Fannie & Freddie Change Credit Scoring
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now accept VantageScore 4.0, expanding mortgage access by using rent, utility, and telecom data to help more buyers qualify.
Updated 5/23/2026