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 4/7/2026
Articles
Home Buying & Selling 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.
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 →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 12/10/2025
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 8/6/2025
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 8/6/2025
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 8/6/2025
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 8/6/2025
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 4/18/2025
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 4/16/2025
First-Time Buyer Credit and Pre-Approval Tips | Get Approved Faster
Learn how to strengthen your credit and get pre-approved—two of the most powerful steps a first-time buyer can take.
Updated 4/16/2025
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 10/28/2024
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 10/28/2024