2026

What Are Mortgage Points? An Easy-To-Understand Guide

Many future homebuyers are curious about mortgage points, which allow borrowers to pay a fee to reduce their interest rate and lower monthly payments. One point typically costs about 1% of the mortgage and can reduce the rate by approximately 0.25%. The savings depend on how long you stay in the home, with a break-even point indicating when savings equal the cost of the points. Mortgage points can be...

How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

Paying off a mortgage early can save significant interest costs. Increasing monthly payments slightly or making one extra annual payment reduces loan length and interest. Switching to weekly payments aligned with paydays also helps. Refinancing from a 30-year to a 15-year loan cuts interest substantially. However, ensure paying off the mortgage early doesn't hinder other financial goals or debt...

How to prepare to sell your home

Buyers decide within 8 seconds if they want a home, so sellers should de-clutter and de-personalize to make spaces inviting. Consult a realtor before major renovations, focusing on cost-effective updates like kitchen and bathroom fixtures or fresh paint. Explore lender programs that offer financial credits to sellers. Being prepared is crucial in a competitive market. Continue to full...

How to Qualify for a Mortgage: First-Time Home Buyer Tips

Qualifying for a mortgage involves lenders reviewing your finances, including income, debts, and assets. Key documents include tax returns, W-2s, and credit reports. To improve your chances, maintain a good credit score, lower your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, and save for a larger down payment. Avoid job changes during the application process and consider a co-borrower if needed. Obtaining a mortgage...

Las Vegas Metro: Monthly Housing Payments Poised to Decline in 2026 | Carol Strom broker, owner, UNLV Real Estate Finance Degree B145311

Las Vegas–Henderson–North Las Vegas, NV is projected to see a modest monthly housing cost decline among the top 50 US metros in 2026. Monthly housing payments in the Las Vegas area are projected to fall 2.50% yearly, averaging ~$2,361/mo. Lower mortgage rates combined with modest home price growth are expected to reduce monthly housing costs. Las Vegas...

An Easy-To-Understand Guide On Mortgage Points

Shopping for a mortgage involves understanding mortgage points, which allow borrowers to pay a fee to lower their interest rate and monthly payments. Typically, one point costs about 1% of the mortgage and reduces the rate by 0.25%. The savings depend on how long you stay in the home. Points can also be used with adjustable-rate mortgages, but the discount applies only during the initial fixed-rate...

Las Vegas Homebuyers Benefit from Easing Prices and Pace

Las Vegas housing market shows slower sales and lower prices. Median home price in October was $474,370, down 0.2% from last year, while condos dropped 9.5% to $285,000. Listings without offers rose over 30% for homes and nearly 48% for condos. Sales fell 10.1% for homes and 8.9% for condos. Housing supply increased to over 4.5 months, favoring buyers. Cash sales rose to 26.5%, with distressed sales...

How Trump’s 50-Year Mortgage Plan Impacts Vegas Buyers | Carol Strom broker, owner, UNLV Real Estate Finance Degree B145311

Slide 1 Trump-backed 50-year mortgage sparks debate over long-term home affordability solutions nationwide. Slide 2 Current 30-year mortgage cap stems from 2008 financial crisis regulations—Congress approval required. Slide 3 Critics warn 50-year loans may not fix high rates or limited housing supply. Slide 4 White House reportedly frustrated...

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