What's Actually Driving Mortgage Rates Right Now (And What It Means If You're Thinking About Moving)

What's Actually Driving Mortgage Rates Right Now (And What It Means If You're Thinking About Moving)

Whitney Pauley
Published on: 16/05/2026

Mortgage rates are sitting at 6.62% right now, and most people don't know why.

Housing Market InsightsHome Loan Planningfirst time home buyer
Should First-Time Buyers Wait for Mortgage Rates to Drop in 2026?

Should First-Time Buyers Wait for Mortgage Rates to Drop in 2026?

Whitney Pauley
Published on: 09/05/2026

When rates fall, sidelined buyers flood back in and prices rise, but the rate is refinanceable while the purchase price is not.

Mortgage Rate TrendsMortgage Strategyfirst time home buyer
How Much Should You Put Down on a $1M Home?

How Much Should You Put Down on a $1M Home?

Whitney Pauley
Published on: 07/04/2026

The real answer — not just "20%.

first time home buyerjumbo loanhigh balance loandown paymentKing County real estatemortgage strategy$1M homeSeattle home buyingCCMhome as investment