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The Emotional Rewards of Homeownership and Why It’s Worth Celebrating in June

June 17, 2025 by Katrina Moyer

June is National Homeownership Month, a time not only to talk about the practical steps toward owning a home but also to reflect on the emotional rewards that make the journey worth it. As a mortgage professional, I spend a lot of time working with numbers such as credit scores, down payments, and interest rates. But the most powerful part of homeownership is what cannot be measured with a calculator.

Pride in Ownership
Owning a home brings pride. There is something deeply satisfying about unlocking your front door and knowing that it belongs to you. Whether it is your very first home or the one you have been dreaming about for years, that sense of ownership carries emotional weight. You are not just investing in property. You are investing in your future and in something that reflects your effort, your goals, and your dreams.

Freedom to Make It Yours
Homeownership also brings freedom. As a renter, you are limited by rules that are not your own, like restrictions on decorating, pets, or even how many guests can visit. When you own your home, you can paint the walls any color you like, plant a garden, or renovate the kitchen. It is your space to shape, and that creative freedom can be incredibly empowering. Your home becomes a true extension of who you are.

A Sense of Stability
Then there is the sense of stability. A fixed-rate mortgage offers predictability that renting rarely provides. You are not at the mercy of a landlord’s decisions or unexpected rent increases. You have control over your housing costs, and that can create peace of mind, especially in uncertain times. For families, that stability means children can stay in the same schools, build friendships, and grow up in a consistent environment that feels safe and familiar.

Connection to Community
Owning a home also creates a sense of belonging. Neighborhoods become communities when people put down roots. Whether it is waving to a neighbor, attending a block party, or supporting a local school, homeownership helps people feel connected. That emotional connection often leads to stronger, more resilient communities. And that is worth celebrating during National Homeownership Month.

A Place Where Life Happens
Of course, the emotional rewards go hand-in-hand with the financial benefits of building equity and long-term security. But for many buyers, it is the intangible value that makes the most lasting impact. A home is where milestones are celebrated, where holiday traditions are created, and where life happens every day.

Helping Others Find That Joy
As a mortgage originator, I am privileged to help people take that first step. I see the joy when an application is approved, the excitement when the offer is accepted, and the pride when keys are finally in hand. Each of those moments reflects the emotional core of what homeownership means.

Celebrate More Than a House
This June, during National Homeownership Month, let’s celebrate not just the homes people buy but the lives they build inside them. The value of homeownership is much more than the price tag. It is in the pride, freedom, and sense of place that owning a home brings.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Emotional Value Of Home, National Homeownership Month, Why We Own

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 16th, 2025

June 16, 2025 by Katrina Moyer

The CPI and PPI have yet to reveal the impacts of the tariff policies that were placed temporarily, which gives some potential insight that there might be a path forward for the Federal Reserve to look at potential rate cuts. However, economists across many industries are expecting inflation to increase temporarily as an impact for the policies that were put in place.

Significant uncertainty remains across many import and export markets, with major players opting to err on the side of caution while awaiting a final decision from the administration regarding its policies. Consumer sentiment has shown a slight improvement for the first time in six months, offsetting the largely negative outlook that has dominated the market since the onset of the trade wars.

Consumer Price Index
Top Federal Reserve officials and Wall Street economists still think higher U.S. tariffs will cause prices to increase over the summer, however. The evidence was thin in May. The consumer-price index rose a mere 0.1% last month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Wednesday. That was a tick below Wall Street’s forecast. The 12-month increase in consumer prices edged up to 2.4% from a four-year low of 2.3%.

Producer Price Index
Americans have yet to feel any sting of inflation from the Trump tariffs when they go shopping. Now, a new look at wholesale prices suggests the coast might be clear for at least a little while longer. The producer-price index rose a scant 0.1% in May, the government said Thursday, coming in below the Wall Street forecast.

Consumer Sentiment
The University of Michigan’s closely watched gauge of U.S. consumer sentiment rose to 60.5 in a preliminary June reading from 52.2 in the prior month. This was the first improvement in six months. The gain was larger than forecast. Economists polled by the Wall Street Journal had expected sentiment to rise to 54 from the month-earlier reading of 52.2.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index
o 15-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.02% for this week, with the current rate at 5.97%
o 30-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.01% for this week, with the current rate at 6.84%

MND Rate Index
o 30-Yr FHA rates saw a decrease of -0.02% for this week. Current rates at 6.45%
o 30-Yr VA rates saw a decrease of -0.03% for this week. Current rates at 6.47%

Jobless Claims
Initial Claims were reported to be 248,000 compared to the expected claims of 246,000. The prior week landed at 248,000.

What’s Ahead
The next FOMC Rate Decision is up ahead next week. Nothing is expected from this rate decision, as the Federal Reserve has stated repeatedly they have no plans to change things until policies are settled. Leading indicators have also been a significant player in the latest releases with many things being very uncertain.

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Financial Report, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Rates

Creative Strategies for Saving on Closing Costs

June 13, 2025 by Katrina Moyer

When you are budgeting for a new home, it’s easy to focus on the down payment, but do not forget the closing costs. These fees typically range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price and cover things like the appraisal, title search, loan origination, and other administrative expenses. For many buyers, especially first-timers, they can feel like an unwelcome surprise.

The good news? There are creative, effective ways to reduce these expenses and make homeownership more affordable.

1. Negotiate With the Seller

In a buyer-friendly market, you may be able to negotiate for the seller to cover part (or all) of your closing costs. This is called a seller concession, and it can be a powerful tool when structured correctly in your purchase agreement. Keep in mind that there are limits based on loan type and how much you’re putting down, so it’s important to strategize with your mortgage professional and real estate agent.

2. Ask About Lender Credits

Some lenders offer credits that can reduce your upfront closing costs in exchange for a slightly higher interest rate. While this might mean paying more overtime, it can be a smart move if you’re short on cash now and plan to refinance or sell within a few years.

3. Shop Around for Services

Not all closing costs are set in stone. Fees like title insurance, pest inspection, or the survey can vary depending on the provider. Ask your lender for a Loan Estimate early in the process and compare quotes from multiple providers for the services you’re allowed to shop for. A few calls can save you hundreds.

4. Use a First-Time Buyer Program or Grant

There are local, state, and even national programs that offer down payment and closing cost assistance to qualified buyers. Many of these are aimed at first-time buyers, veterans, or low-to-moderate income households. These programs may offer grants or forgivable loans to help reduce out-of-pocket costs.

5. Roll Costs Into the Loan (If Eligible)

For some loan types, like VA or USDA loans, you may be able to roll certain closing costs into your loan balance. While this increases your total loan amount, it can ease the upfront burden when cash is tight.

6. Plan Your Timing Carefully

The day you close can impact certain prorated costs like property taxes or prepaid interest. Closing at the end of the month, for example, can lower the amount of prepaid interest you owe at closing. Small timing tweaks can add up to big savings.

Closing costs do not have to catch you off guard or break your budget. With a little planning, negotiation, and the right guidance, you can minimize what you pay without sacrificing the quality of your loan or service.

Give me a call to discuss your goals and explore which strategies might work best for your situation!

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Closing Cost Tips, Homeownership Goals, Mortgage Tips

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Kay Monigold

Katrina Moyer
Call (863) 296-7181
katrina@mortgagesandmore.me

 

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