Hello friends — Joana here. Every once in a while, the mortgage world shifts in a way that doesn’t just adjust the rules… it redefines who gets a chance at homeownership. And this week, we’re witnessing one of those moments. Fannie Mae has officially removed the long-standing 620 minimum FICO requirement  for conventional loans run through Desktop Underwriter® (DU). No more one-size-fits-all threshold. No more “620 or you’re out.” Instead, DU will evaluate borrowers based on

If you’ve ever watched the news and heard that the Federal Reserve “cut interest rates,” you might assume that mortgage rates are about to drop too. After all, lower Fed rates should mean cheaper borrowing, right? Not always. In fact, mortgage rates sometimes rise right after the Fed lowers rates - and it leaves homebuyers scratching their heads. Here’s why that happens and what it really means for your buying power. The Fed Doesn’t Actually Set Mortgage Rates Let’s start wi

I've seen firsthand how the housing market is evolving. One of the most significant and rewarding trends is the rise of multigenerational households. Far from being a trend of the past, more families are discovering that living together can be a powerful strategy for building financial stability and generational wealth. In fact, studies from the Pew Research Center have shown that people in multigenerational homes are less likely to live in poverty. Here's how sharing a home

Recently, the Seattle City Council unanimously passed new legislation that is vital for homeowners to understand, especially those who receive unsolicited offers for their property. These new protections are designed to safeguard our community, particularly seniors, low-income families, and residents in historically marginalized communities, from deceptive and high-pressure tactics. This is a significant win for local homeowners, and here's what you need to know about the new