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Joe Jacobs

A Simple Tax Preparation Checklist to Make Filing Easier
2025-02-13Joe Jacobs

A Simple Tax Preparation Checklist to Make Filing Easier

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful! With a little preparation, you can maximize your deductions, stay organized, and file with confidence. Whether you do your own taxes or work with a professional, here’s a simple tax preparation checklist to help you stay ahead.
The Untapped Potential of Down Payment Assistance for FHA Borrowers
2025-01-07Joe Jacobs

The Untapped Potential of Down Payment Assistance for FHA Borrowers

Many buyers—and even some agents—overlook one of the most powerful tools available to first-time homebuyers: Down Payment Assistance (DPA).
California to Require Home Insurers to Cover High-Risk Wildfire Areas
2025-01-07Joe Jacobs

California to Require Home Insurers to Cover High-Risk Wildfire Areas

Under the new rule, insurance companies operating in California must expand their policies in high-risk areas by 5% every two years until at least 85% of their policies cover homes in these zones.
Mortgage Applications Decline: What It Means for Homebuyers
2024-12-18Joe Jacobs

Mortgage Applications Decline: What It Means for Homebuyers

After a five-week streak of growth, mortgage applications took a slight dip last week, signaling the early arrival of the winter housing market.
Fed Rate Cuts Are Here, But Mortgage Rates May Stay Higher for Longer
2024-12-18Joe Jacobs

Fed Rate Cuts Are Here, But Mortgage Rates May Stay Higher for Longer

The Federal Reserve’s latest move to cut its federal funds rate by 25 basis points signals a more cautious approach to monetary easing as we move into 2025
What Rising Inflation Means for You: Fed’s Preferred Gauge Hits 2.3%
2024-12-02Joe Jacobs

What Rising Inflation Means for You: Fed’s Preferred Gauge Hits 2.3%

Inflation is a topic that affects everyone, whether you’re managing a household budget, planning a big purchase, or simply keeping an eye on your savings. The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE)
Zillow’s 2025 Housing Market Forecast: What Real Estate Agents Need to Know
2024-12-02Joe Jacobs

Zillow’s 2025 Housing Market Forecast: What Real Estate Agents Need to Know

While affordability challenges persist and mortgage rates remain unpredictable, Zillow predicts increased inventory, modest home value growth, and more opportunities for buyers in specific markets.
Fannie Mae’s 2025 Housing Forecast: Insights for Real Estate Professionals
2024-11-25Joe Jacobs

Fannie Mae’s 2025 Housing Forecast: Insights for Real Estate Professionals

Fannie Mae’s latest housing forecast for 2025 reveals a more cautious outlook, signaling key challenges and opportunities for agents.
How Homebuyers Decide Where to Live
2024-11-25Joe Jacobs

How Homebuyers Decide Where to Live

A recent survey of National Association of Realtors (NAR) members reveals surprising trends about what drives homebuyers’ decisions.
U.S. Debt and Economic Trends That Could Impact Your Mortgage Rates
2024-11-18Joe Jacobs

U.S. Debt and Economic Trends That Could Impact Your Mortgage Rates

The U.S. national debt has reached unprecedented levels, climbing to $34.8 trillion as of mid-2024, according to the Department of the Treasury.
Household Debt and Income Trends
2024-11-18Joe Jacobs

Household Debt and Income Trends

According to a recent report from the New York Fed, while total household debt continues to grow, incomes are rising even faster, making the overall burden on households lighter than it has been in years.
The Future of Real Estate: Compass CEO Predicts Big Changes to MLS Rules
2024-11-18Joe Jacobs

The Future of Real Estate: Compass CEO Predicts Big Changes to MLS Rules

The U.S. national debt has reached unprecedented levels, climbing to $34.8 trillion as of mid-2024, according to the Department of the Treasury.
How Rising Discount Points Are Making Mortgages More Expensive for Homebuyers
2024-11-13Joe Jacobs

How Rising Discount Points Are Making Mortgages More Expensive for Homebuyers

If you're buying a home or planning to in the future, you’ve likely heard about rising interest rates. However, another factor is also raising mortgage costs: discount points.
Millennial Homebuyers Shocked by Closing Costs, Study Finds
2024-11-12Joe Jacobs

Millennial Homebuyers Shocked by Closing Costs, Study Finds

Buying a home is a costly endeavor, with many buyers—especially millennials—feeling unprepared for the expenses beyond the down payment.
California and Nationwide Property Tax Changes: Key Updates for 2024
2024-11-12Joe Jacobs

California and Nationwide Property Tax Changes: Key Updates for 2024

In the recent November 2024 elections, California voters considered several propositions related to real estate ownership, property taxes, and rent control.
FICO Increases Mortgage Credit Score Prices in 2025 — Industry Reactions and Implications
2024-11-12Joe Jacobs

FICO Increases Mortgage Credit Score Prices in 2025 — Industry Reactions and Implications

Fair Isaac Corp. (FICO) announced an increase in mortgage credit score prices for 2025, setting off a wave of reactions across the mortgage industry.