Joe 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.
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.
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).
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
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
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.
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)
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
A recent survey of National Association of Realtors (NAR) members reveals surprising trends about what drives homebuyers’ decisions.
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.
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.
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
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
Buying a home is a costly endeavor, with many buyers—especially millennials—feeling unprepared for the expenses beyond the down payment.
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.
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.