Suzanne De Vita

2 weeks ago | bankrate.com | Andrew Dehan |Suzanne De Vita

Mortgage rates could stay within a narrow range for the remainder of 2025, according to a poll by Bankrate, making it harder for homebuyers and homeowners with higher rates to time their choices to buy or refinance. The quarterly poll, which asks experts for their expectations on the 10-year Treasury yield and 30-year mortgage rates, was conducted from March 20 to March 26, 2025. Will mortgage rates go down further this year?

2 weeks ago | bankrate.com | Laurie Richards |Suzanne De Vita

My husband and I have owned our first home for a full year. In that year, we sharpened our painting skills, became frequent shoppers at The Home Depot and discovered just how much goes into owning a home versus renting an apartment. One of our biggest takeaways: No matter what type of home you buy, it’s important to set aside funds for emergencies and unexpected expenses. This is even more important if you’re buying an older house, like we did, or waived the home inspection, which we also did.

2 weeks ago | bankrate.com | Andrew Dehan |Suzanne De Vita

Average mortgage rates came down across all terms compared to a week ago, according to Bankrate data. Rates for 30-year fixed, 15-year fixed, 5/1 ARMs and jumbo loans all dropped. Mortgage rates move for many reasons, and can be buffeted quickly as conditions in the economy shift. President Trump’s recent tariff announcements have driven investors to 10-year Treasury bonds, driving the yields down and taking mortgage rates with them.

3 weeks ago | bankrate.com | Jeff Ostrowski |Suzanne De Vita

Rocket Mortgage, the nation’s second-largest originator of mortgages, announced Monday it will buy Mr. Cooper, the industry’s largest collector of mortgage payments. The $9.4 billion deal reflects a challenging market for mortgage lenders in general and for Rocket in particular. As mortgage rates shot from 3 percent during the pandemic to as high as 8 percent in 2023, loan activity declined, translating to less business for lenders.

1 month ago | wpde.com | Suzanne De Vita

Key takeawaysA mortgage rate lock extension fee is a charge you pay to retain the interest rate you were initially quoted after the original lock period expires. A lock extension fee typically costs a few hundred dollars, but it can vary by lender, the reason for the extension and other factors. To avoid paying an extension fee, keep on top of your mortgage application and communicate regularly with your lender. What are mortgage rate lock extension fees?