Dani Hallsell | Real Estate Blog

  Mortgage rates had quite the party 🎉 throughout June, dropping lower and making things more attractive for homebuyers 🏠 and those looking to refinance 💸. But just like every good party, this one came to an end when some stronger-than-expected economic data crashed the scene 📉. When the economy looks strong 💪, mortgage rates tend to go up — and that’s exactly what happened. Rates jumped 🚀 and stayed a bit elevated through early this week. But after that? Not much changed. Things mostly stayed flat ➖. 🤔 Why the Stall? No Big News This Week Mortgage rates are heavily influenced by the bond market 💵, which often reacts to key economic data 📊. But this week, there wasn’t much of that. With no major reports to stir things up, rates just kind of hovered 💤. There were some minor moves from things like trade news 📰, Federal Reserve comments 🏦, and government bond sales 🧾, but nothing major. By the time the week wrapped up, rates were pretty much the same as they were on Tuesd...

  Your home is more than just a place to live—it’s a major financial asset. Estate planning ensures your wishes are carried out if you’re no longer able to make decisions or after your passing. Here’s a helpful guide to get you started: What Is an Estate Plan—and How Is It Different from a Will? A will is a legal document that outlines what happens to your assets after your death. Estate planning , on the other hand, is a broader process. It prepares for both end-of-life decisions and situations where you may become incapacitated. An estate plan may include: A will Trusts A durable power of attorney (naming someone to make decisions on your behalf) Other legal documents based on your unique needs Consulting with an estate attorney or financial planner can help ensure your plan is complete and meets your state’s legal requirements. When Should I Begin Estate Planning? It’s never too early to start. Key life events—like buying a home, getting married, or having children—are perfect...