Mortgage Education

Mortgage & Market Updates

Plain English insights into interest rates, Florida homebuying, and loan strategies.

The Housing Market Headlines Are Not Giving You the Whole Truth and Here Is What Is Actually Happening

The Housing Market Headlines Are Not Giving You the Whole Truth and Here Is What Is Actually Happening

More equity, less competition, real negotiating power. Mark Harris explains what the market actually looks like now.

MortgageAugust 20, 2026 • 2 min read
Three Mistakes First Time Buyers Are Making in 2026 and Each One Is Costing Them Real Money

Three Mistakes First Time Buyers Are Making in 2026 and Each One Is Costing Them Real Money

Waiting for rates, 20% down myth, skipping pre-approval. Mark Harris explains what first-time buyers get wrong.

MortgageAugust 10, 2026 • 2 min read
Hometown Heroes Down Payment Assistance Is Releasing 50 Million Dollars Next Month and Here Is What to Do

Hometown Heroes Down Payment Assistance Is Releasing 50 Million Dollars Next Month and Here Is What to Do

50 million in DPA coming next month for heroes. Mark Harris explains why pre-approval must come first.

MortgageJune 30, 2026 • 3 min read
Stop Waiting for the Perfect Time to Buy a Home Because It Is Not Coming and Here Is Why

Stop Waiting for the Perfect Time to Buy a Home Because It Is Not Coming and Here Is Why

Capital, income, credit. Mark Harris explains the only three things that determine when you should buy.

MortgageJune 26, 2026 • 3 min read
You Are Closer to Homeownership Than You Think and Here Is Why You Should Start Planning Now

You Are Closer to Homeownership Than You Think and Here Is Why You Should Start Planning Now

DPA programs, seller credits, 30+ lenders. Mark Harris explains why you may qualify sooner than you think.

MortgageJune 24, 2026 • 3 min read
HOA Reserve Requirements Are Changing in January 2027 and Condo Buyers Need to Know Right Now

HOA Reserve Requirements Are Changing in January 2027 and Condo Buyers Need to Know Right Now

Reserves going from 10% to 15% in 2027. Mark Harris explains what condo buyers and agents must do now.

MortgageJune 23, 2026 • 3 min read
Why Mortgage Brokers Are Better Than Banks and the Difference That Actually Saves You Money

Why Mortgage Brokers Are Better Than Banks and the Difference That Actually Saves You Money

30+ lenders, pre-underwrite, better deal. Mark Harris explains why brokers beat banks every time.

MortgageJune 22, 2026 • 3 min read
There Are 2679 Active Down Payment Assistance Programs Right Now and Most Buyers Never Hear About Them

There Are 2679 Active Down Payment Assistance Programs Right Now and Most Buyers Never Hear About Them

All-time high DPA programs available. Mark Harris explains how to find what you qualify for.

MortgageMay 13, 2026 • 3 min read
Your Credit Score Just Got a Major Upgrade and It Could Change Whether You Qualify for a Mortgage

Your Credit Score Just Got a Major Upgrade and It Could Change Whether You Qualify for a Mortgage

Rent payments now count toward approval. Mark Harris explains what changed on April 22nd.

MortgageMay 13, 2026 • 4 min read
What Is Going On With Mortgage Rates Right Now and Why It Actually Creates Opportunity for Buyers

What Is Going On With Mortgage Rates Right Now and Why It Actually Creates Opportunity for Buyers

Oil prices are up, inflation fears are rising, and mortgage rates followed. Mark Harris explains the simple chain reaction driving today's rate environment and why buyers who act now may be getting better deals than those who wait.

MortgageApril 10, 2026 • 3 min read
Home Prices Are Down Nationally But That Headline Tells You Almost Nothing About Your Market

Home Prices Are Down Nationally But That Headline Tells You Almost Nothing About Your Market

A 0.2 percent national price dip made headlines but real estate is local and the gap between markets right now is wider than ever. Mark Harris breaks down what the data actually shows and why your market is what matters.

MortgageApril 02, 2026 • 4 min read
Are We Finally in a Buyer's Market? What Mark Harris Wants Every Buyer to Know Right Now

Are We Finally in a Buyer's Market? What Mark Harris Wants Every Buyer to Know Right Now

Inventory is up and homes are sitting longer but prices are not falling the way the data suggests they should. Mark Harris breaks down what is really driving today's housing market and where prepared buyers can find real leverage.

MortgageMarch 25, 2026 • 5 min read
The Homeowners Insurance Problem That Is Killing Home Deals Right Before Closing in 2026

The Homeowners Insurance Problem That Is Killing Home Deals Right Before Closing in 2026

A surprise insurance quote is becoming one of the most common reasons home deals collapse at the finish line. Mark Harris explains how this silent deal-killer works and what every buyer must do to protect their closing.

MortgageMarch 23, 2026 • 5 min read