How Earnest Money Protects Both Buyers and Sellers

What Is Earnest Money?Earnest money is a good faith deposit that a buyer submits shortly after their offer on a home is accepted. It is typically held in an escrow account by a third party, such as a title company or real estate brokerage, until the transaction is complete. This deposit shows the seller that the buyer is serious and financially prepared to proceed with the purchase. The amount of earnest money can vary depending on the market and the price of the home, but it generally ranges from one percent to three percent of the purchase price. In more…
Read More

The Most Important Rooms to Focus on When Buying a Home

When searching for a new home, buyers often get caught up in curb appeal, square footage, or how recently the roof was replaced. While those details are certainly important, focusing on the most impactful rooms inside the home can help determine whether a property will truly meet your needs and lifestyle. Here are the key rooms to evaluate carefully when buying a home. The Kitchen: The Heart of the HomeFor many buyers, the kitchen is the most important room in the house. It is not only where meals are prepared, but it often serves as a central gathering spot for…
Read More

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 28th, 2025

Very little was released this week due to the major inflation data releases from the previous week. The Leading Economic Index was the most significant—and only—impactful release this week, showing a further decline in overall sentiment about the current economic situation. The majority of the decline was largely driven by expectations for business conditions. The decline was faster than expected, enough to warrant continued monitoring of the Leading Economic Index going forward. Leading Economic IndicatorsThe Conference Board Leading Economic Index for the US declined by 0.3% in June 2025 to 98.8, after no change in May (revised upward from -0.1%…
Read More