When Washington shuts down, it doesn’t just freeze politics. A shutdown also affects the housing market. Home buyers face stalled loan approvals, sellers juggle delayed closing dates, and furloughed federal employees are left wondering how to make the next month’s mortgage payment. The ripple effects can be felt everywhere, from…

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or a seasoned pro in the real estate market, it’s common to have questions about the closing process timeline. So, if the question at the top of your mind today is, “How long does closing on a house take?” the answer is (and we’re…

Student loan borrowers scored a major victory on Friday as the Department of Education agreed to resolve a legal challenge by resuming student loan forgiveness that had been halted for millions. The department also agreed to take steps to shield borrowers from looming tax liability associated with having their student…

It’s always a good time to save for the holidays, and if you’ve heard of holiday savings accounts or Christmas Club accounts, you may have considered opening one. After all, the holidays can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to squirrel away a few extra dollars. Earmarking funds for…

Business credit cards are an excellent way for small business owners to earn rewards, get instant financing, and keep track of their business purchases. And they’re versatile; you can qualify for a business card whether you’re a sole proprietor, a freelancer, or a brick-and-mortar store owner. With the great rewards…

President Trump’s use of the Internal Revenue Service to attack his perceived political enemies has taken another, deeply troubling turn.According to reporting by The Wall Street Journal (paywall), the Administration plans to use the agency to pursue criminal investigations against left-leaning organizations. The Journal reported a Trump ally at the…

Gold () futures opened at a record $4,348.10 per ounce on Friday, up 1.2% from Thursday’s close of $4,280.20. In early trading, the price of gold rose as high as $4,392 before pulling back slightly. The price of gold futures has increased by over 62% from one year ago. This…

Making your home more energy efficient can help you save major money on your utility bills — but to save money, you’ll need to spend money on those green improvements. This is where an energy-efficient mortgage (EEM) comes in. With an EEM, current homeowners and prospective home buyers can finance…

The 10-year Treasury note is a fundraising tool of the U.S. government. Investors buy what is considered a safe, income-producing bond, and the government funds its operations. As a result, 10-year Treasurys are a barometer of the economy. When yields rise, it’s a sign of positive investor sentiment for a…

Mortgage rates have inched down again this week. According to Freddie Mac, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has decreased by three basis points to 6.27%, which is 17 basis points lower than it was this time last year. The 15-year rate is down by one basis point to…