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This week finally got a strong release of regularly scheduled data, with unemployment figures coming out first, along with employment-rate data. The prior week included the Consumer Price Index, which came in favorable. Some of the unemployment-related numbers, however, weren't as telling as they could be: the forecast was roughly 50,000, but the actual figure landed closer to 110,000. That's an order-of-magnitude miss, suggesting we may need to allow some time for the data to self-correct.

The time between Thanksgiving and the New Year is known for gratitude, togetherness and heartfelt giving. Many families share meaningful gifts during this stretch of the year, and some buyers discover that these seasonal acts of generosity can help make homeownership possible. If you have found the right home but need help with upfront costs, financial gifts from loved ones may be the support that brings your plans together.

Owning a second home is a dream for many people, whether it is a quiet cabin by the lake, a beachfront retreat, or a mountain getaway. For others, that dream also comes with the potential to generate income through short-term rentals. However, mortgages for vacation homes and Airbnb properties are not the same. Lenders view these two types of homes differently, and understanding those differences can help you choose the right financing option for your goals.

When natural disasters strike, homeowners can find themselves facing unexpected challenges. From hurricanes and floods to wildfires and tornadoes, these events can cause major property damage, income loss, and emotional stress. If you have a mortgage, knowing your options for forbearance and insurance relief can make a significant difference in how you recover financially and protect your home.

Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication protect the freedoms that allow us all to call this nation home.

Interest rates can fluctuate from one week to the next, and that can have a major impact on your monthly payment and overall loan cost. A mortgage rate lock gives you the ability to secure your interest rate for a set period of time, protecting you from unexpected increases while your loan is being finalized. Understanding how rate locks work can help you choose the right time and terms for your situation.

One of the first questions homebuyers ask is how much they can afford to borrow. While the number may seem mysterious, lenders use a clear set of financial factors to decide how much you qualify for. Understanding these factors can help you plan ahead, make smart choices, and feel confident as you start your homebuying journey.

With the ongoing government shutdown, other major releases have hit a snag, as there is still very limited information for when the shutdown may end. The largest and most impactful releases continuing to move forward are those from third-party sources still publishing data -- such as the Consumer Sentiment report -- which shows that consumers remain concerned about inflation but have recently grown more optimistic about the labor market.

A Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, can be a powerful financial tool. It allows homeowners to borrow against the equity in their property, often at a lower interest rate than other types of credit. Some borrowers use HELOCs to fund investments such as real estate, business ventures, or the stock market. While this strategy can create opportunities, it also carries significant risks that must be carefully weighed.

Inflation affects nearly every part of the economy, from grocery prices to the cost of borrowing. For homeowners and buyers, understanding how inflation impacts mortgage rates and payments can be a powerful advantage. While rising prices can feel discouraging, there are strategic ways borrowers can benefit during inflationary periods.