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Mortgage Process Do’s and Don’ts: What to Do (and Avoid) During the Mortgage Process

April 13, 2026 | 3 min read | The mortgage process
Applying for a mortgage can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what actions could impact your approval. Understanding the mortgage do's and don’ts—and what not to do when applying for a mortgage—can help you navigate the process ...
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March Mortgage Market Update: Signs of an Early Spring Thaw

March 31, 2026 | 3 min read | GuardHill News
As we enter the spring homebuying season, the housing market is showing early signs of improvement after a challenging couple of years. Buyer Activity is Picking Up Buyer demand is strengthening. Mortgage applications and existing home sales h...
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Mortgage Broker vs. Mortgage Banker vs. Retail Bank: What’s the Difference?

March 18, 2026 | 3 min read | The mortgage process
When exploring home financing, you will likely come across terms like mortgage broker, mortgage banker, and retail bank. While they may sound similar, they play very different roles in the lending process. Understanding the difference between a m...
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February Mortgage Market Update

March 16, 2026 | 2 min read | GuardHill News
Mortgage rates remain near their lowest levels in years, helping to improve affordability.Affordability is improving: Lower mortgage rates plus slower home price growth gives buyers a better chance to negotiate and qualify for financing.More homes a...
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January Mortgage Market Update

January 19, 2026 | 3 min read | GuardHill News
Mortgage markets are entering 2026 with optimism as inflation cools and policy signals toward potential rate relief.  Recently, President Trump announced a directive to pursue $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) purchases, aimed at ...
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Jumbo Loans: What They Are and How They Work

January 12, 2026 | 3 min read | The mortgage process
If you’re buying a home in a high-cost market like New York City, you may encounter the term jumbo loan. Understanding how jumbo loans differ from a conventional mortgage can help you make more informed financing decisions. What Is a Jumbo Loan...
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Strategic positioning for 2026

December 17, 2025 | 2 min read | GuardHill News
As 2025 comes to a close, the mortgage market is finally feeling more stable after a long stretch of ups and downs. Slow inflation and steadier Treasury markets are reducing volatility, helping buyers and homeowners plan with more confidence. With c...
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Fall Market Shifts: What to Expect

November 20, 2025 | 2 min read | GuardHill News
As we move into the middle of November, the mortgage market is showing signs of stabilization after months of rate volatility. On October 29th, the Fed reduced the federal funds rate by ¼ point, which actually caused a slight uptick in mortgage rat...
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What the Government Shutdown Means for Mortgage Rates

October 21, 2025 | 3 min read | GuardHill News
As we enter October, the housing market faces a new layer of uncertainty and opportunity: the current federal government shutdown and the upcoming Fed meeting. While homebuyers and homeowners may feel nervous, it’s important to understand what thi...
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Shifts in the Mortgage Market

September 17, 2025 | 3 min read | GuardHill News
As the crisp air of September rolls in, we’re seeing fresh shifts in the real estate and mortgage markets. Whether you’re thinking about buying, refinancing, or just staying informed, here’s your quick roundup of what’s happening and how it ...
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