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Our experienced mortgage advisors will walk you through the best mortgage loan program that will fit your specific scenario.
Conventional Home Loans.
FHA Home Loans.
USDA Home Loans.
VA Home Loans.
There is no limit to the number of times you can refinance. However, you must qualify every time you apply and there will be costs associated with closing the loan each time.
Yes! There are a number of bond programs that offer low or no down payment financing options.
The key to choosing the right mortgage is to understand the range of options and features available to you, as well as your budget, circumstances, and goals. Our licensed mortgage professionals are here to help you navigate that process. The more you know, the more comfortable and confident you will be choosing the best option for you and your family.
The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) does not permit a lender to close a loan until at least seven (7) business days have passed from the date your application was received. A typical home loan takes 30 days, as a number of third-party services such as appraisals, title work, and credit are required in conjunction with the mortgage process. Once you familiarize your Loan Officer with the details of your specific loan scenario, they will be able to provide you with a more specific timeline.
The only way to find out is to speak with a qualified mortgage professional. Our Loan Officers have helped numerous clients who didn’t know if they could qualify to become home owners. We take the time to understand your financial situation and long-term financial goals, and then match you with the loan program that best fits your needs. Your approval for a loan may also largely depend on the price of the home you are financing. Getting pre-qualified prior to beginning your home search can give you an idea of what you may be able to afford.
Homeowners typically refinance to save money, either by obtaining a lower interest rate or by reducing the term of their loan. Refinancing is also a way to convert an adjustable loan to a fixed loan or to consolidate debts.
This question does not have a simple, one-size-fits-all answer. The exact amount will depend on the price of the home you buy as well the type of mortgage financing you choose. Depending on your loan program, your down payment could be as much as 20% of the home’s price or as little as 3%, while some loans require no down payment at all.
You may still qualify for a home loan even if you have experienced a bankruptcy. The best way to find out if you qualify is to talk with a Loan Officer to discuss your options. Be sure to bring all paperwork regarding your bankruptcy so your Loan Officer can find the program that best fits your situation.
Interest rates fluctuate all day, every day. If an interest rate is good, it may be in your best interest to lock now. If you wait, you run the risk of an increase in rates later. If you are concerned that rates may go down after you lock, contact your Loan Officer to discuss your options. Some programs allow you to lock for an extended period and choose to lower your rate should a better one become available.

If you have been watching the market and wondering why buyers are acting differently heading into 2026, you are not imagining it. The market is shifting, and the smartest buyers are already adapting. The big story is not panic or hype. It is leverage, timing, and lifestyle decisions.
Here are the main forces shaping buyer behavior as we move into 2026, plus how to use them to your advantage.
In many areas, the balance between supply and demand is moving away from the extreme seller advantage of the past few years. Realtor.com’s 2026 national housing forecast expects the market to remain broadly balanced, but notes momentum tilting toward buyers as the number of homes for sale grows faster than homes sold. That typically means more negotiating power and fewer bidding wars for buyers who are prepared. Source: https://www.realtor.com/research/2026-national-housing-forecast/
That does not mean every neighborhood becomes “easy” overnight. It does mean buyers may see:
More listings to choose from
More flexibility on price and terms
More room for concessions like closing cost credits or rate buydowns
Rates matter, but what matters just as much is what buyers expect next. When buyers believe rates will drop sharply, many choose to wait. When buyers believe rates may only move modestly, they tend to shop more actively and negotiate harder.
As of January 15, 2026, Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey reported the average 30-year fixed rate at 6.06%. Source: https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms
At the same time, many forecasts point to a gradual downward path rather than a dramatic plunge. Forbes Advisor’s mortgage rate forecast page summarizes projections from major forecasters and highlights expectations that rates may ease over time, but not snap back to ultra-low levels. Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/mortgage-interest-rates-forecast/
What does that mean for buyer behavior? Many buyers are deciding that waiting for a perfect rate is not the best plan, especially if they can negotiate:
Seller-paid closing costs
Temporary rate buydowns
Repairs or credits
Better purchase terms overall
Another major shift is that many buyers are choosing homes based on how they live today, not how they lived in 2019. The “right home” often means function and flexibility:
Home office space
Multi-generational layouts
Space for hobbies or a growing family
Potential rental income or an accessory dwelling unit plan
This is why some buyers will pay for the right floorplan even when they are cautious on price. They are not chasing a frenzy. They are choosing what fits.
This is the part many people miss. In a market with fewer bidding wars, the advantage shifts to the buyer who is prepared and strategic.
NAR’s latest existing-home sales report shows inventory at 1.18 million units with a 3.3-month supply in December 2025. That is still not a massive surplus, but it is enough movement to create opportunities for buyers who know how to negotiate. Source: https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/nar-existing-home-sales-report-shows-5-1-increase-in-december
In practice, the “best deal” often goes to the buyer who:
Has clean documentation ready
Is fully pre-approved, not just pre-qualified
Understands their payment comfort zone
Can move quickly when the right home shows up
Uses concessions intelligently instead of overpaying
2026 is not shaping up to be a 2021-style frenzy. This market is more likely to reward smart planning, clean numbers, and good financing strategy.
If you are thinking about buying or refinancing, this is a great time to explore options and position yourself for real leverage.
I’m Tricia Reece with Bright Home Loans. If you want help running scenarios and building a plan, send me a message and I’ll walk you through it.
Sources
Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com
Freddie Mac PMMS: https://www.freddiemac.com
National Association of REALTORS: https://www.nar.realtor
Forbes Advisor: https://www.forbes.com


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