News
DHS Partial Shutdown: What Buyers Need to Watch
DHS funding lapsed Feb. 14. Most frontline functions continue, but some housing-adjacent bottlenecks (FEMA/NFIP, travel, staffing) can still add friction.
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Blog
The Rent or Buy Today blog shares data-driven insights to help you make smarter housing decisions.
High-intent guides
Rent or Buy Today publishes practical housing and mortgage insights to help you make better rent vs buy decisions.
Guide
Presidents' Day Closures: What Slows in Housing
Banks, markets, and many offices close Feb. 16. Here's what may slow down for mortgages, underwriting, wires, and closings - plus a simple plan.
Analysis
1.1M Homeowners Are Underwater Again: What to Do
Negative equity is rising in a handful of markets and newer loans. Here's where it's happening, why, and the practical options if you need flexibility.
Market Update
Mortgage Rates Near 6.1%: Payment Impact This Week
Freddie Mac shows the 30-year fixed at 6.09% (Feb 12, 2026). Here’s the real impact on payments—and how to shop smart.
Market Update
CPI Fell: What Inflation Means for Housing Costs
Inflation cooled to 2.4% YoY in January. Here’s what moved (and what didn’t), and what it means for renters and buyers right now.
Market Update
Home Sales Fell 8.4%: What January's Drop Means
Existing-home sales fell to a 3.91M annual pace in January. Here’s what it signals for inventory, pricing, and your negotiating power.
News
Funding Lapse: Housing Friction Points to Watch
Even a partial shutdown can add friction to closings. Here’s what can slow down (and what usually keeps moving).
News
Jobs Report Surprise: What 130,000 Added Means
January hiring beat expectations, wages stayed firm, and a big benchmark revision reshaped 2025. Here's the jobs report-through a mortgage and housing lens.
Guide
Washington's Birthday Weekend Homebuying Checklist
Banks, markets, and offices can slow down on Washington's Birthday. Use this long weekend to lock in decisions, prep docs, and negotiate smarter-before the spring rush.
Market Update
Why 'Mortgage Rates Today' Search Is Spiking
Google Trends shows 'mortgage rates today' is surging. Here's what's driving it and the practical moves that matter more than guessing where rates go next.
Market Update
Australia Rate Hike: Signal for U.S. Mortgages
The RBA raised its cash rate to 3.85% after inflation surprised higher. It's a reminder: central banks can pivot fast - and mortgage-rate 'relief' may be bumpy.
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