20 Best U.S. Cities to Invest in Real Estate in 2026
Thinking about where to put your real estate dollars for the best returns in 2026? You've come to the right place. I’ve spent a lot of time digging into the numbers and looking at what makes a city a winner for investors. Based on my research and what the experts are saying, the 20 best…
Today's Mortgage Rates, September 1: Rates Rise Again as U.S.-Iran Tensions Resurface
Today's mortgage rates, September 1, 2026, ticked up. The 30-year fixed rose to 6.59%, the 15-year fixed came in at 6.00%, and the 5/1 ARM sits at 6.22%. Renewed tensions between the U.S. and Iran over the weekend added further pressure, pushing oil prices — and inflation worries — higher. Here's the full rate breakdown…
Mortgage Rates Today, Sept 1, 2026: 30-Year Refinance Rate Drops by 8 Basis Points
On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the national average 30-year fixed refinance rate dropped by 8 basis points, settling at 7.05%. This is a welcome shift from the previous average of 7.13%, and it's the kind of news that makes me, as someone who's spent years looking at these numbers, sit up and pay attention. It…
Today's Mortgage Rates, August 31: 30-Year Fixed at 6.55%, Purchase Beats Refinance
As of Monday, August 31, 2026, a purchase mortgage costs a little more than a refinance. The 30-year fixed purchase rate is 6.55%, four basis points above the refinance rate for the same term. The difference is small, but it is the figure that matters if you are choosing between buying and refinancing. Today's Mortgage…
Best Alternatives to Traditional Mortgage Refinancing in 2026
Feeling stuck with your current mortgage, but the idea of a full-blown refinance feels like too much hassle, or maybe even too expensive? You're not alone. Many homeowners in 2026 are exploring smarter ways to tap into their home's value or adjust their payments without the often-daunting process of a traditional mortgage refinance. The good…
Is a September 2026 Fed Rate Hike Already Locked In?
A September 2026 Fed interest rate hike, once considered unlikely, is now looking increasingly possible. Bond market traders are now pricing in a real chance of a hike rather than a cut. Just weeks ago, markets priced the odds of a hike at only about one in three. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh signaled as much…
Mortgage Rates Today, August 31, 2026: 30-Year Refinance Rate Rises by 10 Basis Points
If you're thinking about refinancing your mortgage, you'll want to know that the average 30-year fixed refinance rate is up 10 basis points this week, hitting 7.07%. This little bump means that locking in a new rate might be a bit more costly than it was last week. But don't let that single number scare…
Today's Mortgage Rates August 30: 30-Year Climbs to 6.55% as Treasury Yields Hit 4.73%
If you're thinking about buying a home or refinancing your current mortgage, you'll want to know that today, August 30, 2026, mortgage rates are looking a little higher than they did last week. The popular 30-year fixed mortgage has crept up, and while some other rates have dipped, the overall trend points towards a bit…
Mortgage Rates Today, August 30, 2026: 30-Year Refinance Rate Rises by 12 Basis Points
As of August 30, 2026, the average 30-year fixed refinance rate has moved up to 7.08%, a 12 basis point increase from the previous week. This means homeowners considering refinancing may find slightly higher costs for their new mortgage loans. Now, I know “basis points” can sound a little technical, but think of it like…
