GREENWAY BLOG

14 November 2025

MarketMinute | Will 50-year mortgages become a thing?

President Donald Trump signed legislation to end the longest government shutdown in US history, allowing the return of normal operations. Though the shutdown is over, key economic reports like jobs, inflation, and retail sales will take time to restart as agencies catch up. October's official inflation data release is delayed until December, but economists estimate prices rose 0.2% for the month and 3% year over year. About 42% of listings saw price cuts this fall. At the same time, delistings...

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7 November 2025

MarketMinute | First-time buyers are getting older

During arguments before the Supreme Court this week, justices expressed skepticism about the legality of Trump's tariffs, shaking up markets. ADP private payrolls data came in stronger than expected. Labor market strength makes a December Fed rate cut less likely. Estimates say the government shutdown, the longest in history, is costing the economy anywhere from $10 billion to $30 billion a week.   NAR’s 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers reports the median age of first-time...

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5 November 2025

Do I Need 20% Down to Buy a Home?

  Don’t believe everything you hear about homebuying — especially the old “you need 20% down” rule. While putting 20% down can help you avoid mortgage insurance, it’s not a requirement to buy a home. In fact, many homeowners today purchase with far less. Let’s break it down: Low and No Down Payment Options 0% Down – Eligible veterans and active-duty service members can take advantage of VA loans , and rural homebuyers may qualify for USDA loans —both offering zero down payment options. 3% Down – Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conventional loans allow qualified...

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31 October 2025

MarketMinute | The Fed cut policy rates again this week

The Fed cut its policy rate by a quarter point, but mortgage markets had already priced in the cut and did not benefit. Fed Chair Powell said in his press conference that a December rate cut was not a foregone conclusion, pressuring mortgage rates higher. The government shutdown has once more delayed key economic data, including this week's reports on jobless claims, inflation, and Q3 GDP. Pending home sales were surprisingly flat in September. Buyers were likely sidelined by economic uncertainty...

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24 October 2025

MarketMinute | How much do consumers plan to spend this holiday season?

The government shutdown drags on, stalling key economic reports and leaving the Fed and markets short on fresh data. Markets still expect the Fed to cut its policy rate at next week's meeting, and investors anticipate a 3rd cut for the year in December. Consumers expect to spend $890 per person on the holidays this year, down from $902 in 2024, per a National Retail Federation survey. Falling mortgage rates persuaded buyers to take action in September. Existing home sales rose 1.5% to reach a...

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