GREENWAY BLOG

2 October 2026

MarketMinute | Applications fall as rates rise

Jobless claims fell to their lowest level since July, while continuing claims hit a 3-year low, signaling a healthy labor market. Job openings dropped more than expected in August, but layoffs also fell, another signal of a solid labor market. Second-quarter economic growth was revised higher to 2.2%. Consumer spending and business investment helped offset higher gas prices. ICE's September mid-month Home Price Index shows 1.41% annual home price growth, down modestly from August’s 1.44% gain. Mortgage rates continued to climb for the 6th straight week, reaching their highest level...

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29 September 2026

Mortgage Payoff vs. Investing: How Should You Use Extra Cash?

  For many homeowners, paying off a mortgage early is an appealing financial goal. Eliminating a monthly mortgage payment can provide a sense of security and free up money for other priorities down the road. But if you have extra money available, putting it toward your mortgage isn't the only option. You could also use those funds to build savings, pay down higher-interest debt, or invest for the future. So, which approach makes the most sense? The answer depends on your mortgage, your overall financial picture, your goals, and your comfort with risk. Here are some factors to consider before making additional payments toward your home loan. Why...

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25 September 2026

MarketMinute | Higher rates pinch existing homebuyers

  Business activity surged to a five-year high in September as new orders jumped, but strong demand also pushed prices higher. Treasury yields reached multi-decade highs as growing expectations for an October Fed rate hike kept pressure on bonds. Global debt surged $10 trillion to top $365 trillion as large government deficits and rising interest costs raise concerns about fiscal stability.   New home sales surged to an eight-month high in August as price cuts and builder incentives helped attract buyers despite higher mortgage rates. Homebuyer demand weakened as purchase...

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18 September 2026

MarketMinute | The Fed boosted policy rates this week

The Fed hiked policy rates 0.25% at this week's meeting. Most Fed officials forecast at least one more rate hike by year's end. August retail sales posted their biggest gain since March. Consumers continued spending despite rising gasoline prices. In another sign of labor market stability, jobless claims fell unexpectedly last week. The drop could be due to the Labor Day holiday.   Builder confidence hit its lowest level in a year, per NAHB. Mortgage rates, labor shortages, and rising construction costs took a toll on optimism. NAR reports pending home sales nudged up unexpectedly in...

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11 September 2026

MarketMinute | Housing inventory reaches a recent high

  Core wholesale inflation came in slightly cooler than expected in August. Overall producer prices remain elevated, pressuring mortgage rates higher. The price of Brent crude oil jumped as Middle East tensions flared again, raising fears of higher energy costs and more inflation. The economy added a surprisingly strong 162K jobs in August, the biggest gain since March. Unemployment held at 4.1%. Existing home sales fell 2% in August to their slowest pace in more than a year, per NARNAR also reports housing inventory reached 4.9 months' supply, the most in over a decade. Rates and prices...

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