GREENWAY BLOG

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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17 October 2025

MarketMinute | How does Gen Z feel about the market?

After a few months of calm, tensions between the U.S. and China reignited in recent weeks, sparking new concerns over trade and tariffs. The government shutdown is in its 3rd week with no end in sight, limiting key data on the labor market and economy. Fed Chair Powell said quantitative tightening might wrap up soon, potentially limiting the supply of mortgage bonds and driving down rates.   According to ICE, the average credit score for purchasers locking their rates was 736 in September, the...

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