GREENWAY BLOG

23 October 2026

MarketMinute | Rates held steady this week

  New claims for unemployment benefits fell to 194K last week, the lowest since July, pointing to unusually low layoffs. Factory output increased 0.3% in September, but manufacturing growth slowed sharply during the 3rd quarter. Oil prices climbed during the week as worries about the Iran conflict pushed crude prices to their highest level since May.   Purchase mortgage applications fell 7% last week and were 18% lower than a year ago, as rates continued to shackle buyers. A record 43% of builders reported cutting home prices in October in an effort to attract buyers...

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16 October 2026

MarketMinute | Who's buying their first home?

Consumer prices rose 0.6% in September, their biggest monthly increase in 5 months, making the Fed's inflation fight more difficult. Wholesale prices jumped 1.3% in September, their biggest monthly increase since March 2022, raising concerns about future price hikes. Retail sales rose 0.8% in September, beating expectations. Much of that increase came from consumers spending more on gas.   NAR reports a 2.5% month-over-month increase in existing home sales for September. The median sales price was $417,500, up 1.3% from last year. First-time buyers made 43% of purchase rate locks...

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9 October 2026

MarketMinute | Buyers find rate relief with financing

The economy added just 29K jobs in September, far fewer than expected, while unemployment edged up to 4.2%. Prices paid by service firms hit the highest level since July 2022, raising concerns that inflation could remain stubborn. The Fed's latest meeting minutes showed most officials expect another rate hike before year-end due to stubbornly high inflation. Purchase applications fell 2% last week and were 15% lower than a year ago, as mortgage rates kept buyers on the sidelines. To offset those rates, more buyers are using ARMs (11% in mid-September) or paying points (50% in August), per...

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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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