Recent Articles
Holiday Week Catch-Up: Mortgage Rates Hover Near 2-Month Lows
A holiday-week catch-up: light trading kept markets mostly sideways, but the average 30-year fixed edged to near two-month lows as bonds got a small lift from Europe and pending home sales improved.
Published on 12/30/2025
Is 2026 a Good Time to Buy a Home in New Orleans? Local Market & Mortgage Outlook
Is 2026 a good time to buy a home in New Orleans and surrounding parishes? Learn how rates, prices, insurance, and local trends impact buyers and what it means for you.
Published on 12/26/2025
VA One-Time Close Construction Loans in New Orleans | Build with $0 Down
Veterans can build a custom home in New Orleans and surrounding parishes with a VA One-Time Close Construction Loan. Learn how $0 down works, local construction costs, and expert guidance from a trusted VA mortgage specialist.
Published on 12/19/2025
Inflation Cools in November — What It Means for Mortgage Rates
Inflation slowed in November after peaking earlier this fall. Here’s what that means for mortgage rates and what homebuyers should watch next.
Published on 12/18/2025
Buying Your First Home in New Orleans and Surrounding Parishes in 2026 | Expert Mortgage Guidance
Buying your first home in New Orleans or the surrounding parishes in 2026? Learn how mortgage rates, insurance, and local market realities affect first-time buyers and how to plan smart.
Published on 12/13/2025
Fed Cuts Again, But Dot Plot Steers Mortgage Rate Outlook
The Fed cut rates by 0.25% and ended quantitative tightening, but the real story for the average 30-year fixed is in the dot plot and Powell’s comments. Here’s what that means for mortgage rates and homebuyers.
Published on 12/10/2025
This Week in Mortgage Rates: Buyers Are Back as Rates Hover in the Low 6s
Mortgage rates bounced around but stayed in a tight range near the low 6% area this week, while purchase applications hit their highest level since early 2023 and refinance demand more than doubled compared to last year. Here’s what that means if you’re thinking about buying or refinancing.
Published on 12/06/2025
The 2026 Guide to New Orleans Homeowners Insurance Cost: What First-Time Buyers Must Know Before They Shop
The #1 Homebuying Blind Spot in New Orleans If you’re preparing to buy a home in New Orleans and the surrounding 50-mile region, you’ve probably been thinking about mortgage rates, down payment, or credit requirements. Those matter, but here’s the #1 blind spot first-time buyers rarely expect: The elevated cost of homeowners insurance premiums in New Orleans can impact your monthly payment more than the interest rate itself. As someone who has been originating mortgages for more than 20 years, I can tell you this: insurance is the most common surprise my buyers encounter. Not because they weren’t prepared, but because premiums in our region can vary dramatically based on risk, location, and insurance carrier. And in a market like New Orleans, where older homes, storm exposure, and flood zones play a significant role, understanding insurance costs early will make you a far more educated buyer, and may even determine what you can truly afford.
Published on 12/05/2025
Stronger Data Last Week Caused a Slight Rate Bump
Stronger jobless-claims and durable-goods data from last week pushed the average 30-year fixed slightly higher, but mortgage rates are still near recent lows. Here’s what that means for buyers and homeowners
Published on 12/01/2025