Posts in category 'Homeownership'
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18
What Is My Home Worth in the Quad Cities? How Home Pricing Really Works
If you've been wondering, "What is my home worth?" you're not alone. It is one of the top Google searches among homeowners across the Quad Cities and surrounding communities.
Whether you're thinking about selling, refinancing, or planning for the future, understanding your home's market value helps you make confident financial decisions.
The key thing to...
15
Why Staying Connected with Your Realtor Matters Long After Closing
It's no surprise that by the time you close on a home, your real estate agent may know more about your goals, plans, and preferences than many of your closest friends. Buying or selling a home requires trust, transparency, and consistent communication, and your Realtor becomes a key partner throughout that journey.
Ruhl agents learn your budget, your priorities, the lifestyle you're building towards, and even the future dreams you may not have shared with others yet. They guide you through emotional decisions, celebrate your wins, and help you navigate stressful moments. In many cases, they become long-term allies and even friends, well beyond the closing table.
Here's why staying in touch with your Realtor after closing is one of the smartest moves you can make.
8
Mortgage Rates Drop in August 2025 to Lowest Rates Since April 2025
Mortgage rates have taken a welcome dip in recent weeks, offering a glimmer of relief for homebuyers, homeowners, and anyone watching the housing market forecast. The recent shift is tied directly to a decline in the 10-year Treasury yield and the economic trends influencing it.
Mortgage Rates in August 2025: The Latest Numbers
The 10-year Treasury yield, a key benchmark for 30-year mortgage rates, has fallen from 4.7% earlier this year to about 4.25% today. This decline has helped push mortgage rates down from 7.04% in early 2025 to the 6.125%–6.5% range now.
Some borrowers, particularly those using government-backed mortgages like FHA, VA, or USDA loans, are seeing even lower rates thanks to more favorable note yields.
Why Are Mortgage Rates Dropping?
Several recent economic developments have contributed to the decline in the 10-year Treasury yield and mortgage rates:
- Slowing job growth and softer employment reports
- Signs that the overall economy is cooling
- Expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September 2025
When the economy slows, investors often anticipate rate cuts from the Fed. This tends to push Treasury yields lower, and when yields fall, mortgage rates usually follow.
Mortgage Rate Forecast for Late 2025
Right now, the 10-year yield is hovering near an important level: 4.2%. If yields drop below that point and head toward 4.0%, possibly due to cooling inflation or further economic slowdown, mortgage rates could fall into the high 5% to low 6% range by Q4 2025.
However, there are still factors that could keep rates higher:
- Proposed tariffs, which could be inflationary or deflationary depending on implementation
- Persistent inflation is keeping the Fed cautious about cutting rates too quickly
What Lower Mortgage Rates Mean for Buyers and Homeowners
Lower mortgage rates can increase affordability for homebuyers and improve refinancing opportunities for homeowners. Even a small decrease in interest rates can make a noticeable difference in monthly payments and long-term interest costs.
If you're planning to buy or refinance, now is the time to contact a trusted Ruhl Mortgage Lender who can consult with you on your next best step. Since home prices are still appreciating, waiting for a minor rate adjustment may not be the smartest move, considering that the trade-off would be paying a higher price for the property. For more information about Ruhl Mortgage, visit RuhlMortgage.com.
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RuhlMortgage.com | 866-441-1862 | customerservice@ruhlmortgage.com Ruhl Mortgage LLC, NMLS #935629 | IL Residential Mortgage | License MB.6760937 | IA #2012-0110 | WI #935629BA - For licensing information, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org |
3
Why Homeownership Is Going To Be Worth It
Life can feel a bit unpredictable these days. What's happening with inflation? The economy? The housing market? But in the middle of all that uncertainty, there's one thing a lot of people still crave – a place to call their own.
Because when everything else feels up in the air, home can be the thing that grounds you. As the experts at 1000WATT put it:
"Homeownership isn't primarily financial anymore. . . Across all demographics, emotional and lifestyle factors consistently outrank wealth-building as motivators."
19
The True Value of Homeownership
Buying and owning your home can make a big difference in your life by bringing you joy and a sense of belonging. Of course, there are financial reasons to buy a house, but it's important to consider the non-financial benefits that make a home more than just where you live. Here are three ways owning your home can give you a sense of accomplishment, happiness, and pride.
You May Feel Happier and More Fulfilled
Owning a home is associated with better mental health and well-being. Gary Acosta, CEO and Co-Founder at the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), explains: "Studies have shown the emotional and psychological benefits that homeownership has on a per...
