It’s Getting Easier to Qualify for a Mortgage

The Mortgage Credit Availability Index is rising, meaning more people are able to secure financing for a home loan – even with lower credit scores or smaller down payments. In fact, it’s easier to get a loan now than it’s been in almost three years. Lenders are trying to boost activity in the housing market, and that gives you an opportunity. You may qualify today, even if you didn’t a few months ago.

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Real Estate Heatwave: 9% Spike in Mortgage Applications

Last week, I highlighted the recent dip in mortgage rates as we headed into the summer market. This week, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) confirmed what we suspected: even a modest drop is already making waves (how’s that for a summer pun?). Their latest report shows purchase applications jumped 9% — putting them 25% higher than this time last year. Here are a few more key takeaways:

  • The 30-year fixed rate dipped last week to 6.77%, the lowest in 3 months.

  • Purchase applications increased to their highest level since 2/2023.

  • Refinance applications rose 9% weekly and were up 56% YOY.

  • Pending home sales hit…

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Westchester Market Shows Strength Amid Supply Constraints

The Westchester County real estate market showed remarkable strength in Q2 2025, holding steady despite (or perhaps because of) limited inventory. The median home price reached $1,075,000, up 11% year-over-year, while homes continued to sell quickly, averaging just 34 days on the market. Buyers remain active, and well-positioned homes are still commanding attention. Here are the numbers:

Ralph’s Take

Buyer demand continues to outpace housing supply across nearly every category. Properties are selling just as quickly as they did last year, but at higher price points across the board. With the exception of condominiums, inventory in Q2 was down…

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The Equity Effect: How Homeowners Use Gains to Upsize, Invest, or Refinance

If you own a home in Westchester County chances are you’re sitting on a historic amount of equity. Since 1995, New York property values have surged by an incredible 284%, and in Westchester County, values jumped more than 30.8% just since March 2020. According to the June 2025 Mortgage Monitor from ICE Mortgage Technology, U.S. homeowners are accessing their equity at the highest levels since 2008. Here’s where that equity might be going:

  • Helping Families Buy Homes: Bank of America reports that 49% of Gen Z buyers received help from family.

  • Home Improvements: Many homeowners are choosing to renovate rather than move due to…

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Revolutionary Roots: Historic Farmhouse Hits the Market

Timeless 1776 Farmhouse – First Time Offered in Over 50 Years

For the true historic home enthusiast, this 1776 center-chimney farmhouse is a rare find. Meticulously preserved, it features extraordinary wide-board floors, exposed beams, and three fireplaces off a massive central chimney — all with impressively high ceilings for the era. Click Here for Listing Details

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The Mortgage Rate Impact on the Summer Market

Mortgage rates are slowly trending downward at just the right time. As of this week, conforming loans sit at 6.75%, FHA loans at 6.27%, and jumbo loans at 6.85% — the lowest levels we’ve seen since early April. While these aren’t dramatic drops, they’re meaningful. Just a few months ago, rates hovered stubbornly above 7%. Now, as the summer buying season kicks into gear, buyers are starting to reengage. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage applications ticked up 1.1% last week, early signs that buyers are taking notice.

  • Purchase Applications Up: Up 10% week-over-week and 16% higher than 2024.

  • Refinances Jump: Up 7% from the prior week…

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