Katherine Watt

Last year, the path to lower mortgage rates seemed relatively straightforward: Official inflation would go down, the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates and the cost of borrowing would gradually ease in 2025.  But now, housing market experts aren’t so certain.  “Mortgage rates are […]

CNET editors independently choose every product and service we cover. Though we can’t review every available financial company or offer, we strive to make comprehensive, rigorous comparisons in order to highlight the best of them. For many of these products

CNET editors independently choose every product and service we cover. Though we can’t review every available financial company or offer, we strive to make comprehensive, rigorous comparisons in order to highlight the best of them. For many of these products

In 2024, the path to lower mortgage rates seemed relatively clear-cut: Official inflation would go down, the Federal Reserve would carry out more interest rate cuts and the cost of borrowing would gradually ease in 2025.  That was then.  This story is part of

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve announced its third interest rate cut of 2024. When the Fed pivoted to cutting interest rates this fall because of cooler inflation, many prospective homebuyers thought mortgage rates would immediately come down.  But mortgage rates, driven by investor expectations

Prospective homebuyers hoping for lower mortgage rates this holiday season might end up disappointed.  Friday’s report on jobs from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows slightly higher unemployment in November, with the jobless rate at 4.2% compared to 4.1% in

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) gives homeowners with at least 15% to 20% equity access to flexible financing.  You can tap into that credit line for expenses such as home renovations or to consolidate debt. Because the credit