As summer winds down and families shift back into the school-year routine, many buyers press pause on their house hunt. But if you’re still looking for your next home, late summer may actually be one of the best times to make your move. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Less Competition from Other Buyers

Spring and early summer are peak homebuying seasons, with many families trying to move before school starts. By late August and early fall, the crowds thin out. Fewer buyers means less competition and a better chance your offer stands out.

2. Motivated Sellers Looking to Close Before Fall

Sellers who listed their homes earlier in the summer may be eager to close quickly before the slower fall and winter market. That motivation can create opportunities for buyers to negotiate on price, closing costs, or repairs.

3. More Inventory Still Available

Unlike the very end of the year, late summer often still offers a solid pool of available homes. You get the advantage of more options without the stress of competing with dozens of buyers at once.

4. Favorable Timing for Families

Even though school is starting, fall schedules often bring more predictability than the freewheeling summer months. With kids back in school, it may be easier to plan viewings, make decisions, and focus on the details of a home purchase.

5. Locking in Before Seasonal Shifts

Mortgage rates and housing inventory can change quickly as the year progresses. Buying before the holiday season gives you a chance to settle in before winter weather and year-end market slowdowns.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been considering buying a home, late summer can offer a unique mix of advantages—less competition, motivated sellers, and plenty of options to choose from. Pair that with today’s financing opportunities, and you might find this is the perfect season to land the right home for you and your family.

Your credit score has always been one of the most important factors in qualifying for a mortgage. But in 2025, some industry-wide updates are rolling out that could impact how your score is calculated—and how lenders view your ability to borrow. If you’re planning to buy a home this year, here’s what you should know.

1. New Scoring Models Rolling Out

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have started the transition to newer credit scoring models, FICO® 10T and VantageScore® 4.0. These models are designed to give a more complete picture of your financial habits, including:

• Trended data that looks at your patterns of borrowing and repayment over time (not just a snapshot).

• Expanded use of alternative credit factors, like rental payments, utilities, and even subscription history.

2. Potential Benefits for Borrowers

For many buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, these changes could be positive:

• Rental history may now count in your favor if you’ve been consistently paying on time.

• Borrowers who’ve improved their debt management over the last 12–24 months could see better scores than under older models.

• Thin credit files may get more recognition thanks to alternative data sources.

3. What This Means for Your Mortgage Options

A higher or more accurate score can open the door to:

• Better interest rates

• Lower monthly payments

• More flexible loan program eligibility

On the flip side, if your recent credit behavior shows missed payments or rising balances, the new models may highlight those trends more clearly than before.

4. How to Prepare as a Buyer in 2025

• Check your credit early: Don’t wait until you apply for a mortgage—review your reports now.

• Pay attention to trends: Lenders will be looking at your recent history as much as your overall score.

• Document rental payments: Make sure your landlord reports them or use tools that can add them to your file.

• Work with a professional: Your loan officer can help you understand how these changes affect your unique situation.

Bottom Line

The way credit scores are calculated in 2025 is evolving, and that could be good news if you’ve been building healthy financial habits. Staying proactive about your credit today can put you in the best position to secure a strong mortgage tomorrow.

When we think about freedom, we often picture travel, career choices, or financial flexibility. But one of the most powerful forms of independence comes from something closer to home—literally. Owning your own property isn’t just about having a roof over your head; it’s about building stability, control, and long-term freedom for you and your family.

1. Control Over Your Space

As a homeowner, you get to decide how your space looks and feels. From remodeling the kitchen to painting the walls your favorite color, homeownership gives you the freedom to make your space truly your own—without needing a landlord’s approval.

2. A Long-Term Financial Foundation

Instead of paying rent that disappears each month, mortgage payments build equity—a financial resource that grows over time. That equity can provide independence later in life, whether it’s funding renovations, covering education costs, or helping with retirement.

3. Stability You Can Count On

Owning a home protects you from rising rents or unexpected moves when a lease ends. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your housing costs stay predictable, making it easier to plan and budget for your future.

4. A Place to Plant Roots

For many, independence also means the freedom to create community—choosing where to live, setting down roots, and building relationships. A home gives you the power to shape your environment and build the life you envision.

5. Leaving a Legacy

Perhaps the greatest freedom of all is the ability to pass something on. Homeownership gives you the chance to create generational wealth, offering security and opportunity for the people you love most.

Bottom Line

True independence isn’t just about the choices you make today—it’s about the opportunities you create for tomorrow. Owning a home provides financial strength, personal freedom, and lasting stability.