Thursday, January 22, 2026 / by Vic Markarian
Mortgage Rates Just Hit a 3-Year Low. Here’s Why It Matters More Than You Think
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for a “better time” to buy, this is your signal.
For the first time in nearly three years, mortgage rates have dipped into the high 5% range. That’s a meaningful shift, not just a headline. It’s the kind of change that can directly impact your buying power, your monthly payment, and your entire financial future.
Let’s break down why this matters, and how to turn it into your advantage.
Rates Have Quietly Slipped Into the 5s – And That Changes Everything
Not long ago, buyers were battling rates near 7%, making monthly payments painfully high and qualifying limits tight, especially for first-time buyers or families trying to upgrade.
But today, that narrative has shifted. Rates have fallen over 1% from their recent peak, landing squarely in the low 6s, and in some cases, breaking into the 5s.
Why does tha ...
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home buyer, home buying process, home buying, for buyers, real estate market 2026, home buyer tip 2026, housing market 2026
Monday, December 15, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Top Real Estate Agent in Montrose, CA, Reports Growing Number of First-Time Buyers Successfully Purchasing Homes Despite Student Loan Debt
Montrose, CA – Student loan debt no longer has to be a barrier to homeownership. The Vic Markarian Realty Group is seeing a significant increase in first-time buyers successfully purchasing homes despite carrying substantial student loans, thanks to strategic planning and expert guidance that helps buyers navigate today’s lending landscape.
With over three decades of experience helping renters become homeowners, Vic Markarian, a respected Realtor agent in Montrose, CA, has developed proven strategies to help buyers overcome financial obstacles. “We’ve worked with countless first-time buyers who thought student loans disqualified them from homeownership,” Vic explains. “The truth is, with the right approach and proper debt-to-income calculations, many buyers discover they’re in a better positi ...
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Thursday, December 11, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Your Home Might Be Holding the Key to Your Next Chapter
Stuck in a house that no longer fits your life… but feel trapped by rising mortgage rates?You’re not alone, it’s one of the most common pain points among homeowners right now.
But what if the answer was already in your home , literally?
Your equity could change everything about your next move.
The Wealth You’ve Built May Be Bigger Than You Think
Let’s talk about equity: the real, often hidden, wealth that builds as you pay down your mortgage and as home values increase over time.
Each mortgage payment reduces your loan balance. At the same time, home prices tend to rise steadily. Put those two together, and you’ve been growing wealth every single month, likely without even realizing how much.
And if you've owned your home for over a decade, the amount of equity you’ve built might surprise you.
According to Realtor.com:
“Nearly half (45.2%) of today’s homeowners ...
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Wednesday, October 15, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
2026 Housing Market Outlook: Is This Your Year to Buy?
After a couple of years where the housing market felt out of reach, 2026 is shaping up to be the year things finally shift — and it might just open the door for you.
Whether you’ve been waiting for rates to drop or home prices to ease, here’s what the latest expert forecasts say is coming — and how it may help you buy with more confidence.
1. More Homes Are Expected to Sell
With affordability stretched thin, many buyers (and sellers) have stayed on the sidelines. But forecasts show that’s about to change.
Experts are projecting more home sales in 2026 than in the past two years. Why? Because life doesn’t wait — people still need to move, and more of them will finally feel like they can.
2. Mortgage Rates May Keep Slipping Lower
If high rates have been your biggest barrier, this part is for you.
After peaking near 7% earlier this year, mortgage rates are finally showing signs of ...
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home buyer, home buying process, home prices, for buyers, buying a home, housing market 2026, real estate market 2026, home buyer tip 2026
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
What Buyers Say They Need Most - and How the Market Is Finally Responding
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the market to feel a little more realistic - you’re not alone.
According to a new survey by Bank of America, two things top the list for today’s homebuyers:
63% want lower home prices
50% want lower mortgage rates
Sound familiar?
The good news is — the housing market is finally starting to deliver on both.
Let’s break down how today’s market is adjusting and what it means for your next move.
Home Prices Are Moderating (Finally)
Over the past few years, prices moved fast — sometimes so fast it pushed buyers out of the game.
But today?
That red-hot pace is cooling. Nationally, price growth has slowed to low single digits, compared to the 20%+ surges we saw from 2020 to 2022.
For buyers, that shift changes everything:
It’s easier to plan your budget
You won’t feel rushed to & ...
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