Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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2026 Homebuyers: Buy Early or Wait Until Later?
Rates could dip to high-5% by Dec '26… while prices creep up 1-4%. Wait for a 5.9% rate? Price may rise to ~$423K, making your payment ~$2,354. That’s an $85/month saving… but rent averages $2K & could keep rising. Inventory jumped 12.6%, but 38% of sellers pulled listings—good houses go FAST. Check if you qualify:…
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Will Trump’s Proposal Help You Buy a House in 2026?
Slide 1 Mortgage rates just fell from 7% to around 6% — finally some relief! Slide 2 Trump’s bold plan: Fannie & Freddie may buy $200B in mortgage bonds. Slide 3 Big bond buys could press lenders to offer lower borrowing costs. Slide 4 Impact? Likely modest, unless bond buying keeps going long-term. Slide 5…
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Why 2026 Could Be a Great Year to Buy a Home
2026 may offer steadier home prices and moderate inventory for prepared buyers. Mortgage rates aren’t crashing but could ease, easing buyer stress compared to recent years. Buying depends on personal finances, not headlines about the broader U.S. market. Affordability may improve as wages grow faster than home price increases in 2026. Consider local trends when…
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US Mortgage Rate Forecast: 5-Year Outlook
Slide 1 Mortgage rates across the U.S. are expected to stay volatile in the near term, driven by inflation trends, economic growth, and Federal Reserve policy. Slide 2 Most U.S. forecasts suggest rates may gradually decline over the next 5 years, but they are unlikely to return to the ultra-low levels of 2020–2021. Slide 3…
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SF Metro 2026: How Will Sales and Prices Trend?
2026 existing home sales: ↑ 2.5% yearly 2026 median sale price: ↓ 2.5% yearly
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Rising Home Insurance Costs in 2026
Premiums ↑ nearly **70%** since 2021; another **16%** rise projected by 2027. Experts urge shopping around, reviewing deductibles, and updating discounts to save money. Long-term savings: invest in resilient upgrades like new roofs, security systems, and impact-resistant features. Cutting coverage or underinsuring can backfire, especially with rising construction costs. Review policy details yearly—check exclusions, deductibles,…
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Why Are San Jose Rents Still Rising While National Rents Fall?
San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara rents continue rising into 2026, worsening affordability in one of the priciest U.S. rental markets. Median asking rent rose 2.5% yearly, reaching ~$3,363 for 0–2 bedroom units. Two minimum-wage earners would need ~82 hours weekly each to afford median rent at 30% income. National rents fell 1% yearly to ~$1,693, marking 28…
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Reach Your Down Payment Goal Faster
Typical U.S. household needs 7 years to save for a down payment in 2025, down from 12 years in 2022. Time to save remains ~2x pre-pandemic norm due to higher down payments and lower savings rates. High-cost coastal metros: 20–35+ years to save; affordable Southern/military metros: <5 years needed. Typical down payment in Q3 2025:…
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How Agents Simplify 2026 Housing Moves
Slide 1 2026 housing is resetting—more buyers can finally afford homes again. Slide 2 Rates are easing slightly, giving buyers stronger purchasing power than before. Slide 3 Home price growth is modest, not pandemic-style spikes—predictable moves return. Slide 4 Agents translate local trends, advise offers, and protect buyers with smart contingencies. Slide 5 Sellers rely…
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Upgrade Your Electrical System
Frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, and burning smells signal need for upgrade. Upgrades improve safety, efficiency, and can ↑ home value. Panel upgrades, rewiring, GFCI outlets, and new circuits are common improvements. Hire licensed electricians; check credentials, reviews, and get multiple quotes. Typical system lasts 30-40 years; regular maintenance and code updates extend lifespan.
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