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News & Insights | Mortgage News

![Mortgage News: Why Today’s Homeowners Should Have Insurance](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F8abd9e4666fb4d6c8da196217eed437b)
<br>

Here’s a look at the latest developments in the refinance market this week.

## Extreme weather is getting more frequent. Do you have the insurance you need? 

As [the impact of climate change](https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2021/07/03/climate-change-heat-dome-death/ "external") continues to worsen around the country, storms and major weather events are becoming more frequent. If you want to protect your home and its financial value, it’s important to have insurance that fits your needs. 

[Homeowners insurance](https://better.com/content/why-do-i-need-homeowners-insurance) covers losses and damages that occur to or on your home. Your policy can provide the funds to repair or replace damaged property, and protect you from certain liabilities. While it may seem like an extraneous cost when things are going well, its value is undeniable when they’re not. 

Most homeowners pay around [$90 a month](https://www.lemonade.com/blog/homeowners-insurance-cost/) for homeowners insurance, though it depends where you live and what you need. Many types of damage like wind, hail, and lightning, are covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy. But some events fall under a separate deductible, like flooding. Just an inch of water can bring up to [$25,000 in damage](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/31/how-homeowners-can-be-financially-prepared-ahead-of-storms-like-ida.html "external"), so it can help to make sure you’re protected, even if that means getting an additional policy. 

Read up on [all things insurance](https://better.com/content/all-things-insurance) to figure out what you need for your home, and how to get it. If you’re looking for a fast insurance experience that’s entirely online, head to [Better Cover](https://better.com/hoi) to see how they can help. 

## With one less fee and low rates, it’s still a good time to refinance

Thanks to a steady market, mortgage rates remained in place for two weeks in a row. The [30-year fixed rate sat at 2.87%](http://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/ "external"), just 0.22% away from the all-time low it reached [in January](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/01/07/fixed-mortgage-rates-sink-lowest-levels-history-could-be-headed-higher/ "external"). 

It’s still a good time for many homeowners to refinance, especially now that the [FHA’s adverse market fee has been removed](https://www.fhfa.gov/Media/PublicAffairs/Pages/FHFA-Eliminates-Adverse-Market-Refinance-Fee.aspx "external"). This fee added an extra 0.5% to the loan balance, costing the average homeowner [$1,400](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/regulator-ditches-controversial-mortgage-refinance-fee-ahead-of-schedule-11626446564 "external") over the life of the loan. 

Roughly two thirds of the country’s mortgage applications come from homeowners refinancing, but that amount dropped [4% week-over-week](http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/09012021_applications_and_forbearances.asp "external"). Many more could be taking advantage of savings. To find out where you stand, crunch the numbers with the [Better Mortgage refinance calculator](https://better.com/content/refinance-calculator/) to see how much you could save. 

## Why Tess Silwa chose to buy her first home with Better Mortgage

Better Mortgage is proud to be a digital-first mortgage lender, because it helps them communicate quickly and efficiently with everyone they work with. That’s part of what drew Austinite Tess Silwa to the company when she decided it was time to buy her first home. 

Tess began house hunting with her partner in 2019. When browsing for lenders online, she was instantly impressed by Better Mortgage’s competitive rates. Tess says she decided on Better because the team was responsive and helpful, and didn’t make her feel like she had to come in knowing the loan process already, as so many other lenders had. If you’re new to homeownership and not sure what’s next, get a lay of the land with the [8 steps to buying a home.](https://better.com/content/steps-to-buying-a-house) 

## Considering a home loan?

Get your custom rates in minutes with [Better Mortgage](https://better.com/). Their team is here to keep you informed and on track from pre-approval to closing. 

<br>

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With extreme weather happening more often, the integrity of your home may be at risk—and homeowners insurance could be the answer. 

Why Today’s Homeowners Should Have Insurance

Blog post image for Why today’s homeowners should have insurance

Why today’s homeowners should have insurance

![Mortgage News: Rental Payments Will Now Help You Buy A Home](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F338932cb269146a3bb61c9432f1c9536)

<br>

## Your rental payment history will now help you buy a home

A [new announcement from Fannie Mae](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-easier-good-renters-become-222600952.html "external") has good news for renters looking to become homeowners. Starting September 18th, lenders will consider rental payment history when they evaluate your mortgage application. That means if you include proof of on-time, consistent rental payments in your banking history and finances, it can help you get approved for a home. 

The move is meant to open up homeownership to more first-time buyers and underrepresented groups, many of whom make up [the 26 million Americans with no major credit history](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/fannie-expands-credit-check-for-mortgages/ "external"). It’s entirely up to applicants if they want to include rental payment history alongside their traditional lines of credit. But on the flip side, having missed payments won’t hurt their chances of qualifying. 

This should help make a new path to homeownership for the [17% of first-time buyers](http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/08192021_loan_underwriting.asp "external") who are turned down for a mortgage due to credit history. Better Mortgage is proud to be one of the first lenders applying the new guidelines on the September 18th launch date. In the meantime, get a better sense of [what credit means to your mortgage](https://better.com/content/how-your-credit-score-affects-your-mortgage/). 

## New home builders are in a slump as home prices rise

Even with lumber prices back to normal after a [pandemic-driven spike](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-11/lumber-falls-to-nine-month-low-extending-retreat-after-boom?sref=P540kFKo "external"), builders are [losing confidence in the market](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/17/homebuilder-sentiment-falls-to-lowest-level-in-a-year-as-buyers-face-sticker-shock.html "external") as home prices climb. The median price of a new home grew 9% over the last year, reaching [$361,800](https://www.census.gov/construction/nrs/pdf/newressales.pdf "external") in June. The gains are driven by the market’s low inventory, which was further set back by a shortage in materials and labor this past year. 

Buying a new construction home is a little different than an existing home. Instead of a seller negotiating the price with a buyer, the builder sets the price based around the cost of building. Find out what you can do to save money and close on time with our guide to [new construction homebuying](https://better.com/content/buying-a-new-construction-home/). 

## How homebuyer Marcela Roza scored a Better Home Run

Better isn’t just a mortgage company—it’s a one-stop shop dedicated to making homeownership more accessible. While Better Mortgage helps you buy and refinance your home, Better Cover and Better Settlement Services are there to help you with homeowners and title insurance, respectively. When we work with you on all three, we call it a Better Home Run. 

Last August, New Jersey resident Marcela Roza became a home-run client when she found Better online. “I work in advertising and talk to people all day. When it comes to my personal needs, I want the process to be online, easy, and convenient,” she says. 

Marcela bought a home with Better Mortgage, and insured it through Better Cover and Better Settlement Services. This saved her time and energy that she would have spent shopping around elsewhere, and helped her close on her first home quickly—even in the middle of a pandemic. 

If you’re on the hunt for insurance, [Better Cover](https://better.com/hoi) and [Better Settlement Services](https://better.com/title) can help you make it happen quickly and efficiently. Or, study up to figure out what you need with [our guide to homeowners insurance](https://better.com/content/why-do-i-need-homeowners-insurance) and our breakdown of [why title insurance matters](https://better.com/content/title-services/). 

#### Considering a home loan?

Get your custom rates in minutes [with Better Mortgage](https://better.com/). Their team is here to keep you informed and on track from pre-approval to closing. 

<br>

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 <a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/start">See your rates</a>  
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Starting in September, Fannie Mae will allow renters to use their rental payment history as credit on their mortgage application.

Still Renting? Here’s How It Can Help You Own 

Blog post image for Still renting? Here’s how it can help you own

Still renting? Here’s how it can help you own

![Mortgage News: A Fannie Mae Change Could Help Homeowners Save](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F9c37f0d143b74b04b9829e84e13e5eb9)

<br>

## Here’s how your credit score could go further on a refinance

On September 18th, [Fannie Mae is rolling back restrictions](https://guide.freddiemac.com/app/guide/bulletin/2021-28?utm_source=eloqua&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-08-11_POLICY_Guide-Policy&elqTrackId=747C89626F11F8DD6608D507513F79CC&elq=3c2cd261068e4b0598a1b73e455c6b5b&elqaid=10401&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=9764) that impact how lenders evaluate credit scores. Instead of considering only the lowest of two FICO scores between a primary and co-borrower, lenders will now be able to combine them for an average score. That means you’ll be represented by either the same score or higher when applying to a Fannie Mae-backed lender like Better Mortgage. 

Your credit score is a large part of how lenders evaluate your ability to pay back a loan. The higher your score, the lower the rate you likely qualify for—which means more savings on a refinance. It also affects the price of your mortgage insurance, which is required if you make a down payment less than 20%. Get a sense of [how your credit score affects your mortgage](https://better.com/content/how-your-credit-score-affects-your-mortgage/), and how to improve it before applying.

This change is coming just in time as mortgage rates begin to tick upward. America’s most popular home loan, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage, [reached 2.87% last week](http://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/). That’s not far from its all-time low of [2.65%](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/01/07/fixed-mortgage-rates-sink-lowest-levels-history-could-be-headed-higher/), but it is a 0.10% jump from the week before. 

The market drove rates up in response to the country’s latest jobs report. Employment and wages are increasing, and a [healthy economy usually means higher mortgage rates](https://better.com/content/what-affects-mortgage-rates/). It may help to move quickly on your refinance before they can rise further, so [see what today’s rates mean for your budget](https://better.com/start). 

## Considering a home loan?
Get your custom rates in minutes with [Better Mortgage](https://better.com). Their team is here to keep you informed and on track from pre-approval to closing. 

<br>

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Lenders will evaluate credit scores differently starting September 18th, and homeowners may be in a position to save even more on their next refinance.

A Fannie Mae Change Could Help Homeowners Save

Blog post image for A Fannie Mae change could help homeowners save

A Fannie Mae change could help homeowners save

![Real Estate Trends: As Real Estate Prices Peak, Caution Buyers Against Bidding Too High](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F4824dd3f58c54169afbe28986326a191)

<br>

Here’s a look at the latest developments in the real estate market.

<ul>
<li><strong>Realtor.com reports that 29% of sellers will ask for more than they think their home is worth.</strong></li>
<li><strong>In May, Redin reported that “over half of homes sold above list price” for the first time ever.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Better is seeing 20% of appraisals on primary residence purchases come in below contract price.</strong></li>
</ul>

As the summer buying season kicks into high gear, homes throughout the country continue to sell for above-asking prices. According to a recent report from [Redfin](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/more-than-4-500-seattle-area-homes-have-sold-for-at-least-100-000-above-asking-price-in-2021--versus-400-during-the-same-period-last-year-301318144.html "external"), “more than 4500 homes in the Seattle area have sold for $100,000 above asking price in 2021, versus 400 during the same period last year.” Redfin also reported in May that “over half of homes sold above list price for the first time on record.” Home prices have risen 26% year-over-year to the median home-sale price of $377,200.

Better Real Estate Agent Joshua Lopez describes recent activity in the Dallas market: “I’ve typically seen between 8% and 12% above list price on average. It fluctuates but it’s around that range,” Lopez says. “Most of my clients are listening to my advice, and after doing comps, are coming in around 7-11% above list price on their offers. Over the past couple of months, I’ve also had more than a dozen buyers decide to hold off because of the market,” Lopez adds. 

<br>

#### Existing Home Sales Median Price, Percent Change Year-Over-Year

![Graph: Existing Home Sales Median Price, Percent Change Year Over Year](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F4faa6cc4405640919a06d7ca6380336d)

<p class="legal">Source: National Association of Realtors</p>
<br>

Given these trends, many buyers are frustrated and emotionally exhausted from making one unsuccessful bid after another. Advising clients to take a quick “summer vacation” from this process may offer key benefits: buyers can have a chance to recover from buyer fatigue, and agents can show that they’re willing to prioritize a client’s financial interests above their own. 

## Industry Trend

In the [San Francisco Bay Area](https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/Bay-Area-homes-real-estate-asking-prices-16263716.php "external"), a majority of homes are selling at above asking prices—but offering more money is not necessarily enough to guarantee a winning bid. According to [CNN Business](https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/16/homes/us-housing-market-offers/index.html "external"), buyers around the country are sweetening their offers with other incentives like all-cash deals, hard-to-get season sports tickets, and non-refundable earnest money. Given this news, it’s not surprising that a recent [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/petertaylor/2021/05/28/realtors-will-hate-me-for-this-but-here-are-five-reasons-that-you-absolutely-shouldnt-buy-a-home-right-now/?sh=5cc1ad3b3f94 "external") story gives five reasons not to buy a home right now.  

A recent survey by Realtor.com provides insights into real-time market conditions and [seller expectations](https://news.move.com/2021-05-19-Great-Expectations-Realtor-com-R-Survey-Shows-29-Percent-of-Sellers-Will-Ask-for-More-Than-They-Think-Their-Home-is-Worth "external"). Results indicate that 29% of sellers will ask for more than they think their home is worth, while 24% expect to get offers above the asking price.  

[The Wall Street Journal](https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-home-price-growth-rose-to-record-in-april-11624972608 "external") reported the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index, which measures average home prices in major metropolitan areas across the nation, rose 14.6% in the year that ended in April, up from 13.3% annual rate the prior month. April marked the highest annual rate of price growth since the index began in 1987. And [51% of homes](https://magazine.realtor/daily-news/2021/06/01/a-record-share-of-homes-are-selling-above-list-price "external") are selling for more than the asking price, a record high, according to new research data from the real estate brokerage Redfin. A year ago, 26% of homes were selling for above the asking price.

<br>

#### Percent Change in Sales From a Year Ago by Price Range

![Graph: Percent Change in Sales From a Year Ago By Price Range](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2Fa92c01390f214fe48b1deb593801a8fd)

<p class="legal">Source: National Association of Realtors</p>
<br>

## What we are seeing at Better Real Estate

“One house I showed had 42 offers,”says Gabrielle Ali, a Better Real Estate Agent in New Jersey, “My client made an offer $100,000 over asking that got rejected.” Ali also reports that many of her clients are renters. “Due to these market conditions, many of them have decided to continue in their current lease and put a hold on their search for now,” she says. “We decided it would be best to start looking again at the end of summer.” 

Both the Philadelphia suburbs and hot city neighborhoods are also enjoying above asking price offers. We’re seeing 10 offers or more on most properties,” says Better Real Estate Agent Jacqueline Talpa.“I prepare buyers for the reality, and they understand it could take a few offers to get accepted. It is a game of strategy and I advise them how to win—I’ve got 10 offers accepted in 40 days.”

## The appraisal gap 

The appraisal gap is commonplace in transactions today. When an appraisal comes in lower than the sales price, lenders expect buyers to make up the difference. Emanuel J Santa-Donato, VP Capital Markets at Better provides an update: “Yes, we are seeing 20% of appraisals on primary residence purchases come in below contract price. This is more than double from Q2 of last year.”

In the last 90 days, Better Mortgage had 26% of total files with an appraisal gap. The average appraisal gap in the last 90 days was $42,275 per loan file. Some buyers may not be able to afford these appraisal gaps, which can vary depending on location. 

“The commonality of appraisal gaps occurring is completely dependent on the specific market conditions for the location the property is in,” says Troy Adams, Agent Experience Partner Manager at Better. “For instance, it is much more common to have appraisal gaps in Austin, Texas or San Diego, California than in rural areas since their markets and pace of listing price increases are very hot and fast. I would say you see this in about 10-30% of files in metropolitan areas right now. The gaps vary as well and I believe those numbers have increased in Q2.”  

## The Fall buying season  

Despite slight gains, [mortgage rates should remain fairly low](https://better.com/content/where-to-find-affordable-homes-as-prices-rise/) through the fall. Freddie Mac analysts expect mortgage rates to rise gradually in the second half of 2021 as the economy recovers and inflation increases. The 30-year fixed rate should reach 3.4% on average.

## What real estate agents can do next 

- View the [resources](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT8nd7DmmOo "external") agents need to keep clients informed.
- Schedule an in-person meeting with buyers and create a worksheet detailing all the unaccepted above-asking price offers they have made. 
- Explain why taking a summer vacation from the market makes sense.
- Research local Fall market forecasts and share with buyers. 

<br>

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Buyers bidding this summer will deal with high seller expectations, competitive offers, and appraisal gaps; pausing the search may help avoid burnout for some.


Caution Homebuyers Against Bidding Too High

Blog post image for As real estate prices peak, caution homebuyers against bidding too high

As real estate prices peak, caution homebuyers against bidding too high

![Mortgage News 5/31/2021: More Homes Are Hitting The Market In June](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2Fca22a150169e4bfa9fea5355cf206c15)

<br>

Here’s a look at the latest developments in the mortgage market for the week beginning 5/31/21. 

<ul>
<li><strong>With more listings on the way, buyers should prepare to move quickly</strong></li>
<li><strong>Over 2M homeowners could now lower their mortgage payments</strong></li>
<li><strong>More than half of homes are selling above their asking price</strong></li>
<li><strong>What you should know before buying a home</strong></li>
</ul>

## With more listings on the way, buyers should prepare to move quickly

After over a year of [historically low inventory and growing demand](https://better.com/content/buying-a-house-in-2021/), buyers can expect to see a fresh batch of new listings this month. A survey found that [77% of homeowners say](https://www.nationalmortgagenews.com/news/boost-in-housing-inventory-predicted-to-hit-the-market-by-june "external") they’re expecting to list their home in 2021, and of them, [45% plan to by the end of June](https://www.nationalmortgagenews.com/news/boost-in-housing-inventory-predicted-to-hit-the-market-by-june "external"). 

Homeowners cite rising vaccination rates as a reason for their decision. After the pandemic pushed back their plans to sell in 2020, more owners are getting comfortable with the idea today.

The incoming inventory may provide some new selection, but buyers shouldn’t count on competition dying down. With inventory falling short of demand for months, homes are now selling [34 days faster](https://www.realtor.com/research/weekly-housing-trends-view-data-week-may-22-2021/ "external") than last year. 

Since this new crop of listings probably won’t stay on the market long, it can help to move quickly with an online lender. Instead of scheduling appointments and traveling to a brick-and-mortar office, buyers can move through the stages of financing in a matter of clicks. Working with Better Mortgage also means you could close your loan 10 days faster than with a traditional lender—a huge advantage when half of homes are [under contract in less than two weeks](https://press.redfin.com/news-releases/news-release-details/redfin-reports-homes-sell-fastest-pace-record-59-under-contract "external"). Find out how [buying online can help you get ahead](https://better.com/content/buying-a-house-online/) in today’s market. 

## Over 2M homeowners could now lower their mortgage payments

After a temporary jump, the 30-year fixed rate average [dropped to 2.95%](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/mortgage-rates-drop-back-below-3-heres-how-much-americans-have-saved-by-refinancing-11622124321 "external") last week. With it came the news that over 2 million homeowners are eligible to refinance with [a new Fannie Mae program called RefiNow.](https://better.com/content/you-could-reduce-your-monthly-costs-with-refinow/) 

This loan option helps homeowners who may not meet income requirements for traditional refinances to lower their rate by at least half a percent and save up to $3,000 a year in mortgage payments. To put those gains into perspective, homeowners who refinanced last year saved over $2,800 annually. 

To find out if your mortgage qualifies, [see if it’s backed by Fannie Mae](https://www.knowyouroptions.com/ "external"). If so, you can [sign up for the RefiNow waitlist](https://welcome.better.com/fhfa-refi-program/) before it rolls out this Saturday, June 5th. 

## More than half of homes are selling above their asking price

Competition between buyers has grown higher than ever, and bidding wars have gone from frequent to typical. In May, a record [51% of homes listed through online platform Redfin](https://www.redfin.com/news/housing-market-update-home-prices-surge-24-pct/ "external") sold for more than their asking price, up from a quarter of homes a year ago. 

The trend shows no signs of slowing down with home sales expected to bring in [$2.5 trillion](https://www.redfin.com/news/record-home-sales-forecast-2021/ "external") by the end of the year—their highest total since 2013. 

At this point, buyers can [expect bidding wars](https://better.com/content/be-ready-for-bidding-wars-in-todays-market/). Make sure your offer is competitive by getting pre-approved, and negotiating wherever possible. [Read up on how you can sharpen your offer](https://better.com/content/how-to-make-an-offer-on-a-home/) for a higher chance of a winning bid. 

## What you should know before buying a home

Shopping for a home is exciting, and comes with a lot of decisions to navigate. Set yourself up for a smooth home search by reading up on the key first steps, like formalizing your budget, getting pre-approved, and understanding which homes best fit your financial picture. To help guide your path from renter to owner, we’ve put together a checklist of [everything a first-time homebuyer should know](https://better.com/content/first-time-homebuyer-tips/). 

## Considering a home loan?

Get your custom rates in minutes at [Better.com](https://better.com). Our team is here to walk you through your options and help you make an informed decision about which loan is right for you.

<br>

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 <a class="bet-Button bet-Button--xl bet-Button--primary" href="https://better.com/start">See your rates</a>  
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Mortgage News: More homeowners are planning to sell within the year, but the market is moving faster than ever. Can buying online help you get ahead of the competition?

More Homes Are Hitting The Market In June

Blog post image for More homes are hitting the market in June

More homes are hitting the market in June

![Mortgage News 4/26/2021: More Homeowners Are Refinancing As Rates Dip](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F6d19d2358c30468cad4c6365451b4e36)

<br>

Here’s a look at the latest developments in the mortgage market for the week beginning 4/26/21. 

<ul>
<li><strong>Refinancing picks up as rates dip for a third week</strong></li>
<li><strong>Home sales are slowing down due to low supply</strong></li>
<li><strong>15 of the most common mortgage questions, answered</strong></li>
<li><strong>Buying a home? Have these answers ready.</strong></li>
</ul>

## Refinancing picks up as rates dip for a third week

Mortgage rates dropped for the third week in a row, with the average 3[0-year fixed rate hitting 2.97%](http://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/ "external") at the end of last week. The decline seems to have led more homeowners to refinance, as [applications rose 10% week-over-week](https://www.nationalmortgagenews.com/news/loan-apps-up-for-first-time-in-7-weeks-as-refis-rebound "external") at the same time. 

Rates have been on a steady upward path since the start of the year, as the economy showed signs of recovery from the pandemic. As they rose, [refinance applications pulled back](https://better.com/content/rates-took-a-dip-is-it-time-to-refinance/). Now, new [coronavirus concerns](https://www.nationalmortgagenews.com/news/mortgage-rates-sink-as-coronavirus-concerns-flare-up "external") have interrupted that trajectory, and brought a sense of caution to the market, which in turn drove today’s lower rates. But the shift is likely temporary, as rates are [expected to continue rising](https://better.com/content/housing-market-predictions-2021/) over the course of the year. 

Since lower rates mean more homeowners are likely to save on a refinance, many are jumping on the opportunity. The number of applicants is still [23% lower than this time last year](https://www.mba.org/2021-press-releases/april/mortgage-applications-increase-in-latest-mba-weekly-survey "external"), when the pandemic brought rates to record lows. But today, interest rates are actually [0.36%](http://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/ "external") lower than they were at that time, so it may be worthwhile to see how much you can save. 

Generally, it’s a good idea to refinance if you can lower your interest rate by at least 0.50%. With the most recent [average 30-year fixed rate](http://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/), that means homeowners who first financed in February 2020 or earlier are likely to save. The best way to find out? Take a look at [today’s rates](https://better.com/refinance-rates) to see how they stack up with your current loan. If you’re not sure whether it’s the right move for you, read more about the [benefits of refinancing](https://better.com/content/refinancing-with-rising-interest-rates/) beyond just a lower interest rate. 

## Home sales are slowing down due to low supply

In March, the number of [homes sold dropped by 3.7%](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/22/home-sales-fell-in-march-as-tight-supply-pushed-prices-higher.html "external") from the month before, bringing the seasonally adjusted annual sales rate to [6.01 million](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/22/home-sales-fell-in-march-as-tight-supply-pushed-prices-higher.html "external"). That’s the slowest pace of home sales since last August. 

For context, the annual sales rate is a calculation of how many homes are expected to sell for the year based on that month’s performance alone. Last year’s homebuying boom ended with a rate of [6.76 million homes sold](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/22/existing-home-sales-in-2020-were-highest-since-in-over-a-decade.html "external")—the highest since 2006. Right now, sales are still [higher than pre-pandemic years](https://cdn.nar.realtor "external") by about half a million homes, but March usually sees a month-over-month increase, rather than a decline. 

The drop is likely driven by a lack of supply. Usually, the market has roughly [300,000 more homes for sale by March](https://www.realtor.com/research/weekly-housing-trends-view-data-week-apr-17-2021/ "external"), and without those listings, buyer competition is tougher. Homes are selling [21 days faster](https://www.realtor.com/research/weekly-housing-trends-view-data-week-apr-17-2021/ "external") than a year ago, and February saw an average of [four offers per home sold](https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/buyer-competition-intensifies-4-offers-for-every-home-sold-in-february-2021).

Luckily, both existing and new homes should have inventory boosts on the way. An influx of new homes is expected on the market this year as [builders ramp up their speed](https://better.com/content/new-developments-are-going-up-at-a-record-pace/). Plus, as vaccinations continue rolling out, owners are getting more comfortable selling, with [41% of homeowners](https://better.com/content/rates-took-a-dip-is-it-time-to-refinance/) considering selling their home in the next twelve months. 

## 15 of the most common mortgage questions, answered

Now that interest [rates have dropped for three weeks](http://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/ "external") in a row, it may be a good time to consider buying a home or refinancing. No matter how many times you’ve been through the process, questions are bound to come up, like: what do I need to get approved? How do I know which loan is right for me? How do I choose the best rate? 

To help you navigate getting a mortgage, we’ve answered some of the [most common questions people have about them](https://better.com/content/mortgage-advice/). Read up on how the process works, and how to know what’s best for you. Dive even deeper by following the links within each answer. 

## Buying a home? Have these 6 answers ready. 

Homebuying always requires plenty of forethought and research, especially in today’s market. Moving quickly on a home is key, as [prices rise at a record speed](https://better.com/content/how-to-keep-costs-down-as-home-prices-rise/) and [39% of homes listed online](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/beware-home-buyers-a-record-number-of-homes-are-selling-above-their-asking-price-11616775541 "external") sell above their asking price. Asking yourself the right questions at the start of your search, like how much you should save in advance, or what you’ll need to get approved, can help you narrow down a budget and feel prepared for the competition. Here’s a breakdown of [the most important questions buyers can ask themselves](https://better.com/content/questions-to-ask-when-buying-a-house/) before kicking off a home search—and how to find their answers. 

## Considering a home loan?

Get your custom rates in minutes at [Better.com](https://better.com). Our team is here to walk you through your options and help you make an informed decision about which loan is right for you.

<br>

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Mortgage News: Mortgage rates have dropped for the third week in a row, and homeowners are likely jumping on the opportunity to refinance at a lower rate. 

More Homeowners Are Refinancing As Rates Dip

Blog post image for More homeowners are refinancing as rates dip

More homeowners are refinancing as rates dip

![Real Estate Trends 3/18/21: The Downside of Bidding Wars and Multiple Offers ](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F9c130cac7ebf4e5cbdbd62806b4d3820)

Here’s a look at the latest developments in the real estate market.

<ul>
<li><strong>Multiple offers create unrealistic market expectations</strong></li>
<li><strong>Buyers lose perspective in heated bidding wars</strong></li>
<li><strong>Real estate agents need continuing communication with listing brokers to know what sellers want in addition to price</strong></li>
</ul>

## The industry 

As we near the end of March, competitive markets around the country continue to be defined by inventory constraints, above-asking-price offers, and all-out bidding wars. It’s a fast-paced environment, and if you’re an agent, you’re probably spending most of your time writing counteroffers. “It’s very frustrating even telling buyers ahead of time that it is tough. Until they start looking, they don’t get it until they fall in love with their favorite home and there are 10 offers,” notes Better Real Estate Partner Agent Dawn Mueller of Northville, Michigan. 

“Today there is a supply constrained model, which impacts listing prices. There is also the possibility that a property’s initial price is too low which then causes multiple offers to come in resulting in a higher sales price,” explains William Hardin, Associate Dean for the Chapman Graduate School and Professor of Finance and Real Estate at Florida International University in Miami. 

#### Realtor.com’s [analysis](https://www.realtor.com/research/weekly-housing-trends-view-data-week-feb-20-2021/ "external") for the week ending February 20 illustrates the true competitiveness of the market.

<br>

- The ongoing gap between the nation’s housing supply and buyer demand, which was worsened by last week’s winter storms, __pushed median listing prices up 14.5% year over year.__ Although they remain low, mortgage rates have begun to increase and [are expected to rise further later in the year.](https://www.realtor.com/research/2021-national-housing-forecast/) Affordability will test buyer demand in the months ahead. 
- The number of newly listed homes continues to __trail last year’s pace, ending the week 35% lower year over year__.
- The total number of homes for sale continues to decline. __Total inventory was 49% lower than the same week a year ago.__ 
- Homes sold faster with time on market at __7 days faster than last year.__

#### In January 2021, 32.9% of homes sold above listing price—compared to 18% in January 2020. That’s a 14% year-over-year increase. 

![Line Graph Showing Homes Sold Above Listing Price Between 2018 and 2021](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F837d0b7a813343339788a5124a5a1420)
<p class="legal">source: <a href="https://www.redfin.com/us-housing-market" target="_blank">Redfin</a></p>

#### In January 2021, the sale-to-list price hit 99.3%, compared to 97.7% in January 2020. 

![Line Graph of Set-to-List Price Between 2018 and 2021](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F2b23159c7d1546c297482b29a9362fb0)
<p class="legal">source: <a href="https://www.redfin.com/us-housing-market" target="_blank">Redfin</a></p>

It’s no surprise that tales of buyer’s remorse are surfacing in the media. According to a recent story in [The Wall Street Journal](https://www.wsj.com/articles/these-people-rushed-to-buy-homes-during-covid-now-they-regret-it-11613062856), some new homeowners who rushed to buy over the last year are now having regrets. The flow-on effect from unhappy clients is a decrease in referrals and an increase in unfavorable agent reviews on Yelp. 

## What we're seeing at Better

In the current market, buyers must stretch their comfort level to submit an offer that a seller will accept. Better Real Estate Partner Agent Nancy Petroff from Lansing Michigan sums it up: “Many of the offers are tens of thousands over the list price, and a lot of them have escalation clauses to help put their offer over and above the others. Some offers are even saying that if the property does not appraise, the buyers will pay the difference between the appraisal and their offer price (if this is an offer that requires a mortgage).”

<br> 

Here’s how Better Real Estate Partner Agents work with clients on multiple offers and bidding wars:
#### Wanda Kenney, Indianapolis, Indiana
*“If you have a buyer with less than 20% down, the buyer should consider renting for a while. I have five active buyers. Every time we have written offers, we are beaten out by cash buyers.”*
#### Maureen Francis, Birmingham, Michigan
*“Prior to placing any offer, we have a talk with the listing agent to determine what is most important to the seller. We advise our clients on how to structure their offer to make it most appealing when there is competition.”*

## What real estate agents can do next

- Arrange virtual education sessions on market awareness with clients before showings. 
- Review, update, and differentiate your clients’ “must-haves” from “nice-to-haves.”
- Prepare clients for the stressful reality of bidding wars. The highest offer doesn’t always get the property. 

<br>
<br>

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The real estate market is showing no signs of slowing, as homebuyers begin to feel the fatigue of multiple-offer scenarios and all-out bidding wars.

The Downside of Bidding Wars and Multiple Offers 

Blog post image for The downside of bidding wars and multiple offers

The downside of bidding wars and multiple offers

![Real Estate Trends 2/18/21: Increased Jumbo Loan Activity and Larger Down Payments Boost Buying Power](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F816388dad4bd49668e6cf8f47394adc2)

<br>

Here’s a look at the latest news in the real estate market.

<ul>
<li><strong>A lower cost of living means a higher down payment for some homebuyers</strong></li>
<li><strong>Despite new conforming loan limits, jumbo loans are on the rise</strong></li>
<li><strong>Low inventory and rising home prices are keeping the market hot</strong></li>
</ul>

<br>

It's late February, and we're seeing an increase in jumbo loan activity and larger down payments to go with it. When you factor in low inventory and rising home prices, the real estate market is continuing its highly competitive start to 2021.

[According to realtor.com](https://www.realtor.com/research/january-2021-data/ "external"), the year-over-year national median listing price increased by a whopping 15.4% in January 2021—reaching $346,000. Consequently, in high-priced markets, such as California, the need for jumbo loan financing is also on the rise. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim Metro saw January’s median listing hit $1,150,000. In the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara Metro, it rose to $1,199,000.

What makes the surge in [jumbo loan activity](https://better.com/content/jumbo-vs-conforming-loans/) even more interesting is that it comes off the back of yet another conforming loan limit increase. Homebuyers in most parts of the country can now apply for conventional mortgages of up to $548,250 for single-unit properties.

<h4>Increases in jumbo loan applications and volume between Q3 and Q4 2020- At Better Mortgage. </h4>

- Jumbo loan applications Q3 2020: 4,015 
- Jumbo loan applications Q4 2020: 4,668
- Jumbo loan volume Q3 2020: $3.65 billion 
- Jumbo loan volume Q4 2020: $4.46 billion 
- Total jumbo loan applications increased 130% at Better Mortgage between April 2020 and December 2020

<h4>Jumbo application count</h4>

![Line Graph Showing Jumbo Loan Growth Between April 2020 and January 2021](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F63bc06069a884e968dea6df02e917a76)

<h4>Average loan amount</h4>

![Line Graph Showing the Average Loan Amount for Purchase, Rate Term Refi, Cash Out Refi Between April 2020 and February 2020](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2Fabc13fab2335477bb3748f72fb0e8080)

<h2>Larger Down payments provide a competitive edge </h2>

It’s been almost a year since stay-at-home orders started rolling out across the country, reducing the cost of living for those who are able to work from home. This increase in savings from paycheck to paycheck may be a contributing factor in the larger down payments we’re observing across the country. In December 2020, the average down payment at Better Mortgage was $93,000—up from $77,000 the previous March.

<h4>Average down payment</h4>

![Line Graph Showing the Average Down Payment Growth Between April 2020 and February](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F3bfe0cd3aa124a3aa352d0c45cd03a72)

“Most of my clients work in tech, and a large chunk of their down payment is taken from their brokerage account. Once they are vested, they take that opportunity to move forward with putting in an average of 20% or more for their down payment,” explains Better Real Estate Managing Broker Jennilee Bennet of Seattle. Bennet is also seeing “first-time homebuyers also using gifted funds to beef up their down payments.”

“It's super helpful in multiple offer situations especially when you are competing with a cash buyer or another conventional buyer, that 5–10% addition can make a huge difference when considering offers that are similar in terms, outside of financing,” Bennet notes.   

<h2>What real estate agents can do next</h2>

- Reach out to appropriate clients to check on pre-qualifying for a jumbo loan.
- Communicate and educate buyers on jumbo loan underwriting guidelines.
- Create an email blast or blog post on how buying power increases with higher down-payments.
- Post jumbo loan and increased buying power information on social media. 

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The real estate market continues its hot start to 2021 with larger mortgage down payments and an increase in jumbo loan activity.

Jumbo Loan and Down Payments Boost Buying Power

Blog post image for Increased jumbo loan activity and larger down payments boost buying power

Increased jumbo loan activity and larger down payments boost buying power

![Mortgage News 2/8/2021: Most Homebuyers are Now Buying Virtually](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F3494330f2bae43bbb32f4d21a444685c)

<br>

Here’s a look at the latest developments in the mortgage market for the week beginning 2/8/21. 

<ul>
<li><strong>Two thirds of homebuyers shopped virtually in 2020</strong></li>
<li><strong>Homeownership has grown in the last year—and it’s likely to keep rising</strong></li>
<li><strong>Refinance applications surged during January rates dip</strong></li>
<li><strong>What to expect from the 2021 housing market</strong></li>
</ul>

<h2>Two thirds of homebuyers shopped virtually in 2020</h2>

Homebuyers became more comfortable with a virtual shopping experience in 2020, as [63% of buyers made offers on homes](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/02/03/redfin-two-thirds-home-buyers-2020-made-offer-sight-unseen/ "external") that they hadn’t actually visited in person. That’s a jump from 32% in 2019, before pandemic-related lockdowns brought much of the real estate world online. 

The increase is largely driven by the pandemic and the ways in which agents have adapted to the new landscape: setting up virtual tours, virtual open houses, and video calls with clients. 

Now that virtual homebuying has proven to be a viable option, will the trend continue once vaccines are rolled out? With competition as high as it’s been, it likely could. The average time that a home is up for sale is now [10 days shorter than it was last year](https://www.realtor.com/research/weekly-housing-trends-view-data-week-jan-30-2021/ "external"). Being able to make quick decisions is key, especially in more affordable areas [where prices are rising fast](https://better.com/content/rates-drop-but-may-not-stay-down/). Many buyers may not have the time or ability to tour a home in person, and feel comfortable making the offer knowing that it could possibly sell within days.

Shopping competition is expected to heat up as [more people plan to buy a home](https://better.com/content/lagging-economy-slows-rising-mortgage-rates/) this year, and [sales activity is predicted to rise](https://better.com/content/expect-rates-prices-sales-to-rise-in-2021/). Buyers may use virtual tours to be able to act faster, even when in-person home tours are safe again. 

If you’re considering buying a home without an in-person tour, preparation is even more important. Read up on [what to look for when touring a home](https://better.com/content/what-to-look-for-when-touring-a-home/), so that when it comes time to make an offer, you feel confident in your decision. 

<h2>Homeownership has grown in the last year—and it’s likely to keep rising</h2>

The rate of homeownership in America proves to be on the rise now that 2020 numbers are in: [65.8% of the country’s homes are now occupied by owners](https://www.census.gov/housing/hvs/files/currenthvspress.pdf "external"). That’s about 1.8 million more homes than the year before. 

It may seem surprising that homeownership increased during a year marked by economic hardship and nationwide lockdowns, but last year was still a great time to buy a home. Interest rates dropped to record lows over a dozen times, and many were motivated by work-from-home policies that allowed them to relocate outside of major cities or tech hubs. 

Today, there’s still a large amount of unmet homebuyer demand as inventory sits at low levels, driving prices up. But with more people [planning to buy a home in the next 12 months](https://better.com/content/lagging-economy-slows-rising-mortgage-rates/) and [a wave of new construction coming this spring](https://better.com/content/can-new-builds-close-the-supply-gap/), there are a number of opportunities in the market to meet that demand. 

Rates are also expected to rise, but so far, they’re climbing [more slowly than expected](https://better.com/content/lagging-economy-slows-rising-mortgage-rates/) and [haven’t deterred home purchases](https://better.com/content/can-new-builds-close-the-supply-gap/). Given that record low rates may have incentivized homeowners to refinance rather than sell, rising rates could lead to more existing homes being put on the market. And in Congress, [a $15K tax credit for first-time buyers](https://www.housingwire.com/articles/potential-impacts-of-bidens-15000-tax-credit/ "external") is being proposed, which could motivate homebuying regardless of rates and their unpredictability. 

<h2>Refinance applications surged during January rates dip</h2>

Rates dropped in reaction to [slower-than-expected pandemic recovery efforts](https://better.com/content/lagging-economy-slows-rising-mortgage-rates/) in the last week of January and many homeowners took the opportunity to refinance. The number of applications jumped [up 11% from the week before](http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/02032021_applications_forbearance.asp "external"), marking 60% more refinance activity than this time last year. 

The dip in rates was likely temporary, and [we predict they could climb as high as 3.25%](https://better.com/content/housing-market-predictions-2021/) by the end of the year. That said, the climb is expected to be gradual and variations like this could keep the refinance wave going until spring. 

Given that rates are always unpredictable, trying to time the market may end up costing more in the long run. Owners wanting to refinance may be better off locking in a rate whenever it makes the most financial sense to them. 

<h2>What to expect from the 2021 housing market</h2>

As the pandemic continues to impact the real estate landscape, the question of what’s next may help inform important homeownership decisions. Here are our [predictions of what to expect from the housing market this year](https://better.com/content/housing-market-predictions-2021/), including when new inventory will be ready to buy, how high interest rates are expected to rise, and why homebuyer demand will likely stay strong through it all. 

<h2>Considering a home loan?</h2>

Get your custom rates in minutes at [Better.com](https://better.com/). Our team is here to walk you through your options and help you make an informed decision about which loan is right for you.

<br>

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Mortgage News: A majority of buyers are making offers on properties they haven’t seen in person, and the trend may continue even after pandemic risks subside.

Most Homebuyers are Now Buying Virtually

Blog post image for Most homebuyers are now buying virtually

Most homebuyers are now buying virtually

![mortgage news 9/22](https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2Fea37b90b89334a2ab1714e2159c75418%2F2b3bb0bf4bd24c0b800cbffa33ba0b22)

<br>

Here’s a look at the latest developments in the mortgage market for the week beginning 9/21/20. 

<ul>
<li><strong>Federal Reserve will keep interest rates near zero until 2023</strong></li>
<li><strong>Surging home demand drives homebuilder confidence to all-time high</strong></li>
<li><strong>Digital mortgage platforms found to reduce discrimination in lending</strong></li>
<li><strong>Remote work could add almost 2 million potential buyers to the market</strong></li>
  <li><strong>What to look for when comparing mortgage rates</strong></li>
  <li><strong>Better.com is Linkedin’s No.1 Startup of 2020</strong></li>
</ul>

<h2>Federal Reserve will keep interest rates near zero until 2023</h2>

Last week members of the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) released a new policy statement indicating their willingness to use the many tools at their disposal to support the nation’s [economic recovery](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/federal-reserve-interest-rate-flat-decision-today-2020-09-16/ "external"). Their focus included maintaining their benchmark rate at 0-.25% for at least three years and continuing to buy U.S. Treasury bonds and Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS) — both of which will support low interest rates and spur lending. While the benchmark rate is headline grabbing, it generally doesn’t affect [mortgage rates](https://better.com/content/why-your-mortgage-rate-isnt-really-affected-by-the-feds-rates/). The buying of MBS, however, has the clear goal of attempting to keep mortgage rates low. 

Though the move indicates a need for ongoing economic support, the Federal Reserve believes that the economy will recover much faster than originally anticipated. The nation’s unemployment rate which is now at 8.4% is now expected to drop to 7.6% by the end of year, before ultimately reaching 4% in 2023. 

According to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell, the [path to recovery](https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/testimony/powell20200922a.htm "external") relies heavily on effective COVID-19 containment measures and financial support from all levels of government. In the meantime, the Federal Reserve will continue to use all of its resources to boost the economy for the foreseeable future. 

<h2>Surging home demand drives homebuilder confidence to all-time high</h2>

Despite uncertainty in the nation’s economic recovery, the housing market is rebounding and flourishing. The median home price [increased 13%](http://redfin.com/blog/late-summer-housing-demand-strong/ "external") from 2019 to $319,261, while pending home sales were up 27% compared to the same time last year. These indicators point to a great deal of pent-up demand chasing a small amount of inventory. As a result, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) [rose by five points to 83](https://nahbnow.com/2020/09/builder-confidence-soars-to-an-all-time-high-lumber-risks-remain/ "external"), beating the previous record of 78 reached last month. The index measures builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes and sales expectations for the next six months on scale from zero to 100.

While a delay remains between homebuilding and new inventory, home values may continue to [appreciate](https://better.com/content/high-demand-low-supply-for-suburban-homes/), especially in areas outside major metros where [millennials are moving](https://better.com/content/fhfa-extends-foreclosure-suspension/). 

<h2>Digital mortgage platforms found to reduce discrimination in lending</h2>

The traditional mortgage process has always been fraught with hurdles, and for those who don’t fit the stereotypical homeownership mold—white, married, heterosexual—the obstacles have been proven to be far greater. In 2019 alone, prospective African-American and Hispanic homebuyers were denied mortgages at [16% and 11.6%](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/18/business/digital-mortgages.html?referringSource=articleShare "external") respectively, compared to only 7% of white Americans. Within the LGBTQ community, one [study](https://www.pnas.org/content/116/19/9293 "external") found that couples were 73% more likely to be denied a mortgage than heterosexual couples with comparable financial credentials. 

There is a clear need to democratize the mortgage industry, and online mortgage lenders are offering a shift in the right direction. By allowing prospective homebuyers to upload their financial information, get a letter of approval, and search for interest rates without an in-person meeting, these digital platforms can effectively bypass human bias. In fact, algorithms were found to discriminate [40% less](http://faculty.haas.berkeley.edu/morse/research/papers/discrim.pdf?_ga=2.161360829.1884437453.1583517590-1779220203.1578413279 "external") on average than in-person lenders. 

Trends like these are one of the reasons that Better Mortgage remains committed to technological innovation and fair lending practices. We have long believed that such measures are a crucial part of our mission to make homeownership accessible for all.

<h2>Remote work could add almost 2 million potential buyers to the market</h2>

Almost 2 million renters may now be able to [become homeowners](https://www.zillow.com/research/telecommute-2-million-buyers-27866/ "external") as more companies introduce work-from-home policies nationwide according to a Zillow analysis. Renter households that have the ability to work remotely, but can’t afford entry-level homes in their current metro areas, could potentially buy starter homes [in less expensive markets](https://better.com/content/remote-workers-flock-to-zoom-towns/). 

For example, almost a quarter million renters in the San Francisco and San Jose metro areas alone would have the means to own homes in other locales if telecommuting was an option. For prospective buyers interested in making a move, Zillow identified Pittsburgh, El Paso, and Rochester as the three most [affordable places](http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2020-09-08-Remote-Work-Could-Open-Homeownership-to-Nearly-Two-Million-Renter-Households "external") to buy a starter home.

<h2>What to look for when comparing mortgage rates</h2>

Rate tables are one of the most important mortgage comparison tools available to borrowers during their search for home financing. Typically found on a lender or mortgage rate comparison website, a rate table provides key information about a lender’s mortgage products, rates, and estimated monthly payments for a home. Our team of experts put together a guide to demystify rate tables and [what to look for when comparing mortgage rates](https://better.com/content/what-to-look-for-when-comparing-mortgage-rates/).

<h2>Better.com is LinkedIn’s No.1 Startup of 2020</h2>

LinkedIn just released its [annual list of 50 Top Startups](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-top-startups-2020-50-us-companies-rise-jessi-hempel/?published=t "external"), and Better.com took first place. Recipients were judged on employee growth, job seeker interest, member engagement with the company and its employees, and ability to attract top talent.

<h2>Considering a home loan?</h2>

Get your custom rates in minutes at [Better.com](https://better.com/). Our team is here to walk you through your options and help you make an informed decision about which loan is right for you.

<br>

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Mortgage News: The Federal Reserve intends to keep interest rates near zero in an effort to speed economic recovery.

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