Plenty of people write themselves off over their credit before they ever pick up the phone. Two Valley loan officers on how often that fear survives an honest conversation, and why the road back is often far shorter than you think.

The Fed is powerful, and rate movements should follow Fed decisions. But if you're waiting for a Fed announcement to guide your home-buying timeline, it helps to understand what's actually driving mortgage rates. The story this year tells it better than any explanation.

When the Federal Reserve announces a rate cut, many people expect mortgage rates to drop right away. It seems like common sense — if the Fed lowers rates, mortgages must get cheaper, right?

Not exactly.

When the Federal Reserve announces a rate cut, many people expect mortgage rates to drop right away. It seems like common sense — if the Fed lowers rates, mortgages must get cheaper, right?

Not exactly.