Buying a House

As you pay down your mortgage and your home’s value changes, you build equity that can potentially help you fund major expenses, consolidate debt, make improvements, or prepare for unexpected costs. One way to access that equity is through a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).  A HELOC is a revolving line of credit secured by your home. Unlike a traditional…

Mortgage rates have remained elevated in recent months, leaving many prospective homebuyers wondering when (or if) they’ll see meaningful relief. While rates can change quickly in response to economic and market conditions, several factors are currently keeping upward pressure on borrowing costs. So, what’s keeping rates from falling more quickly? There are a few key…

You must consider various factors, including location, neighborhood, layout, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and even school districts. Not to mention that you need to evaluate essential features such as storage, amenities, or even finishes on the newly renovated kitchen. But savvy home buyers know that some of the most important things to check are…

July 15, 2026   Will Mortgage Rates Go Down? Here’s What Homebuyers Should Know Will mortgage rates go down? It’s one of the most common questions homebuyers are asking today. While no one can predict interest rates with certainty, current economic conditions suggest that mortgage rates may remain higher than many buyers had hoped for…

However, since buying a home is one of the largest investments you can make, a comprehensive home inspection is also one of the most critical steps in this process. A professional inspection helps uncover hidden problems that may not be visible during a casual walkthrough—issues that could cost thousands of dollars in repairs and even…

During our recent First-Time Homebuyer Webinar, Lafayette Federal’s mortgage experts walked attendees through the homebuying process, from understanding credit requirements and obtaining a strong pre-approval to exploring financing options designed to make homeownership more accessible. The session also highlighted Lafayette’s Essential Workers Mortgage Program, which offers qualified borrowers up to 100% financing with no private…

Building wealth through real estate isn’t just for seasoned investors. With the right strategy, financing, and market knowledge, real estate can become a powerful tool for creating long-term financial stability and growing your net worth. Learn more

But while most home buyers easily get awestruck by landscaping and outdoor spaces during showings, many overlook the actual cost of maintaining them. From lawn upkeep, irrigation repairs, to tree maintenance, the costs can add up quickly, especially for larger properties with elaborate landscaping features. If you’re a first-time home buyer, understanding the true costs…

June 18, 2026 Recent global events continue to influence the housing and mortgage markets. Ongoing conflict involving Iran has contributed to higher energy prices, which can fuel inflation concerns. When inflation expectations rise, mortgage rates often follow suit. Adding to the uncertainty, a stronger-than-expected jobs report has some market observers questioning whether the Federal Reserve…