Expert analysis from Lower
Read data reports, mortgage industry analysis, and news from our team of experts.
Rising Mortgage Rates Erased Fall Price Savings in Nearly Half of Large U.S. Cities
Asking prices fell in 72% of 226 large U.S. cities this fall, but rising mortgage rates meant only a quarter saw lower estimated monthly payments.
Featured Articles
That Extra Bedroom Could Cost More Than $20,000 A Month
We analyzed more than one million single-family home listings to find out how much an additional bedroom could cost you.
Renting vs. Buying for College: How the Costs Compare Over Four Years
Renting beats buying month-to-month near 43 of 48 top public universities, but buying wins over four years in 41 once equity is factored in.
Donalds vs. Jolly: How Florida's Governor Candidates Would Address Housing Affordability
Compare Byron Donalds and David Jolly's plans for Florida homeowners insurance, housing affordability and the cost of owning a home.
Lombardo vs. Ford: Nevada Housing Plans Compared
Joe Lombardo and Aaron Ford have competing proposals for Nevada's housing shortage. Compare their plans for construction, corporate investors and buyers.
Acton vs. Ramaswamy: How Ohio's Governor Candidates Would Address Housing Affordability
Both Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy want to address housing affordability in Ohio. But the way they propose to do it differs.
Fed Holds Rates in October. Will Mortgage Rates Fall Before 2027?
The Fed held rates steady in October 2026, but mortgage rates can still change. See how inflation, Treasury yields, jobs and AI-related market moves affect rates.
Nearly Half of Americans Are Comfortable With AI Approving or Denying Their Mortgage
AI is already becoming part of how people research financial decisions. But when it comes to getting a mortgage, consumers appear willing to let it go much further than answering questions or comparing rates.
Top 10 Best Cities for House Hacking in 2026
A look at the top U.S. cities where first-time buyers can purchase a multi-unit home, live in one unit, and let their neighbors help pay the mortgage.
Why Mortgage Rates Can Rise When the Fed Holds Rates Steady
The Federal Reserve held rates steady again on July 29. But that doesn't mean mortgage rates will stay the same.
The ROAD Act Limits Institutional Homebuying: What It Could Mean for Buyers
A new federal law limits some large investors from buying up single-family homes. But whether that will make a difference for buyers depends heavily on the market where they live.
Could the ROAD to Housing Act Lead to More Starter Homes?
The new federal law could expand access to starter homes, but it'll take time for borrowers to see its impact.
New Mortgage Disclosures Could Help Veterans Compare FHA and VA Loans
Two of the new law's provisions are intended to help lenders identify potential VA borrowers earlier and give some veterans considering FHA financing more information about VA loan costs.
How to Dispute a Low Appraisal Under the ROAD to Housing Act
Learn about how the ROAD to Housing Act changes the reconsideration of value (ROV) process.
How the ROAD Act Could Change Manufactured, Modular and ADU Financing
The ROAD Act aims to address barriers to modular construction financing.
Could the ROAD Act Make Small-Dollar Mortgages Easier to Find?
Learn about the ROAD Act's implications for access to mortgages under $100,000.
What is a Small Dollar Mortgage?
Learn about small-dollar mortgages and the implications of a new federal law.
The ROAD to Housing Act Is Now Law: What Homebuyers Should Know
A sweeping new housing law could expand access to homeownership and increase housing supply across the country, but many of its provisions will take time to reach borrowers and local markets.
How Do Oil Prices Affect Mortgage Rates?
See historic data on how oil prices can affect the housing market.
Can You Close on a Mortgage During a Government Shutdown?
You may be able to close on a mortgage during a government shutdown, but the answer depends on your loan type, property, documentation and which federal services your lender needs before closing.
Would a 50-Year Mortgage Be Affordable?
50-year mortgages would exchange a lower monthly payment for significantly more interest over the life of the loan.
Top Cities for First-Time Buyers in 2026: Owning vs. Renting
Whether you're looking to buy, lower your rate, or use your equity, Lower has options for you.
Fed Holds Rates Steady. What Homebuyers Need to Know
The Fed held rates steady, but mortgage rates are affected by broader economic factors.
Do Fed Rate Increases Mean Higher Mortgage Rates?
A Fed rate hike doesn't automatically increase mortgage rates. In fact, some previous Fed hikes have actually been followed by lower rates.
Can You Use a 401(k) to Buy a House?
A proposal would let buyers use their 401(k) to buy a home, but whether or not that's a good idea depends on both the economy and your long-term situation.
Does Inflation Affect Mortgage Rates?
Inflation affects mortgage rates through Federal Reserve policy and long-term bond yields.
Trump Wants to Buy $200 Billion in Mortgage Bonds. What Does that Mean for Rates?
Timing is everything with the proposal to buy mortgage-backed securities.
Could a Ban on Institutional Investors Make Homes More Affordable?
Exactly what a ban on institutional investors could mean depends heavily on the local market.