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Insights

Expert analysis from Lower

Read data reports, mortgage industry analysis, and news from our team of experts.

Data Study

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.

Multifamily homes seen from above.

Featured Articles

A neighborhood seen from the air.

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.

https://www.lower.com/insights/could-the-road-to-housing-act-lead-to-more-starter-homes

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.

A man and a woman compare FHA and VA loan options with a loan officer.

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.

A borrower looks through an appraisal.

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.

A modular home is hauled by a semi truck.

How the ROAD Act Could Change Manufactured, Modular and ADU Financing

The ROAD Act aims to address barriers to modular construction financing.

A couple attends a mortgage closing with a loan officer.

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.

A person signs for a small-dollar mortgage.

What is a Small Dollar Mortgage?

Learn about small-dollar mortgages and the implications of a new federal law.

A group of homes under construction.

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.

Oil pumps seen at sunset.

How Do Oil Prices Affect Mortgage Rates?

See historic data on how oil prices can affect the housing market.

The U.S. Capitol Building.

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.

People evaluate mortgage options with a loan officer.

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.

rentvsbuy

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.

The federal reseve building in Washington, DC

Fed Holds Rates Steady. What Homebuyers Need to Know

The Fed held rates steady, but mortgage rates are affected by broader economic factors.

The Federal Reserve building in Washington, D.C.

How Does the Fed Affect Mortgage Rates?

Learn more about what affects mortgage rates beyond the Fed.

A woman and a man evaluate 401(k) options.

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.

The federal reseve building in Washington, DC

Fed Holds Rates Steady. What Homebuyers Need to Know

The Fed's decision to hold rates steady is unlikely to directly affect mortgage rates, which move more with underlying economic factors.

A screen shows live rates.

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.

A for sale sign in front of a home.

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.

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