Steven Soriano - Essex Mortgage - NMLS# 263934

06/17/2026

If you spend enough time online, you'd probably think home prices are crashing or they’re about too.

But the data tells a different story.

According to Realtor.com, home prices are still rising in 71% of housing markets across the country.

That's the majority of markets.

Yes, some areas are seeing slight price declines. But they're the exception, not the rule.
That's why it's important to be careful about where you're getting your housing market information.

The internet loves dramatic headlines. The data usually tells a more complete story.

06/15/2026

A lot of buyers think affordability is impossible right now.

But sometimes it’s not about giving up on homeownership. It’s about expanding where you’re looking.

Yes, some states are significantly more affordable than others. This list breaks down the top 10. But that doesn’t mean you have to make a cross-country move to find better options.
Even in expensive markets, there are usually neighborhoods, towns, and communities nearby where home prices, property taxes, or overall costs are a lot more manageable.

The key is knowing where to look – and a local agent can help you find those opportunities.

Curious what's out there? Broadening your search, even just a little outside of town, might open up more options than you'd expect.

Drop a comment below or send a message if you want some advice on where to look based on your price point.

06/10/2026

One of the biggest questions I’m getting right now is: “What’s going to happen with the housing market in the second half of the year?”

And it makes sense why everyone is asking.

Affordability is tight. Rates feel higher. Prices do too.

And people want to know if the second half of the year is going to be better.

Here's the honest answer. A lot of it depends on what happens with inflation – and the lingering uncertainty overseas. But even in today’s market, there’s opportunity, if you know where to look.

Want a breakdown of what’s impacting the market, where experts think things could go from here, and what you can actually do about it?

Send a DM or drop a comment below and I can send you over an article that breaks it all down.

06/03/2026

Still deciding whether to buy your first home now or wait? Here’s something you’ll want to consider.

Buyers who get into their first home around age 30 build about $119,000 more in net worth by age 50 compared to those who wait until their 40s.

So, every year you spend saving for the "right" moment could quietly chip away at your future wealth.

That doesn’t mean buy before you’re ready. But it does mean, if you’re ready and able to buy now, it may be a better strategy than waiting.

DM me and let's map out what timeline fits your situation and our market. You might find that a head start matters more than waiting to save the "perfect" down payment.

05/29/2026

A lot of people have been waiting for rates to drop or prices to come down before making a move. But the reality is, sometimes life changes before the market does.
A growing family.
An empty nest.
A new job.
Retirement.
Needing to be closer to loved ones.

Those are the real reasons 1 in 5 buyers last year said they felt like they had to move, no matter the market. Because life doesn't wait for the timing to be perfect.

And if that’s where you are right now, you can still move. You may even have more options than you think. You just need someone who can help you find them.

05/22/2026

You've probably heard that mortgage debt in America just hit an all-time high. And that's true.
But here's what the headline leaves out.

Equity is also near an all-time high. And at $34.1 trillion, it's more than double the $14.4 trillion in debt.

That's a good thing. It means most homeowners own far more than they owe. So, they have a real financial cushion right now.

That’s something homeowners didn’t have during the crash of 2008. Back then, people owed more than their homes were worth. Today, it’s just the opposite.

Homeowners are in a much better position, and the housing market is on stronger footing than the headlines suggest.

05/11/2026

Did you know nearly 1 in 3 home purchases today involves co-buyers?

That's right, more and more first-time buyers are teaming up with siblings, family, or friends to make homeownership happen.

And honestly? It makes a lot of sense given how tough affordability can still be for first-time buyers.

Combining incomes means a bigger down payment, better loan qualification, and lower monthly costs for everyone involved.

If you've been feeling priced out, co-buying might be the move you haven't considered yet. Drop your questions in the comments. I'd love to help you explore your options.

04/15/2026

Getting a tax refund this year?

If homeownership is on your radar, adding that refund to what you’ve already saved could help you take that step a little sooner.

The average refund is higher this year, over $3,500, but your amount will vary. Either way, when you’re buying a home, every dollar helps.

That money could go toward your down payment, help cover closing costs, or even be used to lower your mortgage rate and monthly payment.

If you’ve been wondering how much home you could afford right now, let’s talk it through.

04/07/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Steven J Soriano by Kenneth R - We won't use anybody else but Steve for the financial services he provides. Can't say enough good things about what he does and how he does it. First class all the way !!

Click to see all 311 reviews of Steven J Soriano, Branch Manager | NMLS # 263934

03/27/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Steven J Soriano by Lawrence B - Steve handled every aspect of the loan process efficiently and kept me informed at all times.

Click to see all 310 reviews of Steven J Soriano, Branch Manager | NMLS # 263934