Stephen Ziehler Realtor

08/15/2026

Mortgage rates aren’t random. They’re affected by 2 numbers.

The 10-year treasury yield and something called "the spread." That's the gap between the 10-year treasury yield and mortgage rates, and it usually sits around 1.76 percentage points.

Back in 2023, the gap in the spread ballooned up to 3.19 in response to economic uncertainty. If it were still that wide today, rates would be pushing almost 8%.

But the good news is the gap has narrowed to 2.01 (a lot closer to the long-term norm). And that’s a big positive for rates. It’s why today’s mortgage rate is in the upper 6s instead of touching 8%.

Here's the part a lot of people miss. Where rates are right now are already pretty close to what a totally normal spread would produce – a mortgage rate around 6.5%.

In other words, the fact that the spread has narrowed in recent years has helped mortgage rates. Sure, they’re still higher than you may want, but it could be worse.

Wondering if...

08/14/2026

Repeat buyers, you’ve got a big leg up on your next move.

It’s your equity, the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. Sell, and that equity turns into cash you can roll right into your next down payment.

That’s how a lot of repeat buyers put down 20% or more. But why do they, especially when they don’t necessarily have to?

Because putting more down saves you money in the long run. A bigger down payment means a smaller loan, so your monthly payment is lower and you’re paying less interest over time.

You can also skip private mortgage insurance, or PMI, which is an additional monthly fee required for loans with less than 20% down.

Talk to a trusted lender to figure out what down payment makes the most sense for your budget. And when you’re ready to kick start your move, let’s talk.

08/13/2026

Here’s Why Mortgage Rates Are What They Are Right Now

That’s the trade-off with a narrowing spread. Rates may not be where you want them, but they're better than they could've been. If you want help figuring out what that means for your monthly payment, reach out to a local lender

If you're waiting for mortgage rates to fall a lot before you buy, you may be waiting a while.

08/12/2026

Picture it. A getaway that’s all yours, where you’ll build memories with your loved ones year after year. And maybe even retire someday?

A vacation home of your own might be more within reach than you think. Nearly 40% of vacation-home sellers have lowered their asking price recently.

That place you’re imagining? DM, and let’s talk about what’s available there.

08/11/2026

The Getaway You’ve Always Wanted Could Be Within Reach

Picture a vacation home of your own. Somewhere to get away whenever you need to. Where you’ll build memories with the people you love, year after year. And maybe even where you’ll retire someday. That getaway may cost less than you think – more than 37% of vacation-home sellers have cut their asking price recently. Ready to see what’s available? Let’s connect.

08/10/2026

The Case for Putting 20% Down on Your Next Home

So, no. You don't need to put 20% down to buy your next home. But you may want to. If your equity puts it within reach, going bigger can lower your costs and make moving more doable than you think – even with today’s rates.
A trusted lender can run the numbers on your financing. And when you want to know what your current house could add to your next down payment, let's talk.

If you’re planning to buy your next home soon, you’ve probably heard the old rule about saving 20% for your down payment.

08/09/2026

Here’s Where To Start if You’re Selling and Buying at the Same Time

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to buying and selling at once. But for a lot of homeowners, leading with the sale makes moving easier on their mind and their wallet.

Let’s connect, so you can navigate selling and buying with more confidence, more financial power, and less stress.

If you're a homeowner getting ready to move, one question usually comes first: should you buy your next home before you sell, or sell your current house before you start looking?

08/08/2026

A lot of buyers are waiting because they think mortgage rates will drop dramatically.

The problem? That's not what today's forecasts say is going to happen.

Experts believe mortgage rates will actually stay in the mid to low 6s through 2027 due to a number of factors – including inflation.

What’s that tell me? Waiting may not pay off the way you hope it will.

So, if moving is important to you, I want you to know waiting isn’t your only option.

Builder incentives, adjustable-rate mortgages, assumable mortgages, and rate buydowns are just a few of the strategies worth exploring that could help with affordability right now.

I’m not saying you have to buy today, but you should at least know your options. Let's talk about what could work for you.

08/07/2026

Thinking About Waiting for Lower Mortgage Rates? Read This First.

If you've been putting your home search on hold because you're convinced mortgage rates will be much lower soon, it may be worth taking another look at that strategy.

Let’s connect so you have an expert who can at least walk you through your options and decide whether waiting really puts you in a better position – or just keeps you on the sidelines a little longer.

Imagine waiting a year to buy a home, only to find mortgage rates haven't changed much. That may sound frustrating. But it's a real possibility.

08/06/2026

Don’t Try To Time the Housing Market

Torn between buying a home now or holding out for the perfect moment? Trying to time the market rarely works. Rates, prices, inflation… These variables are all beyond your control. So, if you want or need to move, focus on your numbers instead. Because… “Ultimately, whether it’s a good time to buy comes down to your personal financial readiness.” If the math works, you can move. It’s that simple. Let’s chat if you want help thinking it over. No pressure, just perspective.