Utah Homebuyer Grants & Down Payment Assistance Programs
Explore Utah homebuyer grants, first-time buyer loans, and down payment assistance programs from Utah Housing, city and county agencies, and exclusive options through The Lassig Team at CrossCountry Mortgage.
Mortgage Rates vs. The Fed Funds Rate: What Really Moves the Market
Every time the Federal Reserve announces a rate change, the assumption is simple: mortgage rates will move the same way. Fed cuts mean lower rates. Fed hikes mean higher rates.
The truth? Mortgage rates and the Fed Funds Rate live in different worlds.
The Hidden Risks of Buying a New Construction Home
New construction homes offer undeniable appeal: customization, modern layouts, warranties, and builder financing incentives. But beneath the surface lie risks that most buyers—and even experienced agents—never see coming.
From competing against your own builder when it's time to sell, to getting trapped by preferred lender requirements that benefit the builder more than you, new construction comes with hidden pitfalls that can cost tens of thousands in lost equity.
In this guide, we'll walk through the six biggest risks of buying new builds, including price volatility, construction quality issues, and the supply risks that hurt early buyers most. You'll also discover how to structure your financing strategically—independent of builder pressure—to protect your investment.
New construction can be a smart choice, but only when you understand what you're really signing up for. Here's what every buyer needs to know before breaking ground.
How to Buy a House with No Money Down: Smart Strategies That Actually Work
Buying a home with no money down isn’t always risky—when structured correctly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool. Here’s how.
Are Mortgage Points Worth It?
Paying mortgage points sounds smart—save money long-term, right? Not so fast. In this post, we break down why most homeowners lose money on discount points, what your lender won’t tell you, and what to do instead if you want a lower payment without the risk.
Why Mortgage Rates Remain High Despite Fed Rate Cuts and Lower Inflation
Confused why mortgage rates haven’t dropped yet? You’re not alone. This post breaks down in plain English what’s keeping them high, and what has to shift before they fall.