Recent Articles
Why Home Loans from Mojave River Mortgage Are Faster, Easier & Cheaper Than The Competition
Mojave River Mortgage delivers faster, easier, and more affordable home loans than big banks or online lenders. With shorter escrow durations, stronger offer acceptance rates, and lower lock-period pricing, our clients close smoothly and save money. Learn how our refinance benefits also make us the top choice for homeowners looking to lower payments or tap equity.
Published on 12/04/2025
Stronger Data Last Week Caused a Slight Rate Bump
Stronger jobless-claims and durable-goods data from last week pushed the average 30-year fixed slightly higher, but mortgage rates are still near recent lows. Here’s what that means for buyers and homeowners
Published on 12/01/2025
What Today’s Jobs Report Means for Mortgage Rates
Mortgage rates held steady after a mixed jobs report, with unemployment rising and job growth coming in stronger than expected. Learn what this means for homebuyers and what to watch next.
Published on 11/21/2025
50-Year Mortgages? Here’s What You Need to Know
The Trump administration says it’s exploring 50-year mortgage options to help with affordability. Learn what this could mean for homebuyers, monthly payments, and long-term costs.
Published on 11/11/2025
Fannie Mae’s Big Update: You May Qualify Even With a Credit Score Below 620
Fannie Mae’s new credit score policy lets lenders use automated approvals even for borrowers below 620. Here’s what that means for homebuyers who thought they couldn’t qualify.
Published on 11/08/2025
What’s Going On With Mortgage Rates? (Explain-It-to-a-5th-Grader Version)
Mortgage rates dipped, then jumped after the Fed’s cut. A $15B corporate bond sale and stronger economic reports added pressure. Here’s the simple, kid-level way to understand what’s happening and what it means for buyers.
Published on 11/06/2025
Mortgage Rates Jump After the Fed’s Rate Cut — Here’s Why
The Federal Reserve cut rates again, but mortgage rates actually rose. Learn why this happens, what Powell said, and what it means for homebuyers.
Published on 10/29/2025
Mortgage Rates Are Falling — What It Means for Homebuyers and Refinancers (October 23, 2025)
Mortgage rates have begun to drop, dropping into the mid-6 % range and sparking renewed interest among both homebuyers and homeowners thinking of refinancing. At Mojave River Mortgage we’re tracking what’s behind the decline, what it means for you, and how to act while conditions remain favorable.
Published on 10/24/2025
Mortgage Rates Hold Near Yearly Lows as Market Awaits Next Data
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is hovering near 3-year lows as bond markets hold steady amid limited economic data. Learn why rates remain low and what could move them next.
Published on 10/22/2025
Gen Z and the Dream of Homeownership: Adapting to a Challenging Market
A new Realtor.com survey reveals that 1 in 5 Gen Z adults say housing affordability is their top life concern. Learn how young buyers are adapting, saving, and staying determined to achieve homeownership.
Published on 10/15/2025
Mortgage Rates Tick Up Slightly as Bonds Weaken and MBS Underperform
On October 9, 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate edged slightly higher to 6.38% after a weaker 30-year Treasury auction and mild MBS underperformance. Rates remain stable within a narrow range as the government shutdown continues.
Published on 10/10/2025
Mortgage Rates Holds Steady After Weak Jobs Report
On October 1, 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate held at 6.37% after weak private payroll data. Bigger shifts may follow when the delayed government jobs report is released.
Published on 10/01/2025
3 Reasons Home Affordability Is Improving This Fall
Affordability is finally improving this fall thanks to lower average 30-year fixed mortgage rates, slower home price growth, and rising wages. Learn why now could be the right time to buy.
Published on 09/26/2025
Mortgage Rates Hit Yearly Lows—Then Jump After the Fed Cut. Here’s What Happened (and Why Applications Just Surged)
After touching yearly lows early in the week, the average 30-year fixed rose following the Fed’s rate cut—thanks to the dot plot and Powell’s comments. Still, mortgage applications just saw their biggest weekly jump since 2021 as homeowners reacted to earlier rate declines. Here’s what it means for buyers and homeowners.
Published on 09/19/2025
Mortgage Rates Near 11 Month Lows—What’s Next With the Fed?
The average 30-year fixed is holding near the lowest levels since October 2024 after a weak jobs report and cooler inflation. Here’s why—and what to watch at next week’s Fed meeting.
Published on 09/12/2025
What Is a Piggyback Loan?
A piggyback loan pairs your first mortgage with a second (fixed home-equity loan or HELOC) so you can keep your first at 80%, avoid PMI, and bypass jumbo pricing—often with less cash due at closing. Here’s how it works, who benefits, and what to watch out for.
Published on 09/05/2025
Why Mortgage Rates Move: What Every Homebuyer Should Know
Mortgage rates are holding near 10-month lows—but don’t assume they’ll stay there. Learn why rates move, what drives them, and what smart buyers and homeowners should do next.
Published on 09/03/2025
Mortgage Rates Holding Steady… For Now
After Powell's Jackson Hole speech, mortgage rates hit their lowest levels since Oct 2024. But don’t get too comfortable—more movement could be coming after Friday’s inflation data and next week's jobs report.
Published on 08/27/2025
Conventional One-Time Close Construction Loans: A Complete Guide
A Conventional One-Time Close (OTC) construction loan lets you finance your build and your permanent mortgage with a single closing. You’ll make interest-only payments during construction on the funds drawn, then the loan converts to a long-term fixed or ARM when the home is complete—no second closing. Benefits include one set of fees, extended rate-lock protection (often with float-down options), cancellable PMI above 80% LTV, and the ability to use existing lot equity toward your down payment. Get an appraisal “subject to completion,” approve your builder and plans, set a realistic draw schedule and contingency, and avoid change-order overruns. This guide covers eligibility, the step-by-step process, costs, PMI choices, and FAQs so you can decide if a conventional OTC is the right path for your new home.
Published on 08/21/2025
Lower Rates? Don’t Relax Just Yet
Mortgage rates stayed mostly flat this week, holding near 10-month lows. Here’s what happened from August 18–20 and why upcoming economic data could shake things up.
Published on 08/20/2025