A quick read email with interesting information that you don't want to miss!

This month's burning question...

Do you prefer new style drone light shows or old school traditional fireworks?

 

Fireworks have long been a Fourth of July tradition, but drone shows continue to grow in popularity.

 

As communities prepare for bigger Independence Day celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary, many are weighing the pros and cons of each display. Fireworks remain popular for their bright colors and booming explosions, but they also can cause injuries, spark fires and frighten pets.

 

Drone shows, meanwhile, offer synchronized aerial displays without the loud blasts, making them appealing to families with young children, pet owners and those looking for a more eco-conscious option.

So, which do you prefer: the traditional boom of fireworks or the choreographed lights of a drone show?

 

Here's what else you'll find in this month's

Mortgages and More email...

Are mortgage rates coming down?

What's new on streaming this month

7 Budget Backyard Projects (video)

25 All-American Recipes To Celebrate The 250th

 

 

Are mortgage rates going to come back down now?

Mortgage rates reached some of their lowest levels in years at the end of February. Then the conflict in the Middle East pushed oil prices higher, fueling inflation concerns and sending mortgage rates back up.

 

Now that the Strait of Hormuz has reopened to commercial shipping and oil prices have fallen, many people are asking the same question: Will mortgage rates come back down too? More importantly, will they return to the lows we saw earlier this year?

 

So far, the answer is not yet.

 

Even though oil prices have returned to roughly where they were earlier this year, mortgage rates haven't followed. Inflation is still proving stubborn, and while gas prices have started to ease, the higher energy costs are still working their way through the economy.

 

Adding to that, the Federal Reserve signaled after its most recent meeting that it could raise its policy rate later this year if inflation remains elevated. The Fed doesn't set mortgage rates directly, but its outlook has a major influence on them. Right now, mortgage rates are reflecting the possibility of future Fed rate hikes instead of the rate cuts many investors expected earlier this year.

 

The good news is that while today's rates aren't as low as they were in February, they have come down from the highest levels we saw over the past few months.

 

So, does that mean it's a bad time to buy a home or refinance?

 

Not at all.

 

Mortgage rates are still well below where they were in 2024 and 2025, and today's housing market offers opportunities that many buyers haven't seen in years.

 

If you're wondering whether now is the right time for you, I'd be happy to look at your situation, answer your questions, and help you explore your options.

 

Some reasons you may want to reach out...

• If you or someone close to you is thinking of buying a home and wants to know if now is a good time
• If you want to know if refinancing makes sense to save some money or lower your rate
• If you have big payments like car loans, HELOC loans, or credit card debt and want to see about possibly lowering your payments by consolidating debt

 

If you have any questions or want to discuss your situation, call, text, or email me today. or , whichever is better for you.

What's streaming in July?

Summer is here with some sizzling new movies and shows on your favorite streaming channels!

 

It's not just the weather that is heating up, check out these hot new titles coming to Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+ and more...

 

What's new on streaming? >>

 

7 Budget Backyard Project Ideas

Looking for a project to dress up or transform your backyard that won't break the bank?

Check out this video for inspiration, with ideas on setting up or dressing up your garden beds, refinishing your deck the easy way or maybe adding some under deck storage, and building the perfect fire pit.

 

Check out the video >>

 

25 All-American Recipes To Celebrate The 250th

This Fourth of July marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, and we’re celebrating the best way we know how: with tons of classic American food and drinks.

 

While the cultures and foods that define the U.S. are many and varied, we decided to take a look back at classic, nostalgic recipes that feel like good old-fashioned Americana. We’re talking down-home cooking, desserts that have passed the test of time, and some classics that we feel deserve a little more attention than they get today.

 

Fireworks are nice, but in our opinion, these 25 nostalgic American recipes are the best way to celebrate the 250th.

 

Pick one of the recipes >>