A major update from Freddie Mac could make that easier.

Freddie Mac has expanded its asset depletion mortgage guidelines, allowing more borrowers to use accumulated assets as qualifying income when purchasing or refinancing a home.

The official changes become mandatory for eligible mortgages with settlement dates on or after February 3, 2027, but Freddie Mac is allowing lenders to adopt the new guidelines immediately.

That could create new opportunities for retirees, investors, business owners and other borrowers who have significant assets but comparatively limited traditional income.

What Is an Asset Depletion Mortgage?

Asset depletion allows certain eligible assets to be converted into a monthly income amount for mortgage qualification.

Instead of looking only at income such as salary, Social Security or self-employment earnings, the lender may be able to use funds held in eligible accounts as another source of qualifying income.

Under Freddie Mac’s updated calculation:

Net Eligible Assets ÷ 180 = Monthly Qualifying Income

Previously, Freddie Mac used a 240-month divisor. The new 180-month calculation generates more qualifying income from the same amount of assets.

How Much More Income Can Your Assets Generate?

Here is a simple example.

Imagine that after required deductions, a borrower has $900,000 in net eligible assets.

Under the previous calculation:

$900,000 ÷ 240 = $3,750 per month

Under the new Freddie Mac calculation:

$900,000 ÷ 180 = $5,000 per month

That is $1,250 more qualifying income every month without the borrower actually earning another dollar.

The change from 240 months to 180 months means the same eligible asset balance can generate approximately 33% more qualifying monthly income.

Freddie Mac Removes the Age Requirement for Certain Assets

This may be one of the most important changes.

Previously, Freddie Mac placed age restrictions on the use of certain depository accounts and securities.

Under the updated guidelines, that age restriction has been removed for eligible depository accounts and securities.

That means a younger borrower with substantial savings or investments may potentially use those assets to qualify.

For example, someone in their 40s who owns a large brokerage portfolio but has recently retired, sold a business or reduced their traditional employment income may now have another conventional mortgage option to consider.

Are Retirement Accounts Included?

Retirement accounts work differently.

Accounts such as:

• 401(k)s
• IRAs
• Similar retirement accounts

generally must be accessible to the borrower without an early-withdrawal penalty before they can be used under the applicable asset-income calculation.

For many retirement accounts, unrestricted access begins around age 59½, although the exact treatment depends on the account and borrower circumstances. Freddie Mac’s new removal of the age restriction for depository accounts and securities does not eliminate the accessibility requirements for retirement assets.

Investment Properties Are Now Eligible

Another major change is the expansion of eligible occupancy types.

Under the updated guidelines, accumulated assets may potentially be used as qualifying income for:

• Primary residences
• Second homes
• Investment properties

Previously, Freddie Mac’s asset-based qualification rules were limited to primary residences and second homes.

For asset-heavy real estate investors, this could create an entirely new conventional financing option.

Freddie Mac Removes the Previous 80% LTV Limit

The previous guidelines generally limited these mortgages to a maximum 80% loan-to-value ratio.

That specific restriction is being removed.

Instead, the mortgage can follow Freddie Mac’s normal LTV requirements for the applicable transaction and occupancy type.

In plain English, using asset depletion no longer automatically means you need at least 20% down simply because you are qualifying with assets.

That could be particularly useful for borrowers who have substantial assets but do not want to liquidate a large portion of those assets for their down payment.

Freddie Mac Establishes a $30,000 Minimum

Under the updated guidelines, borrowers must have at least $30,000 in net eligible assets available for the asset-income calculation.

The important word here is net.

The amount sitting in your account is not necessarily the amount that gets divided by 180.

Freddie Mac requires certain amounts to be deducted before calculating qualifying income, including funds needed to complete the mortgage transaction.

Who Could Benefit From the New Asset Depletion Guidelines?

These changes may be particularly useful for borrowers who are financially strong but do not fit neatly into the traditional W-2 income box.

Examples could include:

• Retirees
• Early retirees
• Investors
• Business owners
• Borrowers who recently sold a business
• Borrowers with substantial brokerage accounts
• People living primarily from investments
• High-net-worth borrowers with limited taxable income

Having a strong balance sheet has always mattered when getting a mortgage. These changes simply give lenders another way to potentially turn that financial strength into qualifying income.

Asset Depletion vs. Traditional Mortgage Income

Asset depletion does not necessarily replace your other income.

Depending on the loan, qualifying asset income may be combined with other acceptable sources such as employment income, Social Security, pension income or rental income.

That can be powerful.

For example, a borrower may already have enough regular income to qualify for a $500,000 home but fall short of qualifying for the $650,000 property they actually want.

Converting eligible assets into additional monthly qualifying income could potentially help bridge that gap.

When Do the New Freddie Mac Guidelines Start?

Freddie Mac’s new accumulated-assets-as-income requirements become mandatory for eligible mortgages with settlement dates on or after:

February 3, 2027

However, Freddie Mac expressly allows lenders to implement the changes before that date.

That distinction matters because not every mortgage lender adopts optional guideline changes at the same time.

One lender may offer the expanded program immediately while another may wait until the mandatory implementation date.

Could Asset Depletion Help You Qualify for More?

If you have significant savings or investments but your traditional income does not fully represent your financial position, the expanded Freddie Mac asset depletion guidelines may create another path to mortgage qualification.

At Houzd Mortgage, we can look beyond just one loan program or lender.

We can review your income, assets, down payment and overall financial picture to determine whether conventional asset depletion or another asset-based mortgage strategy makes sense.

If you’re buying a home in Utah and wondering whether your assets could help you qualify, reach out to our Houzd Mortgage team and we can run the numbers.

The post Freddie Mac Expands Asset Depletion Mortgage Guidelines appeared first on Houzd.

For many buyers, the biggest challenge is not the monthly mortgage payment. It is the upfront cash needed for the down payment.

That is why the 1% down program can be such a helpful option for qualified Utah homebuyers.

If you have good income, stable employment, and can afford the monthly payment, but you do not have a large down payment saved, this program may help you buy a home sooner.

What Is the 1% Down Program?

The 1% down program is a low down payment mortgage option for qualified buyers.

Instead of bringing the full down payment from your own funds, you may only need to contribute 1% of the purchase price.

A gift may cover the remaining down payment amount, depending on the loan program and buyer qualifications.

For many Utah buyers, that can make homeownership feel much more realistic.

Can You Really Buy a Home in Utah With 1% Down?

Yes, qualified buyers may be able to buy a home in Utah with 1% down.

This does not mean every buyer will qualify. A lender still needs to review your full financial picture.

That includes your credit score, income, employment, monthly debts, loan type, and ability to repay the mortgage.

But if the numbers work, the 1% down program may reduce one of the biggest barriers to buying a home in Utah: the down payment.

Why Utah Buyers Are Looking for Low Down Payment Options

Home prices in Utah have made saving for a down payment harder for many buyers.

Even buyers with strong income may struggle to save tens of thousands of dollars while also paying rent, groceries, car payments, childcare, student loans, and everyday expenses.

A low down payment mortgage can help buyers move forward without waiting years to save a large down payment.

That matters because while buyers wait, home prices and rent may continue to change.

Who May Qualify for the 1% Down Program in Utah?

The 1% down program may be a good fit for Utah buyers who have:

Good income
Stable employment
Manageable monthly debts
Limited savings for a down payment
Enough income to afford the monthly mortgage payment

This program may help first-time buyers, but it is not automatically limited to first-time homebuyers.

Some repeat buyers, move-up buyers, and buyers who have owned a home before may also be eligible.

The best way to know is to review your loan options with a mortgage professional.

FHA and Conventional 1% Down Options

The 1% down program may be available through FHA and conventional loan options, depending on the buyer’s situation.

That flexibility matters because every buyer is different.

Some buyers may be a better fit for an FHA loan. Others may be a better fit for a conventional loan.

Your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and homebuying goals can all affect which loan option makes the most sense.

Why the 1% Down Program Can Help

A lower down payment can help buyers keep more cash available after closing.

That extra cash may help with moving expenses, furniture, small repairs, utility deposits, or even lowering the interest rate with a buydown.

Buying a home does not end at the closing table. There are always a few surprise expenses waiting around the corner like they pay rent there.

The 1% down program may help qualified buyers avoid draining all their savings just to get the keys.

Is Buying a Home in Utah With 1% Down a Good Idea?

Buying a home with 1% down can be a smart option for the right buyer.

It may make sense if you have steady income, can afford the payment, and want to start building equity sooner.

However, it is still important to review the full monthly payment, closing costs, interest rate, mortgage insurance, and long-term plan.

The goal is not just to buy a home.

The goal is to buy a home in a way that feels sustainable.

Buying May Be Closer Than You Think

Many Utah buyers assume they need a large down payment before they can even start the mortgage process.

That assumption may not be true.

If you are renting, earning steady income, and wondering whether you can buy a home in Utah with 1% down, it may be worth checking your options.

Even if you are not ready today, you can get a clear plan for what needs to happen next.

The Bottom Line

Buying a home in Utah with 1% down may be possible for qualified buyers.

The 1% down program can help reduce the upfront cash needed to purchase a home.

It may be especially helpful for buyers who have strong income and can afford the monthly payment, but do not have a large down payment saved.

Before you assume buying is out of reach, let’s run the numbers and review your options.

You may be closer to buying a home in Utah than you think.

The post Buying a Home in Utah With 1% Down appeared first on Houzd.

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA have all started moving toward allowing VantageScores in mortgage underwriting. That may sound like a small technical change, but for some buyers, it could make a real difference.

Why VantageScore Matters for Homebuyers

Many buyers already know their VantageScore without realizing it.

If someone checks their credit through Credit Karma, a credit card app, or another free credit monitoring tool, there is a good chance they are seeing a VantageScore instead of the traditional FICO score lenders have used for years.

That has created a lot of confusion.

A buyer might think their score is 677, but when a lender pulls mortgage credit, the FICO score may come back at 621. Not exactly the fun kind of surprise.

With the new VantageScore mortgage updates, that gap may start to matter less in some situations.

What We Are Seeing So Far

We are already seeing VantageScores come in higher than traditional FICO scores in some cases.

Sometimes the difference is around 30 points. Sometimes it is even more.

Here are a few examples we have seen:

A buyer with a 573 FICO score showed a 665 VantageScore.

Another buyer around 670 on FHA moved into the 720 range with VantageScore, which opened up potential conventional loan options.

That kind of credit score difference can change the conversation.

How a Higher VantageScore May Help

A higher score does not guarantee loan approval. Mortgage approval still depends on income, debt, assets, credit history, property type, and the full loan file.

But in the right situation, a higher VantageScore may help a buyer:

• Qualify when they previously could not
• Move from FHA to conventional
• Get a better interest rate
• Lower mortgage insurance
• Access a stronger loan program

For buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines because of credit, this may be worth another look.

This Is Not Magic, But It Is Helpful

The VantageScore mortgage update does not mean every buyer suddenly qualifies.

It also does not mean every loan program, lender, or scenario will use VantageScore the same way right away.

But it does mean some buyers who were previously told “not yet” may have more options than they realized.

And that is a pretty big deal.

Should You Check Again?

If you checked your credit, got discouraged, or were told your score was too low to buy a home, it may be time to revisit the numbers.

Your situation may look different under the new VantageScore mortgage guidelines.

The best first step is a full loan review so we can see what your actual options look like.

Final Thoughts

Credit scoring in mortgage lending is changing.

For some homebuyers, VantageScore may help create a path forward that was not available before.

If you are thinking about buying a home, or if you were previously told your credit score was holding you back, reach out to Houzd Mortgage.

It may be worth taking another look.

The post VantageScore Mortgage Update appeared first on Houzd.

That may sound like a small credit update, but it could make a real difference for some borrowers.

For years, mortgage lending has mostly relied on traditional FICO credit scoring. FICO is still very important and will continue to be used. However, VantageScore 4.0 may help certain buyers whose full financial picture does not show up as clearly through older scoring models.

What changed with UWM VantageScore?

UWM announced on April 29, 2026, that independent mortgage brokers using UWM can now access two credit scoring model options for conventional loans: FICO and VantageScore.

That means a borrower may have a FICO score and a VantageScore reviewed as part of the loan process. In some cases, one score may create a better path than the other.

This does not mean every buyer will suddenly qualify. It also does not mean credit no longer matters. But it does give brokers another tool to evaluate a borrower’s credit profile.

Why VantageScore matters

VantageScore looks at credit differently than older models. It may help borrowers with limited credit history or recent improvements in their credit profile. Borrowers who already qualify with FICO but have a higher VantageScore could potentially receive better pricing because of more favorable loan-level price adjustments.

This could be especially helpful for buyers who have made strong recent progress, such as paying down debt, improving payment habits, or building credit after a thinner credit history.

For some buyers, VantageScore may better reflect how they handle money today, not just how their credit looked years ago.

Who could benefit from this change?

This update may help buyers who:

• Have limited credit history
• Recently improved their credit
• Have strong payment habits that may not fully show under older scoring models
• Already qualify with FICO but may have a stronger VantageScore
• Need a broker to compare options instead of relying on one narrow credit view

This is one reason working with a mortgage broker like Houzd matters.

As a broker we can look at more than one lending path and help determine which option is the best fit for your situation.

Does this replace FICO?

No. FICO is not going away.

The better way to think about this is that it adds another option. Instead of looking at one credit scoring model only, brokers have more flexibility to review both FICO and VantageScore for conventional loans.

That flexibility can matter, especially when a borrower is close to qualifying or when pricing changes based on the credit score used.

Why this matters for Utah homebuyers

For Utah homebuyers, every advantage matters. Home prices, monthly payments, interest rates, and debt-to-income ratios already create enough moving parts. Adding another credit scoring option may help some buyers find a path to approval.

It could also help:

• first-time homebuyers
• buyers with shorter credit histories
• buyers who have recently worked hard to improve their credit

The key is not guessing. The key is reviewing the full picture.

The UWM VantageScore update gives us another way to help borrowers evaluate their options. FICO still matters, but VantageScore may open doors for some buyers who deserve a closer look.

If you are thinking about buying a home, refinancing, or just trying to understand where you stand, this is worth reviewing before you assume your credit score tells the whole story.

Sometimes the difference between “not yet” and “let’s look at this another way” comes down to having the right loan options in front of you.

Reach out to our team at Houzd Mortgage and we’ll help you compare your options, review your credit picture, and see if VantageScore could help you qualify.

The post UWM VantageScore Update: What FICO and VantageScore Mean for Homebuyers appeared first on Houzd.

The good news? A little preparation now can make a huge difference once the market heats up.

Below are practical first-time home buyer Utah tips to help you walk into spring ready, not rushed.

Expect More Homes — and More Competition

Spring typically brings an increase in listings across Utah. However, it also attracts buyers who paused during winter and now feel ready to move.

For first-time buyers, that means:

• More options to choose from
• Faster decision-making
• Less room for hesitation once you find the right home

Understanding this rhythm helps you stay grounded when things move quickly.

Get Pre-Approved Before the Spring Rush

One of the most important first-time home buyer Utah tips is getting pre-approved early.

In the Utah spring housing market, sellers and agents expect:

• A solid pre-approval
• Clear financing terms
• Confidence that the loan will close

Pre-approval isn’t just a formality. It’s your credibility in a competitive market.

Know Your Numbers — Not Just the Price

First-time buyers often focus on the purchase price, but monthly payment matters just as much.

Before spring:

• Review your budget and comfort range
• Understand taxes, insurance, and HOA costs
• Plan for reserves and closing costs

This clarity helps you move quickly without second-guessing yourself later.

Understand What Makes an Offer Competitive

In the Utah spring housing market, strong offers go beyond price.

Competitive offers often include:

• Clean financing terms
• Reasonable timelines
• Clear communication between lender and agent

For first-time buyers, having a strong team in place can be the difference between winning and missing out.

Start the Conversation Early

A common question people ask online is whether they should wait until they find a house before talking to a lender.

The answer is NO!

Starting early gives you time to:

• Explore loan options
• Improve credit if needed
• Set realistic expectations before emotions enter the picture

This approach keeps the process calmer and more predictable.

Preparation Is Your Advantage

The Utah spring housing market moves fast, but preparation slows everything down — in a good way.

If you’re a first-time buyer, understanding your options before spring hits gives you confidence, flexibility, and leverage when it matters most.

If you’re thinking about buying your first home this spring, now is the time to get clear on your numbers and your plan. A quick conversation today can make the entire season feel far less stressful.

Written by Anthony VanDyke, Utah Mortgage Broker — NMLS #247102 — President at Houzd Mortgage in Draper, Utah.

A mortgage broker since 2006, Anthony has helped thousands of Utah families build a stronger financial future, one home at a time. He believes a mortgage isn’t just a loan — it’s a long-term financial strategy that can shape a family’s wealth and peace of mind.

See what you qualify for with Anthony’s Purchase Qualifier Tool.

The post Utah Spring Housing Market: What First-Time Buyers Should Know appeared first on Houzd.

Today’s housing market has been unpredictable, emotional, and often at odds with the headlines. Rates moved. Inventory shifted. Advice contradicted itself. And a lot of people were left wondering whether to act or wait.

But uncertainty isn’t useless. In fact, for thoughtful buyers, it has been one of the best teachers.

As we head into a new year, here are the lessons today’s housing market has quietly revealed—and how smart buyers are using them to their advantage.

Lesson 1: Perfect Timing Rarely Shows Up Announced

Many buyers spent this year waiting for a signal: lower rates, more inventory, better headlines.

What today’s housing market made clear is this—perfect timing doesn’t send a calendar invite.

Instead, buyers who did well focused on:

• Personal readiness over market predictions
• Monthly comfort over macro trends
• Long-term plans over short-term noise

Waiting for certainty often meant missing workable opportunities that were right in front of them.

Lesson 2: Headlines Aren’t Personal (But Payments Are)

National news talks about averages. Buyers live in specifics.

Today’s housing market reminded buyers that:

• Rates don’t affect everyone the same way
• Local inventory matters more than national stats
• Structure and strategy matter as much as pricing

Smart buyers stopped asking, “What are rates doing?” and started asking, “What works for my situation?”

That shift changes everything.

Lesson 3: Flexibility Is a Real Advantage

One of the strongest lessons from today’s housing market is that flexibility often beats perfection.

Buyers who stayed open to:

• Different loan structures
• Adjusted timelines
• Creative negotiation strategies

…were able to move when others felt frozen.

Uncertainty rewarded adaptability more than strict plans.

Lesson 4: Preparation Matters More Than Predictions

Trying to predict the housing market is tempting. Preparing for it is far more useful.

Buyers who entered the year with:

• Stronger credit
• Clear budgets
• Realistic expectations

Had options—even when the market shifted. Those who waited to prepare until conditions felt “right” often felt rushed or stuck.

Today’s housing market didn’t punish caution. It rewarded readiness.

Lesson 5: Confidence Comes From Clarity, Not Control

No buyer can control interest rates or inventory.

But clarity—about income, budget, timeline, and priorities—created confidence even when the market felt unstable.

As we head into a new year, the biggest takeaway from today’s housing market is this:

You don’t need certainty. You need understanding.

How Smart Buyers Use Uncertainty to Their Advantage

Instead of freezing, informed buyers:

• Ask better questions
• Plan earlier than necessary
• Build flexibility into decisions
• Focus on sustainable payments

Uncertainty removes emotional buyers and exposes opportunities for those who stay grounded.

The Takeaway

Today’s housing market has been a master class in patience, perspective, and preparation.

As we move into a new year, the buyers who succeed won’t be the ones chasing certainty.

They’ll be the ones who learned how to move thoughtfully—even when the path wasn’t perfectly clear.

Written by Anthony VanDyke, Utah Mortgage Broker — NMLS #247102 — President at Houzd Mortgage in Draper, Utah.

A mortgage broker since 2006, Anthony has helped thousands of Utah families build a stronger financial future, one home at a time. He believes a mortgage isn’t just a loan — it’s a long-term financial strategy that can shape a family’s wealth and peace of mind.

See what you qualify for with Anthony’s Purchase Qualifier Tool.

The post What Today’s Housing Market Is Teaching Buyers appeared first on Houzd.

What the Big Beautiful Bill Means for Investors

The bill brought back 100% bonus depreciation for a qualifying property, which means investors can now write off a massive chunk of their investment up front instead of over decades.

Basically, when you buy an investment property, you can take a big tax deduction right away — freeing up cash flow.

That’s why savvy investors across Utah are calling this the best time in years to scale their portfolio.

Turning Tax Savings Into Growth

Here’s what that looks like in real life:

• Reinvesting into new doors. Many investors are using their tax savings as down payments for their next property, multiplying their portfolio faster than ever.
• Funding renovations. Instead of holding off on updates, they’re using bonus depreciation to modernize units.
• Diversifying across markets. Some are taking advantage of their savings to expand beyond Salt Lake County into growing areas like St. George, Park City, and beyond.

When you think of bonus depreciation as leverage instead of just a line on your tax return, it becomes one of the most powerful investor tools available.

The Utah Advantage

Utah’s market is uniquely positioned for this moment. Strong job growth, rising rental demand, and investor-friendly financing options make it an ideal environment to put those tax savings to work.

The Big Beautiful Bill has made building wealth faster, smarter, and far more achievable for Utah investors who act now.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of window that changes portfolios.
You can either wait for the next tax season — or use the Big Beautiful Bill to grow your net worth.

If you’re curious what your depreciation and cash flow could look like on a Utah investment property, let’s run the numbers and see how far your tax savings can take you.

Written by Anthony VanDyke, Utah Mortgage Broker — NMLS #247102 — President at Houzd Mortgage in Draper, Utah.

A mortgage broker since 2006, Anthony has helped thousands of Utah families build a stronger financial future, one home at a time. He believes a mortgage isn’t just a loan — it’s a long-term financial strategy that can shape a family’s wealth and peace of mind.

See what you qualify for with Anthony’s Purchase Qualifier Tool.

The post How Utah Investors Are Using the Big Beautiful Bill to Accelerate Their Portfolio Growth appeared first on Houzd.

What Changed With Utah Investors One Big Beautiful Bill

The bill restores 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying investment property. In simple terms — cost segregation lets you write off a big chunk of an investment property upfront instead of slowly over 27.5 years.

As a result, you get faster tax savings, stronger cash flow, and less money going to the IRS.

Utah Example — Why This Matters Today

Average Utah rental: $500,000
Down payment: $100,000 (20%)
Average cost segregation benefit: 15–20% qualifies for immediate write-off

Write-off: roughly $75,000–$100,000.
If you make about $200K/year — that’s $25K–$30K in real tax savings.

So you can either pay the IRS $30,000… or use that same $30,000 to buy an appreciating asset that also cash-flows.

The Real Catch (Because There Always Is)

• You’ll need a cost segregation study ($3K–$6K)
• You must qualify under passive loss rules or RE professional status to use all benefits now

Bottom Line for Utah Investors

You can spend money on taxes, or you can spend that same money building assets.

If you’re even slightly curious, now’s the time to explore investment financing options.

Because this window — where bonus depreciation is back to 100% — may not stay open forever.

Want to see what this could look like for your income and a Utah investment property? Let’s run your numbers.

Written by Anthony VanDyke, Utah Mortgage Broker — NMLS #247102 — President at Houzd Mortgage in Draper, Utah.

A mortgage broker since 2006, Anthony has helped thousands of Utah families build a stronger financial future, one home at a time. He believes a mortgage isn’t just a loan — it’s a long-term financial strategy that can shape a family’s wealth and peace of mind.

See what you qualify for with Anthony’s Purchase Qualifier Tool.

The post 100% Bonus Depreciation is Back — Thanks to the New One Big Beautiful Bill appeared first on Houzd.

1. What’s Going On with the Fed?

The Federal Reserve cut rates to stimulate growth as national job numbers softened and inflation cooled. For Utah, that means a ripple effect across mortgage pricing, lending confidence, and buyer psychology. While the Fed doesn’t directly set mortgage rates, its moves influence everything from 30-year fixed loans to refinance opportunities.

In short: the Fed just tapped the brakes, and Utah borrowers are watching the dashboard light up.

2. Why It Matters for Utah Homebuyers

Utah’s market doesn’t follow national patterns perfectly. Job growth here remains stronger than average, and housing demand stays high thanks to steady population growth and migration into Salt Lake City, Utah County, and St. George.

For homebuyers, a Fed rate cut could open a short-term window for better affordability. Even a small dip in rates can make a meaningful difference in qualifying power — especially in high-demand Utah zip codes where prices remain elevated.

For investors, this could be an opportunity to refinance or expand their portfolio before rates flatten again.

3. What Utah Borrowers Should Do Now

Here’s some tough-love financial advice:

• Don’t wait too long. Rate cuts can create quick competition. Waiting for the “perfect” rate may cost you the perfect house.
• Run the numbers today. A half-point drop can shift your monthly payment more than you think.
• Refinance smartly. Make sure the savings outweigh the costs. A personalized analysis with a Utah mortgage professional (hi, that’s me) can clarify that.

Remember — timing the market is less important than owning something that fits your life and goals.

4. Utah’s Economic Edge

Utah continues to outperform the national average in employment, household income, and new construction. Those fundamentals make our housing market resilient even when national policy wobbles. So while the Fed’s move benefits everyone, Utah buyers may see a stronger advantage as demand stays steady and inventory stays limited.

5. Final Thoughts

The Fed rate cut in Utah isn’t just a headline — it’s an invitation to act wisely. If you’re considering buying, investing, or refinancing, now’s the moment to review your numbers and see where the opportunity lies.

At Houzd Mortgage, we’ll walk you through every option and find what makes sense for your Utah home goals. Ready to run the numbers? Let’s chat.

Written by Anthony VanDyke, Utah Mortgage Broker — NMLS #247102 — President at Houzd Mortgage in Draper, Utah.

A mortgage broker since 2006, Anthony has helped thousands of Utah families build a stronger financial future, one home at a time. He believes a mortgage isn’t just a loan — it’s a long-term financial strategy that can shape a family’s wealth and peace of mind.

See what you qualify for with Anthony’s Purchase Qualifier Tool.

The post Fed Rate Cut: What It Means for Utah Homebuyers and Mortgage Rates appeared first on Houzd.

As of this week, we’re quoting 30-year conventional loans around 6.19% (6.32% APR), and that little shift is opening doors for a lot of homeowners who thought they were stuck.

If your mortgage is in the high 6s or 7% range, it might be time to take another look at refinancing. Even a modest rate drop can make a difference in your monthly payment, your mortgage insurance, or more importantly — in your long-term savings.

Why Refinancing Now Could Make Sense

Rates haven’t crashed, but they’ve settled. That means you can finally run the numbers without the emotional whiplash of the last few years.

Here’s when a refinance might be worth exploring:

• You bought or refinanced when rates were over 7%.
• You’ve gained equity and want to drop your mortgage insurance.
• You’d like to consolidate debt or free up cash flow heading into 2026.
• You’re planning to stay in your home long enough for the refinance savings to outweigh the costs.

Even moving from 7.125% to 6.19% can save hundreds a month — and thousands over the life of your loan.

The Bottom Line

This isn’t about timing the market. It’s about recognizing opportunity when it quietly knocks.

If your rate starts with a 7, or even a high 6, you’ve officially got a reason to reach out. We’ll look at the numbers, check the breakeven point, and see if refinancing makes sense for your situation.

Because sometimes, getting a “win” in real estate isn’t about chasing headlines — it’s about catching quiet momentum before everyone else does.

Get started online here.

Written by Anthony VanDyke, Utah Mortgage Broker — NMLS #247102 — President at Houzd Mortgage in Draper, Utah.

A mortgage broker since 2006, Anthony has helped thousands of Utah families build a stronger financial future, one home at a time. He believes a mortgage isn’t just a loan — it’s a long-term financial strategy that can shape a family’s wealth and peace of mind.

See what you qualify for with Anthony’s Purchase Qualifier Tool.

The post High 6% Interest Rates: Why Buyers Are Considering Refinancing appeared first on Houzd.