Ethel Curbow - Realtor

A 1% increase in mortgage rates reduces your buying power by roughly 10%.

That's not a rounding error. That's tens of thousands of dollars in purchasing capacity — gone.

Here's what that looks like in real numbers:

📉 At 6.5%: a $2,000/month budget qualifies for roughly $315,000
📉 At 7.5%: that same budget qualifies for around $285,000
📉 At 8.5%: you're looking at closer to $260,000

This is why rate movements matter so much — not just as headlines, but as decisions.

The buyers who understand this go into their search with clear eyes. They know what range makes sense, they know when to lock, and they don't waste time touring homes they can't close on.

If you've been watching rates and wondering what they mean for your specific situation, let's run the actual numbers together.

DM me and I'll break it down — no pressure, just clarity. 📩

These two terms get used interchangeably all the time. They are not the same thing — and confusing them can cost you a home.

Here's the real difference:

✦ Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on numbers you self-report. No documents, no verification. It takes minutes and means very little to a serious seller.

✦ Pre-approval is a verified review of your income, assets, credit, and debt. A lender has actually looked at your file. Sellers take this seriously.

In a market where good homes move fast, showing up with a pre-qualification letter is like showing up to a job interview without a resume.

Get the pre-approval in hand before you fall in love with a home — not after.

First-time buyer or just getting back into the market? Drop your questions below. I'm here to help you navigate this without the confusion.