Mortgage Rates Have Dropped Below 7%—How You Could Actually Pay More for Your Home

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For the first time this year, mortgage rates have dipped below 7%, and are now sitting at 6.75%. While this may sound like a great opportunity to save, the reality is that low housing inventory is keeping prices high. Even as rates fluctuate, the cost of available homes continues to climb.

Why Waiting Could Cost You More

Many buyers hold off on purchasing in hope for even lower interest rates. But here’s the catch: home prices are still rising. If you wait for rates to drop further, you could still end up paying more for the same house. Even with a slightly better rate, a more expensive home could mean a higher monthly payment overall.

The Power of Buying Now

In a previous newsletter we talked about the phrase, “You date the rate, but marry the house.” This means your mortgage rate isn’t forever—you can always refinance when the time is right. But the price you pay for a home today locks in your cost before prices climb even higher.

Here’s why taking action now can be a smart financial move:

  • Start building equity sooner – Every mortgage payment helps you own more of your home, rather than paying rent with nothing to show for it.
  • Secure your home at today’s price – Even if rates decrease, rising home prices could offset those savings. Buying now gets you in the market before homes become even less affordable.
  • Refinancing is always an option – If rates go down significantly, you can refinance to take advantage of lower payments in the future.

Let’s Talk About Your Options

If you’re thinking about buying a home, the best move is to understand your financing options now. Let’s meet and discuss what’s possible for you. Debbie can help you find the right mortgage solution so you can move forward with confidence.

Call Debbie today to get started!

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Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

What’s In a Word?

We New Englanders may have just survived the “dead of winter,” but did you know that the word “mortgage” literally means “death pledge”?

While it sounds ominous, the term comes from Old French and Latin roots. “Mort” meaning death and “gage” meaning pledge or commitment.

It originally referred to a loan that “died” once it was fully paid off or foreclosed.

Thankfully, modern homeownership isn’t nearly as grim. Instead of a lifelong burden, a mortgage is an investment—a path to building equity, stability, and financial growth.

Now as the snow melts and spring markets heat up, it may be time to embrace a mortgage for what it truly is: a long-term commitment to something worth holding onto.

Home Improver: What Are Silverfish and How Do We Get Rid of Them?

If you’ve ever flicked on a light and spotted a shiny, fast-moving, wriggling insect darting across the floor, chances are you’ve encountered a silverfish. These prehistoric pests have been creeping around for over 400 million years—and unfortunately, they don’t mind making themselves at home in yours.

What Are Silverfish?

Silverfish are small, wingless insects with slender, teardrop-shaped bodies covered in silvery scales. They move with a distinctive, wiggling motion—almost like a fish swimming—hence the name. (You didn’t really think they were fish, did you? Fine, maybe we did too.) Typically, they measure around ½ to ¾ of an inch long, with long antennae and three bristle-like appendages sticking out of their tails, making them look even more unsettling.

Why Are They So Gross?

Let’s be honest—silverfish aren’t just pests, they’re nightmare fuel. Their metallic sheen, eerie movements and tendency to scurry out of dark corners make them a deeply unwelcome sight in any home. And because they thrive in damp, dark places, you’re most likely to find them in bathrooms, basements, closets and attics—often lurking in bookshelves, pantries, or even your favorite old photo albums.

How Do You Get Rid of Silverfish?

Let’s face it. Silverfish are survivors, and they can live for years while feasting on everything from paper and glue to clothing and food crumbs. The good news? There are several effective ways to get rid of them:

  1. Reduce Humidity: Silverfish love moisture, so use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Fix any leaky pipes or faucets to cut off their water supply.
  2. Declutter & Seal Up Food Sources: These pests feed on starches, including books, wallpaper glue, cardboard, flour, and even sugar. Store food in airtight containers, vacuum regularly, and avoid leaving piles of paper or cardboard boxes sitting around.
  3. Use Natural Repellents: Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural powder that kills silverfish by dehydrating them. Sprinkle it along baseboards, in cabinets, or in other problem areas. Cedar shavings, cinnamon, and citrus peels can also deter them.
  4. Set Traps: Sticky traps work well for capturing silverfish. You can also make a DIY trap using a jar with a starchy bait (like flour or cereal) and wrap the outside in tape. They’ll crawl in but won’t be able to climb back out.
  5. Call Pest Control If It’s Bad: If you’re dealing with a full-blown infestation, professional exterminators can help eliminate silverfish for good.

Good Riddance

Once you’ve gotten rid of silverfish, prevent their return by keeping your home dry, clutter-free and well-sealed. Store books, documents, and seasonal clothing in plastic bins instead of cardboard. Vacuum regularly to remove crumbs and dust that might attract them.