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Astrology Meets Real Estate: Do Planetary Alignments Influence Property Decisions?

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When it comes to making life’s significant decisions, people often look for guidance beyond the tangible. Astrology, with its celestial insights, has long served as a compass for decisions about careers, relationships, and even property investments.

But can planetary alignments truly influence real estate decisions? Let’s explore this fascinating blend of cosmic wisdom and bricks-and-mortar practicality.

The Cosmic Connection: Astrology and Real Estate

Astrology suggests that planetary movements and alignments affect energy fields, which in turn influence individual actions and decisions. This belief extends to property investments in several intriguing ways:

  1. Auspicious Dates: Many buyers and developers consult astrologers to identify favorable dates for property-related milestones—be it signing a purchase agreement, laying the foundation stone, or performing a housewarming ceremony. These dates are believed to align cosmic energies to ensure success and prosperity.

  2. Zodiac Preferences: Astrological signs can shape preferences for property types and locations. For instance:

    • Cancerians, ruled by the Moon, often gravitate toward homes near water bodies or places with serene, nurturing vibes.

    • Taureans, associated with the Earth element, might prefer homes surrounded by lush greenery or natural landscapes.

    • Leos, ruled by the Sun, may seek grand, opulent spaces that reflect their vibrant personalities.

  3. Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui: In India and beyond, systems like Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui incorporate cosmic principles into architectural design. These practices aim to harmonize a property’s energy with the universe, ensuring well-being, prosperity, and happiness for its occupants.

Planetary Influences on Real Estate

Astrologers often highlight the roles of specific planets in real estate decisions:

  • Jupiter (Guru): Jupiter governs growth, expansion, and prosperity. Its favorable placement in a horoscope is often interpreted as a green light for making significant investments, including real estate.

  • Mars (Mangal): As the planet associated with land and property, Mars’s strength in a chart can indicate success in property dealings, particularly in acquiring land.

  • Saturn (Shani): Saturn represents stability and long-term investments. While its influence may cause delays, it encourages well-thought-out decisions that lead to enduring benefits.

  • Mercury (Budh): Mercury governs communication and contracts. Its retrograde periods are often seen as challenging times for signing agreements, as they may lead to miscommunication or delays.

Astrology and Market Trends

Beyond individual decisions, some astrologers believe that planetary movements can influence broader real estate market trends:

  • Market Cycles: Saturn’s slow transits are thought to align with periods of market correction or slowdown, while Jupiter’s expansive energy is associated with growth phases.

  • Buyer Sentiment: Astrological events, such as eclipses or Mercury retrograde, may subtly impact buyer confidence, leading to fluctuations in market activity.

Balancing Astrology with Practicality

While astrology offers comfort and guidance to many, it’s essential to balance celestial insights with real-world considerations:

  • Market Analysis: Location, pricing, infrastructure, and future development prospects should remain the primary drivers of property decisions.

  • Financial Planning: A sound financial strategy is critical for real estate investments, regardless of astrological influences.

  • Psychological Confidence: For believers, astrology’s biggest contribution may be the psychological boost it provides, instilling confidence and reducing decision-making anxiety.

Skepticism and the Science of Property Investments

Critics argue that real estate decisions should be rooted in tangible data and market trends rather than celestial movements. Yet, the psychological impact of aligning decisions with cosmic forces—a sense of assurance and positivity—cannot be ignored.

Finding Harmony in the Stars

Astrology and real estate need not exist in isolation. For those who value the guidance of the stars, combining astrological insights with practical planning can create a holistic approach to property investment. Whether you see astrology as a guiding influence or a reassuring ritual, it adds an enriching dimension to the art of buying and selling real estate.

Astrology’s role in real estate may range from a lighthearted belief to a serious consideration, depending on the individual. From identifying auspicious dates to choosing properties aligned with zodiac preferences, astrology provides a unique perspective on property decisions. So, whether you’re a firm believer or simply curious, this cosmic connection adds a fascinating layer to the real estate journey.

What’s your take? Do planetary alignments hold the key to property success, or is it all a cosmic coincidence?

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6 Halloween Decor Trends You're Going to See EVERYWHERE This Year

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Halloween might mean non-stop horror movie marathons or excuses to have an extra piece of candy for some, but if you're obsessed with interior design? It's time to unleash your creativity with some decorations.

But make no mistake, there's more to your Halloween decor than hanging up the same leafy garland and broomstick that you do every single year. Like most things, there are actually Halloween trends that vary from year to year.

If you're looking to make your home equal parts creepy and current this year, you're in luck. Here, designers share the Halloween decor trends that are poised to be everywhere this year. Get inspired to put any of them to the test.

A Moody Moment

Though the fiery shade has long been associated with Halloween decor, Sarah Evans of a Colorado-based firm called Inside Stories says decorating enthusiasts will finally say, "enough with orange." "Ditch the clichés, embrace the season’s richness, and let your decor whisper 'elegant Halloween' rather than scream 'haunted house.'"

Instead, Lauren Saab recommends jewel tones like rich green and deep purple. "These shades have range," the Texas designer explains. "They look good in modern settings, as well as traditional ones, and they tie in with what is already in the room so the effect is seasonal without feeling forced." Or, if you're more of a minimalist, try black. "It's always chic," Evan adds. "If your style skews light and neutral, all you need is a few black taper candles on the coffee table or charred branches in a vase to strike the perfect balance."

Frightful Foliage

If you ask Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox, the best Halloween decor works with your home, not against it. "I’ve moved away from the classic skeletons and broomsticks and started focusing on decor that actually fits with the rest of my space," he explains. Ditto for jack-o'-lanterns. "If pumpkins aren’t your thing, swap them out for dried florals in autumn colors," he says. "They’re just as seasonal but with a softer, more elevated twist." Bonus points: Since dried flowers are already dead, they'll last long after spooky season.

Punchy Pumpkins

Craving jack-o'-lantern might one of the most popular Halloween decorations, but it's about to get a big makeover. "I am currently loving the idea of glow in the dark painted pumpkins over jack-o-lanterns to spice up the regular display," explains Nureed Saeed, an interior designer who splits her time between California and New Jersey. Not artistic enough to create a full-blown fresco on a pumpkin? No problem. In fact, some people are favoring decoupage pumpkins by applying pressed flowers with a coat of mod podge.

Boo-tiful Busts

Goodbye, minimalism: With the rise of charming details like painted floors and skirted furniture, traditional interiors are totally in. So, why not incorporate that look into your Halloween decorations? Scott says a bust will bring "a little edge" to your spooky season style. If you want to dial up the drama, make it a multi-sensory look with a scented candle.

Themed Looks

Say goodbye, skeletons and flapping bats: It's time to think outside of the box. Most people festoon their homes with goblins and ghouls, Saeed recommends committing to a different and somewhat unique theme. "While you can never go wrong with a beautiful display of pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns, for me a good theme never goes out of style," she says. "I always start with a fun or scary theme that I can build a full Halloween-themed space that is known to be scary to even the teenagers in my neighborhood."

Saeed loves the idea of a Willy Wonka or Star Wars-themed home—"The emperor is pretty scary, people!" she says—but you can always go for a haunted house moment. That said, the secret to a well-appointed theme is intentionality. For example, instead of tablecloths and ballons with Yoda's face on it, try to recreate the Death Star in your personal digs.

Crafty Candles

Speaking of which, candles are a great way to add a ghoulish glow to your room. “This year we’re loving how candles have become such a big part of Halloween decor," says Guadalupe Alvarado, the DIYer behind the Cherry Patio. "They bring warmth, a little spookiness, and for us, they’re the perfect touch for a cute table setting or a fun DIY activity!" While black or pumpkin-shaped wax might be fall-friendly, Alvarado loves to paint cute designs on long, tapered candles.

Once you add wax pens to your e-cart, you can create the candles of your dreams—or, since it's Halloween, nightmares. "[It's] safe, easy, and fun to tackle," she says."A must-do, for sure!”

Regardless of which trend you opt into, one thing's for sure: These ideas are all treats, zero tricks.

Read more at Good Houskeeping

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Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Ease Some Mortgage Rules During Government Shutdown

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Government-backed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are temporarily relaxing certain requirements for lenders in an effort to minimize disruptions in loan approvals during the federal government shutdown.

In guidance issued on Wednesday, Fannie and Freddie laid out alternative procedures for mortgage lenders to follow if the shutdown hinders their ability to gather standard employment or income verification, as well as temporary measures for flood insurance verification.

"We appreciate the understanding and consideration that Seller/Servicers extend to Borrowers coping with the hardships imposed by the shutdown," wrote Freddie Mac senior vice president of single-family seller engagement Kevin Kauffman in a note to lenders.

Fannie and Freddie do not issue mortgages themselves, but rather set rules for "conforming" mortgages issued by private lenders, which are then eligible for purchase and securitization by Fannie and Freddie.

Although Fannie and Freddie are effectively owned by the U.S. Treasury, their operations are not affected by the government shutdown, because they are self-funded and do not rely on congressional appropriations to pay staffers.

The new guidelines for mortgage lenders are effective immediately and will expire automatically when the federal government resumes full operations.

Temporary rules for flood insurance

Until Congress passes a new spending bill, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is unable to write new policies, although existing policies remain in force and the program will continue to pay claims

NFIP provides more than 90% of flood insurance policies sold across the country, and mortgage lenders typically require flood insurance for homes that are located in areas at risk of flooding.

The new guidance issued by Freddie Mac still requires flood insurance for at-risk homes, but will allow mortgage borrowers to submit proof that they have applied for an NFIP policy, even if the policy hasn't been issued yet.

When the shutdown ends, lenders will be required to verify that the borrower actually obtained flood coverage that meets standard requirements.

Waivers for federal employees

The new guidance states that for federal employees, lenders can waive verification of employment if they document the steps taken to verify employment and certify that the shutdown prevented them from obtaining verification.

For federal workers, the temporary rules also waive the requirement that their pay stubs be dated no earlier than 30 days before the initial loan application.

Federal workers on furlough are still eligible for mortgage approval, provided the lender has been able to obtain all required income documentation before delivery of the loan.

If the shutdown extends beyond Nov. 3, federal employees may have to provide proof of at least two months of savings reserves to compensate for the risk of income interruptions.

To assist borrowers whose employment is affected by the shutdown, mortgage lenders can also offer forbearance under standard procedures that are already in place.

IRS income verification rules relaxed

During past government shutdowns, some mortgage lenders had difficulty obtaining income verifications from the IRS due to staffing shortages.

That isn't expected to be an issue this time due to new automated procedures at the IRS and rule changes making the income verification service exempt during a lapse in appropriations.

But just in case issues arise, Fannie Mae says that as long as borrowers complete and sign an IRS

Request for Transcript of Tax Return (Form 4506-C), the lender will not be required to obtain a full tax transcript before closing.

However, lenders are still required to obtain certain IRS documents if the most recent year’s tax return is not available, such as proof of e-filing or an IRS response confirming that no tax transcript is available.

Lenders will have 90 days postclosing to get full tax transcripts from the IRS, which should allow most conventional loan approvals to proceed smoothly even if there are delays in processing requests at the IRS.

Read more at Realtor.com

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Why Experts Say Mortgage Rates Should Ease Over the Next Year

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You want mortgage rates to fall – and they’ve started to. But is it going to last? And how low will they go?

Experts say there’s room for rates to come down even more over the next year. And one of the leading indicators to watch is the 10-year treasury yield. Here’s why.

The Link Between Mortgage Rates and the 10-Year Treasury Yield

For over 50 years, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has closely followed the movement of the 10-year treasury yield, which is a widely watched benchmark for long-term interest rates.

When the treasury yield climbs, mortgage rates tend to follow. And when the yield falls, mortgage rates typically come down.

It’s been a predictable pattern for over 50 years. So predictable, that there’s a number experts consider normal for the gap between the two. It’s known as the spread, and it usually averages about 1.76 percentage points, or what you sometimes hear as 176 basis points.

The Spread Is Shrinking

Over the past couple of years, though, that spread has been much wider than normal. Why? Think of the spread as a measure of fear in the market. When there’s lingering uncertainty in the economy, the gap widens beyond its usual norm. That’s one of the reasons why mortgage rates have been unusually high over the past few years.

But here’s a sign for optimism. Even though there’s still some lingering uncertainty related to the economy, that spread is starting to shrink as the path forward is becoming clearer.

And that opens the door for mortgage rates to come down even more. As a recent article from Redfin explains:

“A lower mortgage spread equals lower mortgage rates. If the spread continues to decline, mortgage rates could fall more than they already have.”

The 10-Year Treasury Yield Is Expected To Decline

It’s not just the spread, though. The 10-year treasury yield itself is also forecast to come down in the months ahead. So, when you combine a lower yield with a narrowing spread, you have two key forces potentially pushing mortgage rates down going into next year.

This long-term relationship is a big reason why you see experts currently projecting mortgage rates will ease, with a fringe possibility they’ll hit the upper 5s toward the end of next year.

Here’s how it works. Take the 10-year treasury yield, which is sitting at about 4.09% at the time this article is being written, and then add the average spread of 1.76%. From there, you’d expect mortgage rates to be around 5.85%.

But remember, all of that can change as the economy shifts. And know for certain that there will be ups and downs along the way.

How these dynamics play out will depend on where the economy, the job market, inflation, and more go from here. But the 2026 outlook is currently expected to be a gradual mortgage rate decline. And as of now, things are starting to move in the right direction.

Bottom Line

Keeping up with all of these shifts can feel overwhelming. That’s why having an experienced agent or lender on your side matters. They’ll do the heavy lifting for you.

If you want real-time updates on mortgage rates, reach out to a trusted agent or lender who can keep you in the loop and help you plan your next move.

Read more at Keeping Current Matters

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Sellers in Top Buyer’s Markets Are Sweetening Deals With Discounts

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Sellers eager to offload their properties in inventory-rich, buyer-friendly markets are increasingly turning to price cuts as a way to attract shoppers—but mostly at certain price ranges.

Price cuts have emerged as the go-to strategy among sellers this year in the face of slowing housing market activity due to elevated mortgage interest rates, rising inflation, and general economic uncertainty, which are keeping many would-be buyers on the sidelines.

Looking at the national picture, in September, 19.9% of all for-sale homes across the U.S. had price reductions, up 1.2 percentage points year over year.

Regionally, the South and West led the way in the price reduction category, with 21.1% and 20.9% of listings, respectively, offering discounts, according to the latest monthly housing market trends report from Realtor.com®.

The Midwest was not too far behind with 19.2%, while the inventory-scarce, in-demand Northeast offered the fewest price cuts, at just 14%, meaning that only about 1 in 7 for-sale properties in the region came with a discount.

Price ranges drive price cuts

Although price reductions continued to be a widespread selling tactic last month, Realtor.com researchers found they were particularly concentrated in the $350,000 to $500,000 price range, suggesting that sellers in the lower-cost segment of the market were especially eager to make a deal.

On the other hand, reductions were least common among luxury home sellers.

Nationwide, over 20% of listings priced below $350,000 came with a price reduction, compared to just 13.3% of listings priced above $1 million.

"This is consistent with more motivated sellers at the bottom of the housing ladder, who need to sell in order to buy their next home, compared to patient or price-anchored sellers at the top," explains Realtor.com senior economist Jake Krimmel.

The divide between affordable and high-priced homes also mirrors regional trends, with expensive Northeastern markets proving most resistant to discounts due to robust buyer demand.

For example, in Portland, OR, the metro with the second-most price cuts in the U.S. in September (20.9%), reductions were most common in the sub-$350,000 tier of the local housing market. In that segment, roughly 34% of Portland's listings came with a price cut.

Homes ranging between $500,000 and $750,000 had the second-highest share of price cuts, at about 32%, followed by properties priced between $350,000 and $500,000, at 31.7%.

On the other side of the spectrum, just 23.6% of for-sale homes with an asking price of over $1 million offered price adjustments.

Located 3,000 miles to the east, costly Hartford, CT, in September had the second-lowest share of listed homes with price cuts, at just 11%.

Unlike in Portland, where buyer demand has been soft, price cuts in sought-after, undersupplied Hartford showed little variation across price tiers. In fact, they were slightly more common at the top of the market, with 11.7% of listings between $750,000 and $1 million offering reductions.

Discounts in 7 buyer's markets

In August, Realtor.com researchers identified seven metros that fell under the category of buyer's markets based on their housing supply.

The metric used to identify those markets represents how many months it would take for all of the listed homes to be sold at the current sales price.

The higher the months of supply, the slower the market—and the more negotiating power buyers have.

The rule of thumb is that it is a buyer’s market if supply is above six months.

Based on June housing data used in the analysis, only 7 of the top 50 U.S. metros had six or more months of supply: Miami; Austin, TX; Orlando, FL; New York City; Jacksonville, FL; Tampa, FL, and Riverside, CA.

"Even in buyer's markets, price cuts tend to be least common at the top of the market, meaning that home shoppers at middle or lower price tiers seem to be gaining more leverage in such markets than those shopping at the luxury end," notes Krimmel.

However, research shows that there is no universal pattern that fits neatly across markets.

Inventory growth slows, prices flatten

September saw housing inventory nationwide increase 17% from a year ago, the 23rd consecutive month of gains, but the pace of growth has been slowing since May, according to the latest monthly report.

The number of for-sale properties remained above the 1 million threshold for the fifth month in a row.

Supply levels continued to vary widely across regions, with the South and West surpassing pre-pandemic inventory benchmarks, while the Northeast and Midwest are still suffering from a scarcity of homes.

At the metro level, Washington, DC, and Las Vegas recorded the biggest year-over-year inventory gains, at 48.7% and 40.8%, respectively, mirroring regional trends.

New listings, which are a measure of sellers putting their homes on the market, fell 1.2% from September 2024 and 1.8% from August.

The typical for-sale home spent 62 days on the market waiting for a buyer in September—a full week longer than during the same period a year ago. This marks the 18th month in a row of homes taking longer to sell on an annual basis.

Notably, all four regions saw year-over-increases in days on the market, led by the West with an additional 10 days, followed by the South with eight days. In the Midwest, the typical home waited for a buyer an extra three days, while in the Northeast, a listing saw a delay of just one day.

Among the top 50 metros, homes lingered unsold the longest in Florida’s buyer-friendly Miami and Orlando, with 16 and 14 days, respectively.

The national median list price held steady at $425,000, same as a year ago, but it dropped 3.6% in the inventory-abundant West.

Read more at Realtor.com

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