In January 2026, mortgage industry professionals and banking trade groups warned that President Donald Trump's proposed 10% interest rate cap on credit cards could have unintended negative consequences for homebuyers and the broader economy. While intended to provide financial relief, experts argue the measure could inadvertently tighten credit access and damage borrower credit scores. The primary concerns cited by mortgage and finance experts include:
My friends and I are early 30s professionals living in one of America's most expensive cities and making middle-class incomes. None of us can afford to buy or save for a home here. We all rent, but we're not broke. We save for kids and retirement and illness, but a home isn't in the cards. But recently, we think we might have found an unconventional loophole.
A credit report shows a score and a list of tradelines. It does not show what to do next. When qualification hinges on small swings in a score, borrowers need coaching that translates data into actions. That is where modern loan officers add the most value: not by interpreting a score in isolation, but by guiding borrowers through the steps that can change it.
Buying a house while renting means keeping your apartment lease active while you search for and close on a home. Instead of moving out before you've secured a property, you maintain your rental so you have stable housing during the process. Why rent while buying a house? Flexibility: You're not pressured to buy the first house you see. Housing security: If closing takes longer than expected, you won't be left without a place to live. Peace of mind: You can focus on the home search without worrying about short-term housing.
Consumers burdened by high-interest credit card debt or collections often struggle to qualify for mortgages, secure favorable terms and are at higher risk of foreclosure. Here's how debt reduction solutions can help: 1. Expand the qualified buyer pool Programs like structured debt repayment plans can rehabilitate credit profiles, helping near-miss applicants meet underwriting standards. 2. Accelerate the path to homeownership By reducing debt-to-income ratios and improving credit scores, these tools shorten the timeline from financial distress to mortgage readiness.