Kelly Arriaza

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Kelly Arriaza I believe in the American dream of home ownership & I enjoy making dreams happen one loan at a time. "Equal Housing Lender"

Smaller Down Payments Give Buyers More Room, But Rates Limit The SavingsIt’s interesting to see how the landscape is shi...
10/15/2026

Smaller Down Payments Give Buyers More Room, But Rates Limit The Savings
It’s interesting to see how the landscape is shifting for today’s homebuyers. In Q2 2026, the typical down payment dropped to $27,100—the lowest since 2021. This change is largely thanks to an increase in available homes and more approachable list prices, which gives buyers a bit more flexibility out of the gate. But there’s another side to the coin: higher mortgage rates are driving up monthly payments, which can limit the real savings from a lower down payment. Down payment expectations also fluctuate depending on how competitive a market is, so what works in one area may look quite different in another. With nearly three decades in mortgage lending, I’m always tracking these shifts closely to help my clients understand their real options—because knowledge truly is the key to making confident, informed decisions.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/kelly-arriaza/2114001-Smaller-Down-Payments-Give-Buyers-More-Room%2C-But-Rates-Limit

10/14/2026

Homebuyers Can Shape Their Mortgage Rate
After 27 years in the mortgage industry, I’ve seen firsthand how much control homebuyers can have over their own mortgage rate. A recent analysis of 1.35 million US purchase loans (from early Q1 2023 through late Q4 2025) really drives this home: even within the same month, borrower rates varied widely—by as much as 93 basis points. On a $2,000/month budget, that difference could be worth about $28,400 in home price.

What made the biggest impact? Credit scores. Moving from the high 600s up to 720 opened up better pricing, with key thresholds at 700 and 720. But the simplest, most immediate way to save? Comparison shopping. A very competitive lender outperformed a typical one by 19 basis points, equal to about $5,800 in savings. Interestingly, putting 20% down barely nudged the rate, improving it by only 0.7 basis points—most of the benefit there came from avoiding mortgage insurance.

The bottom line: mortgage rates aren’t set in stone. With the right guidance and a little strategy, you can absolutely influence the outcome. My approach has always been to empower buyers with current knowledge and options, so you’re equipped for the best possible loan. Let’s make your homeownership goals a reality.

What to Expect as Mortgage Rates StabilizeMortgage rates are on the move again—after a recent 0.25% Fed rate hike, the 3...
10/08/2026

What to Expect as Mortgage Rates Stabilize
Mortgage rates are on the move again—after a recent 0.25% Fed rate hike, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has climbed to 6.95%, the highest level we’ve seen since January 2025. With inflation and global conflicts influencing the market, it’s no surprise buyers are seeing higher rates. Still, there’s a silver lining: more available homes and increased seller discounts are creating new opportunities for buyers who are prepared. After 27 years in this business, I’ve learned that staying educated on the latest trends and loan programs is essential. If you’re navigating these shifting rates, remember—knowledge is your best asset when securing the right loan for your needs.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/kelly-arriaza/2071408-What-to-Expect-as-Mortgage-Rates-Stabilize

10/07/2026

US Home Equity Borrowing Basics
Home equity loans and HELOCs can be valuable tools for homeowners looking to tap into their property’s value. With a home equity loan, you receive a single lump sum, while a HELOC acts more like a revolving line of credit—allowing you to draw funds as you need them, multiple times. Because both are secured by your home, the rates are often lower compared to unsecured loans; however, keep in mind that your specific rate depends on your financial profile.

HELOCs usually start with a draw period that can stretch up to 10 years, followed by a repayment phase where you can no longer borrow and begin paying down the balance. Whether you’re considering home improvements, consolidating debt, or pursuing other financial goals, home equity borrowing brings flexibility—but also real responsibilities. Closing costs are typically between 2% and 5%, and missing payments can put your home at risk.

In my 27 years guiding clients through their mortgage options, I’ve seen that these products work best for homeowners with at least 15% to 20% equity, strong credit, manageable debt-to-income ratios, steady income, and—most importantly—a clear, realistic repayment plan. Staying informed about your options is the first step to making confident decisions about your home’s equity.

10/06/2026

Homeowners Sit on Record Equity — Why Most Still Can't Afford to Move Up in 2026
It’s no secret that U.S. homeowners are sitting on a record $18 trillion in home equity as of Q2 2026. Yet, even with this historic equity, many find themselves unable to make the leap to a new home. Why? Replacement mortgage rates hovering around 7%, along with increased taxes and insurance, are posing real challenges for those considering a move up. Instead, I’m seeing clients explore renovations, consider renting, downsize, or look into bridge financing as alternatives. After 27 years in the mortgage industry, I’ve learned that understanding the full financial picture—and knowing the right loan options—empowers homeowners to make confident decisions, even in a shifting market.

10/05/2026

Mortgage Payments Turn Late After 30 Days
One question I hear often: when does a mortgage payment officially count as late? Here’s what I share with my clients to keep things clear. Most mortgages in the US are due on the first of the month, with a 15-day grace period. If the payment isn’t received—not just mailed—by then, late fees kick in. At the 30-day mark, it can impact your credit. Online payments can sometimes post a day later, so it’s smart to build in a cushion. Partial payments may not keep you in the clear; your loan could end up in a rolling late status. If an account stays unpaid past the grace period, it’s considered delinquent. Around 90-120 days, you’ll likely receive formal notices, and foreclosure proceedings may start after 120 days. Late fees are usually about 5% of the overdue principal-and-interest, but some government loans and state rules can put a cap on these charges. My advice, after 27 years of guiding clients through the mortgage process: set up autopay a few days after the first, use reminders, keep an extra buffer in your account, and if you ever anticipate trouble, reach out to your servicer early to discuss options like repayment plans or forbearance. Staying informed and proactive is the best way to protect your home financing—and your peace of mind.

Utah Homebuyers Find Opportunities Amid 7% Mortgage RatesMortgage rates have now crossed the 7% mark for the first time ...
10/03/2026

Utah Homebuyers Find Opportunities Amid 7% Mortgage Rates
Mortgage rates have now crossed the 7% mark for the first time in over a year, landing at around 7.1%. This is largely due to factors like Treasury bond buybacks and rising oil prices. As someone who’s seen the ups and downs of the mortgage world for 27 years, I can say with confidence that waiting for rates to fall back near 3% is unlikely—and holding off may only mean paying more for your future home. My commitment has always been to provide you with the latest insights and loan options, so you can make informed decisions and move forward with confidence, no matter how complex the market feels. Knowledge is power, and I’m here to help you navigate today’s changing landscape.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/kelly-arriaza/2055046-Utah-Homebuyers-Find-Opportunities-Amid-7%25-Mortgage-Rates

Mortgage rate predictions for the next 5 years: A new data-powered forecast through 2031With over 27 years in the mortga...
10/01/2026

Mortgage rate predictions for the next 5 years: A new data-powered forecast through 2031
With over 27 years in the mortgage industry, I know how vital it is to stay informed about where rates might be headed—especially when planning your next move. Recent forecasts show that mortgage rates, closely tied to the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield, are likely to remain around 6% as we head into 2027, with a chance for a slow decline. If the economy manages a soft landing, we could see rates drop to 5%. On the other hand, if inflation sticks around, we might be looking at rates above 7%. My commitment is to keep you up to date on changes and help you navigate your options confidently, no matter how the market shifts. Knowledge is power when it comes to home financing—let’s use it to your advantage.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/kelly-arriaza/1997532-Mortgage-rate-predictions-for-the-next-5-years%3A-A-new-data-p

09/30/2026

The Best Time to Buy a Home in 2026
Timing can make a significant difference in your homebuying journey, and 2026 is shaping up to offer some standout opportunities. According to recent projections, the week of September 27 to October 3 could be especially favorable for buyers—thanks to a perfect blend of increased inventory, softer home prices, and less competition. Active listings during this period may reach 31.9% higher than at the start of the year, and 13.3% above the average week, giving buyers a broader range of choices nationwide.

If you’re hoping to maximize value, this window may also deliver pricing about 3.5% below the seasonal peak—potentially saving you around $14,000 on a median-priced home of $416,000. Plus, with competition expected to dip 30.1% from its annual high and homes projected to stay on the market for roughly 64 days, buyers can take a bit more time to make confident decisions.

For nearly three decades, I’ve seen how market shifts like these can empower my clients. I make it my mission to stay ahead of every update so you’re always prepared, whether you’re a first-time buyer or navigating a more complex scenario. The early fall may give you more options, while later in the season could offer even greater price flexibility. Knowledge really is your best asset when planning your next move.

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5559 S Sossaman Road, Bldg 1 Ste 101
Mesa, AZ
85212

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