Written by Chase Majerus
Welcome to This Week Today—your fast, fun, and slightly fiery guide to what’s going on in the world of housing, mortgage, and real estate. We break down the big headlines, market shifts, and money moves without the jargon (or the snooze). Whether you’re a homeowner, buyer, or just here for the celebrity mansions, we’ve got something for you. Let’s dive in.
A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, lets you borrow against your home’s available equity. Applying for a HELOC with Synergy One Lending is fast and easy. Our application is fast, easy, and all online. If pre-approved, you’ll be instantly presented with your offer options.
Mortgage rates are going up fast because investors are selling U.S. Treasury bonds. Some experts think countries like China might be doing this to push back against new U.S. trade tariffs. China also owns a lot of U.S. mortgage-backed securities (MBS), which are tied to the housing market. If China—and other countries like Japan and Canada—start selling off these MBS, it could make mortgage rates rise even more. Higher rates make buying a home harder, especially during the busy spring season. On top of that, the U.S. Federal Reserve is no longer helping by buying MBS like it did during past crises, which adds even more pressure.
John Goodman is officially parting ways with his beloved New Orleans estate, aka the haunted-house-free zone he’s called home for nearly two decades. Listed for $5.5 million, the historic Garden District property has all the Southern charm, modern luxury, and ghost-free living one could dream of (probably).
Here’s what you’re getting if you’ve got the cash—and a thing for architecture, fireplaces, and famous former owners:
After losing his LA mansion in the wildfires, it looks like Goodman’s ready for a new chapter. And hey, if you buy the place, you can say you got your home from both Roseanne and Nine Inch Nails. That’s versatility, baby.
Thinking of knocking down a wall or finally upgrading that avocado-colored bathroom tile?
You’re not alone! Americans spent a whopping $603 billion remodeling their homes in 2024, and not just for funsies. Homeowners are remodeling to replace worn-out surfaces, boost energy efficiency, and sometimes because, well, it was just time for a change (we see you, 1990s carpet). Projects like adding a primary bedroom suite, kitchen upgrades, and new roofing earned perfect 10s on the Joy Score (yes that’s a real thing) and made homeowners feel significantly happier in their spaces.
From a financial perspective, some upgrades pay off big: a new steel front door recouped 100% of its cost, and REALTORS® say buyers are now way pickier about home condition than they were just a couple years ago.
Since 2020, demand for remodeled kitchens, bathrooms, and roofs has surged, and REALTORS® often advise sellers to invest in fresh paint and roof work before listing.
While housing affordability didn’t drive most remodeling decisions, 9% of folks said high prices and mortgage rates kept them from moving, so they renovated instead. Most paid for these projects with home equity loans or savings, showing that remodeling is increasingly seen as a smart financial move, not just a lifestyle upgrade.
If you want to learn about home equity options or opportunities click here!
Bottom line: whether you’re staying put or getting ready to sell, making thoughtful updates to your home can be both a joy booster and a way to take advantage of your financial fitness!
Speaking of financial fitness, our app, S1 FinFit, is designed for anyone who wants to make financially fit decisions without needing a finance degree or a spreadsheet addiction.
S1 FinFit is a FREE app that provides a roadmap to help you reach your financial and lifestyle goals, no matter how big or small! Free credit monitoring with alerts, set financial goals, create budgets, and keep track of your spending to see where your money is going.
Download the app on the appropriate app store with the links below!
A group called Consumer Watchdog is suing California’s Insurance Department and its commissioner, Ricardo Lara. They say a new rule will unfairly charge homeowners extra fees after big disasters like wildfires. These charges come from a state insurance program called the FAIR Plan, which helps people get coverage when private insurance isn’t available. The commissioner says the fees are only temporary and are shared with insurance companies to protect consumers. But Consumer Watchdog argues that the rule was made without public input and could lead to homeowners paying billions more in the future. They want a court to block the rule and stop any future charges like it.
Zillow and Redfin Crack Down on Secret Listings
Zillow and Redfin will no longer show homes on their websites if those homes were first marketed privately without being listed on the main public system called the MLS. This change is part of a bigger fight in real estate over “pocket listings,” where some homes are quietly offered to select buyers. A rule from the National Association of Realtors says homes must be listed on the MLS within one day of being publicly marketed. Zillow and Redfin say this rule helps make things fair and open for all buyers. Some brokerages disagree, saying it limits sellers’ options, especially in luxury markets. The debate is ongoing, but big platforms are taking a stand for more transparency.
Last week at our Sales Rally in Dana Point, we pulled out the cameras, passed around a mystery bowl full of questions, and handed the mic to our executive team at Synergy One Lending.
What came next? Pure gold.
The theme was The Winning Edge—and trust us, this crew showed up with it.
This video is a glimpse behind the scenes with the leaders who are driving Synergy One forward. Insightful? Yep. Inspiring? You bet. Slightly chaotic and wildly entertaining? Absolutely.
Tap in and see how our execs roll when the spotlight’s on and the questions get weird.
Thank you for reading! We hope you have a wonderful day! See you next week!
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