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<rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Kenneth Travis Mortgage Blog</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/blog/</link><description>Longview and East Texas mortgage guides from Kenneth Travis, Greenlight Mortgage.</description><language>en-us</language>
<item><title>Should You Lock Your Rate Before the October 28 Fed Meeting? A Longview Buyer’s Guide</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/10/10/should-you-lock-your-rate-before-the-october-28-fed-meeting-a-longview-buyers-guide/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/10/10/should-you-lock-your-rate-before-the-october-28-fed-meeting-a-longview-buyers-guide/</guid><pubDate>Sat, 10 Oct 2026 08:01:01 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know mortgage rates can rise even when the Federal Reserve leaves its rate unchanged? That is the question many Longview-area buyers are asking</description></item>
<item><title>Mortgage Rates Just Topped 7% for the First Time in Over a Year ,  Should Longview Buyers Panic?</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/09/18/mortgage-rates-just-topped-7-for-the-first-time-in-over-a-year-should-longview-buyers-panic/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/09/18/mortgage-rates-just-topped-7-for-the-first-time-in-over-a-year-should-longview-buyers-panic/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 07:06:44 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has climbed to approximately 7.07%, crossing above 7% for the first time in more than</description></item>
<item><title>Do You Really Need to Wait for Mortgage Rates to Drop? The Truth for Longview Buyers in 2026</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/08/29/do-you-really-need-to-wait-for-mortgage-rates-to-drop-the-truth-for-longview-buyers-in-2026/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/08/29/do-you-really-need-to-wait-for-mortgage-rates-to-drop-the-truth-for-longview-buyers-in-2026/</guid><pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 08:00:59 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that waiting for mortgage rates to drop could end up costing you more than buying at today’s rate? That’s the question many</description></item>
<item><title>VA Loans in East Texas: The Complete 2026 Guide for Veterans Who Want Zero Down and No PMI</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/19/va-loans-in-east-texas-the-complete-2026-guide-for-veterans-who-want-zero-down-and-no-pmi/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/19/va-loans-in-east-texas-the-complete-2026-guide-for-veterans-who-want-zero-down-and-no-pmi/</guid><pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 23:55:07 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that as a veteran in East Texas, you have access to what is arguably the most powerful home-buying tool in the country?</description></item>
<item><title>Mortgage Secrets Revealed: How to Use Seller Concessions to Lower Your Interest Rate Instantly</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/14/mortgage-secrets-revealed-how-to-use-seller-concessions-to-lower-your-interest-rate-instantly/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/14/mortgage-secrets-revealed-how-to-use-seller-concessions-to-lower-your-interest-rate-instantly/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:13:56 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that you could potentially save hundreds of dollars a month on your mortgage without having to wait for the Federal Reserve to</description></item>
<item><title>Mortgage Rates Are Stuck at 6.4%. Should Longview Buyers Wait or Jump In Now?</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/14/mortgage-rates-are-stuck-at-6-4-should-longview-buyers-wait-or-jump-in-now/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/14/mortgage-rates-are-stuck-at-6-4-should-longview-buyers-wait-or-jump-in-now/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:13:55 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that for the first time in years, the power in the East Texas housing market has officially shifted? If you’ve been scrolling</description></item>
<item><title>Looking for the Best Mortgage Companies in Longview Texas? 10 Things You Should Know Before You Apply</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/14/looking-for-the-best-mortgage-companies-in-longview-texas-10-things-you-should-know-before-you-apply/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/14/looking-for-the-best-mortgage-companies-in-longview-texas-10-things-you-should-know-before-you-apply/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:13:55 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that choosing a mortgage company in Longview, Texas, is actually more important than finding the house itself? It sounds crazy, but it’s</description></item>
<item><title>Why Everyone Is Talking About Longview’s 2026 Growth (And Why You Should Move Too)</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/14/why-everyone-is-talking-about-longviews-2026-growth-and-why-you-should-move-too/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/14/why-everyone-is-talking-about-longviews-2026-growth-and-why-you-should-move-too/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:13:54 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that Longview was recently highlighted as one of the most proactive cities in Texas when it comes to planning for the future?</description></item>
<item><title>Is Living in Longview TX Bad? The Truth About the Cost of Living in 2026</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/14/is-living-in-longview-tx-bad-the-truth-about-the-cost-of-living-in-2026/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/14/is-living-in-longview-tx-bad-the-truth-about-the-cost-of-living-in-2026/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:13:52 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that you can still find a community where neighbors actually know each other, the pine trees touch the sky, and you don’t</description></item>
<item><title>The Proven Mortgage Framework: 5 Steps to Take After Your Offer is Accepted</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/14/the-proven-mortgage-framework-5-steps-to-take-after-your-offer-is-accepted/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/14/the-proven-mortgage-framework-5-steps-to-take-after-your-offer-is-accepted/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:13:47 -0500</pubDate><description>You did it! You spent weeks (maybe months) scrolling through Zillow, touring houses in Longview, and finally found “the one.” You made an offer, did</description></item>
<item><title>How to Choose the Best Mortgage Lenders in Longview TX (Compared)</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/14/how-to-choose-the-best-mortgage-lenders-in-longview-tx-compared/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/14/how-to-choose-the-best-mortgage-lenders-in-longview-tx-compared/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:13:44 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that choosing the wrong mortgage lender can actually cost you more than just a higher interest rate? It can mean the difference</description></item>
<item><title>Longview Mortgage Companies 101: How to Spot a ‘Lender’ Who Will Actually Close Your Tough Deal</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/06/longview-mortgage-companies-101-how-to-spot-a-lender-who-will-actually-close-your-tough-deal/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/06/longview-mortgage-companies-101-how-to-spot-a-lender-who-will-actually-close-your-tough-deal/</guid><pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 08:01:35 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that some mortgage lenders are essentially programmed to say &quot;no&quot; the moment your situation gets a little bit complicated? It sounds harsh,</description></item>
<item><title>Is Longview Texas a Good Place to Live? 7 Hidden Gems and Neighborhoods You Haven’t Seen Yet</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/05/is-longview-texas-a-good-place-to-live-7-hidden-gems-and-neighborhoods-you-havent-seen-yet/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/05/is-longview-texas-a-good-place-to-live-7-hidden-gems-and-neighborhoods-you-havent-seen-yet/</guid><pubDate>Sun, 05 Jul 2026 08:01:41 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that Longview, Texas is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable and family-friendly places to live in the Lone Star State?</description></item>
<item><title>Living in Longview TX: The 2026 Family Guide to Schools, Parks, and Local Life</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/04/living-in-longview-tx-the-2026-family-guide-to-schools-parks-and-local-life/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/04/living-in-longview-tx-the-2026-family-guide-to-schools-parks-and-local-life/</guid><pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:01:44 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that Longview was recently named one of the most family-friendly cities in East Texas for 2026? If you’re reading this, you might</description></item>
<item><title>7% vs. Your Future: Why Waiting for Lower Rates in Longview Might Actually Cost You More</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/03/7-vs-your-future-why-waiting-for-lower-rates-in-longview-might-actually-cost-you-more/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/03/7-vs-your-future-why-waiting-for-lower-rates-in-longview-might-actually-cost-you-more/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:01:20 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that a tiny 1% drop in mortgage rates can bring millions of homebuyers back into the market overnight? It sounds like a</description></item>
<item><title>Sellers Accepted Your Offer? 5 ‘Make or Break’ Moments Before Closing Day in Longview</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/02/sellers-accepted-your-offer-5-make-or-break-moments-before-closing-day-in-longview/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/02/sellers-accepted-your-offer-5-make-or-break-moments-before-closing-day-in-longview/</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:02:05 -0500</pubDate><description>You did it! You spent weeks scrolling through Zillow, touring houses in neighborhoods like Wildwood or Pine Tree, and you finally found &quot;the one.&quot; You</description></item>
<item><title>Cash-Out Refi vs. Home Equity Loan: Which Is Better for Your 2026 Home Project?</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/01/cash-out-refi-vs-home-equity-loan-which-is-better-for-your-2026-home-project/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/07/01/cash-out-refi-vs-home-equity-loan-which-is-better-for-your-2026-home-project/</guid><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:01:31 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that home values across East Texas, from the quiet streets of Gilmer to the growing neighborhoods of Longview, have climbed nearly 4%</description></item>
<item><title>Does Timing the Mortgage Market Really Matter in 2026? The Truth About East Texas Real Estate</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/30/does-timing-the-mortgage-market-really-matter-in-2026-the-truth-about-east-texas-real-estate/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/30/does-timing-the-mortgage-market-really-matter-in-2026-the-truth-about-east-texas-real-estate/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:02:01 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that waiting for the &quot;perfect&quot; interest rate is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make in real estate? It’s a</description></item>
<item><title>Looking to Move to Longview TX? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know About the 2026 Housing Market</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/29/looking-to-move-to-longview-tx-here-are-10-things-you-should-know-about-the-2026-housing-market/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/29/looking-to-move-to-longview-tx-here-are-10-things-you-should-know-about-the-2026-housing-market/</guid><pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:01:57 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that while many parts of the country are still seeing sky-high home prices and cutthroat competition, East Texas is actually becoming a</description></item>
<item><title>How to Choose the Best Longview Neighborhood for Your Budget (75605 vs. 75602 Compared)</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/28/how-to-choose-the-best-longview-neighborhood-for-your-budget-75605-vs-75602-compared/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/28/how-to-choose-the-best-longview-neighborhood-for-your-budget-75605-vs-75602-compared/</guid><pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2026 08:01:12 -0500</pubDate><description>Are you looking at moving to Longview but feel a little overwhelmed by the different pockets of town? Did you know that moving just a</description></item>
<item><title>10 Reasons Your Mortgage Application Was Denied by a Big Bank (And How to Fix It)</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/27/10-reasons-your-mortgage-application-was-denied-by-a-big-bank-and-how-to-fix-it/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/27/10-reasons-your-mortgage-application-was-denied-by-a-big-bank-and-how-to-fix-it/</guid><pubDate>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 08:02:03 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that getting a &quot;no&quot; from a big bank doesn&#x27;t actually mean you can&#x27;t buy a house? It’s one of the most soul-crushing</description></item>
<item><title>5 Steps to Use Seller Concessions to Lower Your Mortgage Rate (Easy Guide for Longview Homebuyers)</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/26/5-steps-to-use-seller-concessions-to-lower-your-mortgage-rate-easy-guide-for-longview-homebuyers/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/26/5-steps-to-use-seller-concessions-to-lower-your-mortgage-rate-easy-guide-for-longview-homebuyers/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 08:02:02 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that you don’t actually have to accept the first mortgage rate a lender quotes you? If you’ve been house hunting around Longview,</description></item>
<item><title>Struggling With High Rates? How to Use Seller Credits to Win Your Longview Mortgage</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/24/struggling-with-high-rates-how-to-use-seller-credits-to-win-your-longview-mortgage/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/24/struggling-with-high-rates-how-to-use-seller-credits-to-win-your-longview-mortgage/</guid><pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:00:54 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that you don’t have to settle for the standard market interest rate just because it’s what you see on the evening news?</description></item>
<item><title>Big Banks vs. a Longview Mortgage Company: Which is Better for Your First Home?</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/24/big-banks-vs-a-longview-mortgage-company-which-is-better-for-your-first-home/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/24/big-banks-vs-a-longview-mortgage-company-which-is-better-for-your-first-home/</guid><pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:00:46 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that the average first-time homebuyer spends over 40 hours just researching mortgage options before they even step foot in a house? It’s</description></item>
<item><title>7 Mistakes You’re Making When Comparing Mortgage Companies in Longview Texas</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/24/7-mistakes-youre-making-when-comparing-mortgage-companies-in-longview-texas/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/24/7-mistakes-youre-making-when-comparing-mortgage-companies-in-longview-texas/</guid><pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:00:36 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that even a tiny 0.25% difference in your mortgage rate could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of</description></item>
<item><title>Is Longview Texas a Good Place to Live? 10 Things You Should Know Before Moving Here</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/24/is-longview-texas-a-good-place-to-live-10-things-you-should-know-before-moving-here/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/24/is-longview-texas-a-good-place-to-live-10-things-you-should-know-before-moving-here/</guid><pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:00:28 -0500</pubDate><description>Are you thinking about making a move to the &quot;Piney Woods&quot; of East Texas? Did you know that Longview was recently ranked as one of</description></item>
<item><title>Sellers Accepted Your Offer, Now What? 5 Steps to Navigating the Mortgage Process in East Texas</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/24/sellers-accepted-your-offer-now-what-5-steps-to-navigating-the-mortgage-process-in-east-texas/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/24/sellers-accepted-your-offer-now-what-5-steps-to-navigating-the-mortgage-process-in-east-texas/</guid><pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:22:04 -0500</pubDate><description>You did it! After weeks (or maybe even months) of browsing listings, touring houses in Longview, and finally finding “the one,” the seller just called</description></item>
<item><title>Branch vs. Ownership: The Trap Most Mortgage Pros Don’t See Until It’s Too Late</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/18/branch-vs-ownership-the-trap-most-mortgage-pros-dont-see-until-its-too-late/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/18/branch-vs-ownership-the-trap-most-mortgage-pros-dont-see-until-its-too-late/</guid><pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:55:21 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that a lot of mortgage professionals spend years building production, relationships, and teams, only to realize they don’t actually own anything? That’s</description></item>
<item><title>Down Payment Assistance Texas: Programs You Need to Know About</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/16/down-payment-assistance-texas-programs-you-need-to-know-about/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/16/down-payment-assistance-texas-programs-you-need-to-know-about/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:36:51 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that one of the biggest hurdles for families in East Texas isn’t actually the monthly mortgage payment? It’s often that upfront chunk</description></item>
<item><title>Home Equity Loan Longview TX: How to Tap Into Your Home’s Value</title><link>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/16/home-equity-loan-longview-tx-how-to-tap-into-your-homes-value/</link><guid>https://kennethtravis.com/2026/06/16/home-equity-loan-longview-tx-how-to-tap-into-your-homes-value/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:36:39 -0500</pubDate><description>Did you know that your home in Longview might be hiding a &quot;secret&quot; savings account? If you’ve owned your house for a few years, there&#x27;s</description></item>
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