Mortgage rates are down and still under 7%. Today’s national average on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 6.82%, according to Bankrate. If you choose a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, the average rate is 6.

The journey to homeownership is exciting, but it is also filled with potential financial pitfalls. As someone who’s observed the real estate market for years, I’ve noticed a concerning trend: most homebuyers place blind trust in their bank and real estate agent without questioning whether they’re truly getting the best deal possible.