What Could Go Wrong? Zero-percent down mortgages, a risky financial tool from the housing bubble era, are returning, raising concerns reminiscent of the 2008 financial crisis. United Wholesale Mortgage has introduced a program allowing first-time homebuyers to secure homes without an initial cash payment. Borrowers can take an interest-free loan of 3% of the home's value, up to $15,000, which must be repaid in full upon selling, paying off, or refinancing the home. Critics warn that this could leave homeowners vulnerable to being underwater if the market declines or unexpected expenses arise, echoing the conditions that led to the subprime mortgage crisis. (CNN)

Solid Investment: Since 1975, U.S. home prices have shown an average five-year return of +26% and a ten-year return of +57%. Returns vary significantly by region, with Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and California showing the highest five-year returns (+36%, +34%, +34%) and Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Louisiana the lowest (+14%, +15%, +15%). Over the last 22 years, national home sale prices have increased by an average of 4.2% annually, though yearly growth has ranged from -14% to +16%. Experts like Goldman Sachs predict that future home price growth will align with historical averages, while Moody anticipates stagnation due to affordability pressures. (Realtor.com)

Keep Rollin’: In April, home prices increased by 1.2% month-over-month, surpassing the 1.05% average from 2015-2019, despite high mortgage rates. The CoreLogic S&P Case-Shiller Index showed a 6.3% year-over-year gain, down from 6.5% in the previous two months. The 10-city and 20-city composite indexes rose 8% and 7.2%, respectively, marking the 10th consecutive month of annual increases. San Diego, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles led with annual gains of 10.3%, 9.4%, 8.7%, and 8.6%. Nationally, home prices are 17% higher than in 2006, adjusted for inflation. (CoreLogic)

So, zero-percent down mortgages are back! Because if there's one thing we learned from the 2008 financial crisis, it's that we need more ways to make owning a home feel like betting your life savings on a game of roulette. Let’s go!