Answers by Leila Harrington

"Ha, it does sound like a slogan — but there's a real mechanism behind it. Marry the house: the home is the long-term commitment. If it's the right one, that matters far more over time than the rate you start with. Date the rate: the rate is temporary. You're not stuck with today's rate forever, because of one tool — refinancing. When rates drop, you apply for a new loan at the lower rate and it replaces your old one. Same house, new rate. That's the 'breakup,' and you can do it more than once. So instead of waiting on the sidelines for rates to fall — while prices and competition climb — you buy the house now and refinance later if the market cooperates. The honest fine print, because I don't do slogans without it: Refinancing has closing costs, so it only pays off if rates drop enough to earn those back. Rates falling isn't guaranteed — so only buy at a payment you can afford at today's rate. A future refinance is a bonus, not the plan. You have to qualify again when you refinance. So no, it's not BS — but it's not a magic escape hatch either. The real version: commit to a home you love and can afford now, knowing the rate can likely be improved down the road if the market moves your way."