Mortgages don't have to be confusing. This week on Real Estate Today, we break down what buyers need to know about mortgage rates, bridge loans and finding the right lender. We'll discuss how rates are really impacting today's housing market and why buyers shouldn't wait to act. You'll also learn when to bring a lender into your home search, how to shop for the best mortgage and how rising rates and prices are affecting affordability and down payments. And in our Hot or Not spotlight, we take on two home design trends: floating stairs and slow decorating.

Guests include Dr. Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist and vice president of research at the National Association of REALTORS®; Heather Haase, a REALTOR® from Ohio; Austin Niemiec, chief revenue officer at Rocket Mortgage; and Todd Carson, mortgage expert at Planet Home Lending.