As the year comes to a close, it's the perfect time to consider refinancing your mortgage. Whether you've been thinking about lowering your monthly payment, securing a better interest rate, or tapping into your home's equity, refinancing can offer many benefits.
The Role of the Appraisal Contingency in Real Estate Contracts
When you're buying a home, one important component of the real estate contract is the appraisal contingency. This clause protects the buyer in case the property's appraisal comes in lower than the agreed-upon sale price.
Mortgage Assistance Programs and Government and Nonprofit Options
Purchasing a home is a significant financial milestone, but for many potential buyers, the upfront costs and down payment can be a barrier. Fortunately, there are a variety of mortgage assistance programs available through government agencies and nonprofit organizations to help low- and moderate-income homebuyers achieve their dream of homeownership.
Steps to Prepare for Future Home Financing and Year-End Financial Checklist
As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to take a step back and review your financial health, especially if you plan to purchase a home next year. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, proper preparation can make all the difference when securing a mortgage with favorable terms.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 2nd, 2024
Leading off with the FOMC Minutes, the Federal Reserve has stated once again they will maintain a "gradual" approach to cutting interest rates, which has aligned with their goals of meeting their target 2% inflation goal. The PCE Index release numbers, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation indicator, have shown everything is within expectations. So while the rate cuts may be a gradual process, there is much optimism that they are coming. Following those reports were the Personal Income Spending, GDP Estimates, and Consumer Confidence pending the holidays. Both the Persona Income and Spending have shown very strong results ahead of the holidays with the income beating expectations. This is met by extremely strong confidence coming from consumers as we see a 16-month high. This is finally corroborated by the GDP revisions which have shown the economy has shown steady growth for the entirety of the year.
What You Can Do Now to Prepare for Mortgage Rate Drops
As we move into the last month of 2024, many potential homebuyers are eagerly awaiting a drop in mortgage rates. With inflation numbers looking promising, there's hope that the Federal Reserve will lower the federal funds rate, which typically drives mortgage rates down as well. If you're planning to buy a home or refinance when rates drop, now is the perfect time to start preparing.
Thank You for Your Trust and Support This Holiday Season
As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all of my past and potential clients.
Why Tax Prep is Crucial for Mortgage Applicants
When you are preparing to buy a home, tax season should be on your radar as it plays a significant role in your mortgage application process. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, how you file your taxes can have a direct impact on the mortgage you qualify for.
A Deep Dive Into Bank Statement Second Mortgages for Self-Employed Individuals
If you're self-employed or have an income that doesn't fit traditional molds, securing financing for a home renovation or debt consolidation can seem daunting. However, bank statement second mortgages are designed to provide a viable solution for homeowners who don't rely on conventional pay stubs, W-2 forms, or tax returns.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 25th, 2024
Following the election results, the University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Report painted a less-than-stellar picture, reflecting stagnation in sentiment. The prior week was relatively light, aside from the Consumer Sentiment data. However, the S&P PMI Industrial Numbers provided a brighter outlook, indicating some acceleration in manufacturing activity as the holiday season approaches. Looking ahead, the coming week is expected to deliver more significant data on inflation, including the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation indicator, the PCI Index.
