If you're ready to buy a home, getting approved for a mortgage is a critical step that you can't skip or rush. So how can you ensure your mortgage gets approved quickly and without any hassles? Here's what you need to know.
Home Builders Remain Confident in January
Home builders maintained December's confidence level according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Housing Market Index for January. The latest reading of 60 mirrored December's reading, but was two points lower than expected. Readings of more than 50 indicate that more builders were confident about housing conditions than those who were not.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 18, 2016
In addition to weekly reports on mortgage rates and new unemployment claims, last weekâs economic news included the Fedâs Beige Book report, retail sales and consumer sentiment. Januaryâs Empire State Index showed an unexpected dip and Consumer Sentiment increased for January.
Who Is Exempt From The VA Funding Fee?
Who is NOT required to pay the VA funding fee? This video could save some veterans thousands. VA loan applicants pay a funding fee - as of 2014, 2.15% of the total loan amount - which can be thousands of dollars. Some veterans and spouses are eligible for exemption.
Owning vs Renting: Why High Rents Are Worse Than a Mortgage over the Long Term
If you're at the stage in life where home ownership is nearly within your reach, you're probably wondering whether you should start looking for a home or whether you should just keep renting. So why is paying a high rent a worse option than buying a house and getting a mortgage? Here's what you need to know.
Real Estate Terms: The ‘Debt to Income’ Ratio and How It Affects Your Home Purchase
The real estate market is rife with terminology that can make a home purchase seem more than a little complicated. If you're currently looking for a home and are considering your loan options, you may have even heard the term 'Debt to Income' ratio. In the interest of simplifying things, here are some insights on what this term means and how it can impact your home investment.
Money Matters: Understanding How a Mortgage Loan Can Be a Productive Investment
Most people tend to think of a mortgage loan as a necessary evil, an expense that has to be managed. But under the right circumstances, your mortgage can become a smart investment - something that makes you money instead of costing you money.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 11, 2016
The first week of 2016 was quiet concerning housing and mortgage related news, but reports on construction spending and several labor-related reports were released.
Dealing with an Empty Nest? 5 Great Reasons to Downsize into a New Condo
There's a good chance if your children have recently moved out that your home is feeling a lot larger than it used to, and perhaps you're re-considering the extra space. If downsizing to a condo is on your mind and you're weighing the benefits of this kind of move, here are some that might make it worth the switch in size.
5, 10, 20 Percent or More? How to Determine How Big of a Down Payment You Need
Whether or not you're new to real estate, there's little doubt that you've heard the term down payment as it relates to purchasing a home. If you're trying to determine the ideal amount to put down, here are some things to consider.
