If you're in the market for a new home and you've been researching mortgages, you've likely come across the terms "pre-qualification" and "pre-approval". While these terms are self-explanatory in some circumstances, they are quite different in regards to mortgage financing. In today's blog post we'll explain the difference between a mortgage pre-qualification and a pre-approval.
The LTV Ratio: How ‘Loan-to-Value’ Works and Why You Need to Understand This Ratio
Are you in the market for a new home? If you plan on using mortgage financing to buy your next home you've likely heard the phrase "loan-to-value" or the acronym "LTV" before. Let's take a quick look at the loan-to-value ratio including why it's important, how to calculate it and how it can affect your mortgage.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 1, 2014
Last week's scheduled economic events were packed into Tuesday and Wednesday, but several housing-related reports were released including the Case-Shiller National and 10-and 20-City Home Price Indices for September, The FHFA House Price Index also for September, and New and Pending Home Sales for October.
You Ask, We Answer: Should I Consider a Warranty when Buying a New Home?
In today's blog post we'll briefly explore home warranties including some of the pros and cons of buying one and how they differ from homeowner's insurance.
Case-Shiller Home Prices: Price Growth Slows in September
According to the Case-Shiller National Home Price Index, annual home price growth slipped to a seasonally-adjusted rate of 4.80 percent in September. This was 0.30 percent lower than August's year-over-year reading of 5.10 percent.
Buying a Home with a Mortgage? A Quick Guide to Closing Costs and What to Expect
Whether you're just starting to shop for a new home or you've already found the perfect new house and you're ready to submit an offer, if you're taking out a mortgage loan to cover some of the home's purchase price you should be aware of the various closing costs you may encounter.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 24, 2014
Last week's scheduled economic news included the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, Housing Starts and Existing Home Sales. FOMC meeting minutes were released along with weekly Freddie Mac mortgage rates and weekly jobless claims.
USDA Mortgages: Take Advantage of These Low-Rate Mortgage Loans to Buy a New Home
In today's blog post we'll introduce the USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program, explain the benefits of this mortgage program and how to determine if you qualify.
FOMC Minutes: Economy Growing, Housing Lags
Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting held October 28 and 29 were released Wednesday. The report suggests that the U.S. economy continues to improve, although the annual inflation rate remains near 1.50 percent and short of the committee's goal of 2.00 percent.
Three Key Tips to Help Ensure Your Mortgage Pre-Approval Isn’t Declined
In today's blog post we'll share three quick tips that can help to ensure that your mortgage pre-approval isn't declined.
