Purchasing a home is a significant milestone, but the process can be intimidating, especially when it comes to saving for a down payment. Fortunately, Down Payment Assistance (DPA) loans offer a solution that can make homeownership more accessible.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 29th, 2024
Following the release of the PCE Index figures, which the Federal Reserve prefers as its key inflation metric, the data indicates a slight increase in inflation for the third quarter. Nonetheless, market sentiment remains unchanged, and the prediction that the Federal Reserve is on track to implement rate cuts this year holds firm. Saddled along with the PCE Index, we also have the Personal Income & Spending reports which have indicated the economy is still expanding, and the GDP estimates have also corroborated the reports with their own solid pre-release numbers.
What’s Changed in the Industry? The Post-COVID Mortgage Landscape
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped many industries, and the mortgage sector was no exception. As we move further away from the pandemic, the mortgage industry continues to adapt, reflecting new economic realities, regulatory changes, and shifts in consumer behavior.
Fixed vs. Graduated vs. Interest-Only Mortgage Amortization
When selecting a mortgage, one of the most critical decisions is choosing the right amortization schedule. This choice significantly impacts your monthly payments and the total interest you'll pay over the life of the loan.
Financing Home Improvements with Renovation Loans
As a mortgage originator, I often encounter homeowners and buyers looking for ways to finance their home improvement projects. Renovation loans offer a fantastic solution, enabling you to upgrade and personalize your home while incorporating the cost into your mortgage.
The Importance of Employment History in Mortgage Approval and How Job Changes Impact Your Chances
When you're applying for a mortgage, lenders scrutinize several aspects of your financial life to determine your eligibility. One crucial factor that can significantly influence the outcome is your employment history. Consistent and stable employment demonstrates to lenders that you have a reliable income stream, which reduces their risk in lending you money
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 22nd, 2024
The week after the inflation data reports was expected to be relatively quiet, with the most significant event being a meeting with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. He remained tight-lipped about when rate cuts would happen, but given his demeanor, he did not deny that rate cuts were on the way -- simply that he would not indicate when they would arrive. This has only confirmed to lending partners and the broader market that they were right to feel optimistic that rate cuts are possible before the end of the year.
There were a few cyclical reports released, with the Economic Indicators report taking the lead and the Federal Reserve's Beige Book being among the highlights.
How to Manage a Mortgage After a Career Change
A career change is usually an exciting journey, it offers new opportunities and growth. It can also bring challenges when you have a mortgage to manage. Balancing a new job and financial commitments can be stressful, but with the right strategies, you can stay on top of your mortgage payments and maintain your financial stability.
Can You Refinance a Reverse Mortgage Loan?
When you first opted for a reverse mortgage, it might have felt like the perfect solution to tap into your home equity and enjoy your retirement without monthly mortgage payments. As time passes, your financial situation, goals, or the market itself can change, making you wonder:
Hard Inquiry vs. Soft Inquiry — What’s the Difference?
Most people know that your credit score can drop if you miss a payment or have a new collection filed against you. But how about when you apply for new credit? Yes, a credit application will trigger a "hard inquiry" on your report, which can have an impact on your credit score. Here's what to know about hard inquiries, and how they compare with "soft inquiries."
