Understanding the Components of Your Monthly Mortgage Payment
If you're new to homeownership, you might be wondering exactly what makes up the mortgage payment you're sending each month. Beyond just the loan amount itself, there are several different components that all factor into your monthly mortgage payment.
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 12th, 2024
This week, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation data was released, and the results met expectations. This, along with recent GDP estimates, employment reports, and personal income/spending figures, paints a stable economic picture. It suggests that we may be on track for the Federal Reserve's next round of rate cuts. The Federal Reserve has consistently stated its 2% inflation target and current figures show inflation at 2.1%. This indicates that a 'soft landing' for the economy could be within reach.
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Supporting Veterans on Their Path to Homeownership And Honoring Our Heroes
Thank you, veterans, for your service, courage, and the legacy you continue to inspire.
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What Are Your Options When Funding Your Down Payment?
Buying a home is a big milestone, and for many, saving for a down payment can feel like a major hurdle. Fortunately, there are several ways to make that down payment happen. Whether through savings, family gifts, 401(k) funds, or even second mortgages, understanding your options is key to making the best financial choice.
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Understanding an Appraisal Contingency in Your Home Purchase
When buying a home, you have the option to include contingencies in your purchase contract. These protect you by setting certain conditions that must be met for the contract to remain valid. If any contingency isn't satisfied, you can back out of the sale without penalty.
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Understanding “Cash to Close” in Your Home Buying Journey
If you've received your Closing Disclosure from your lender, congratulations! You're almost at the finish line of your home buying journey, ready to celebrate with keys in hand.
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 4th, 2024
This week, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation data was released, and the results met expectations. This, along with recent GDP estimates, employment reports, and personal income/spending figures, paints a stable economic picture. It suggests that we may be on track for the Federal Reserve's next round of rate cuts. The Federal Reserve has consistently stated its 2% inflation target and current figures show inflation at 2.1%. This indicates that a 'soft landing' for the economy could be within reach.
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Can You Refinance a Reverse Mortgage Loan?
If you have a reverse mortgage loan, you might be curious about your options for refinancing. The good news is that yes, you can refinance a reverse mortgage, and doing so may offer several benefits depending on your unique financial situation.
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Do Not Get Spooked by Your Underwater Mortgage – How Refinancing Can Help You Escape
It's Halloween season, and while it's fun to enjoy spooky decorations and scary movies, there's nothing fun about feeling haunted by your mortgage--especially if you owe more on your home than it's currently worth. If you're feeling trapped in an underwater mortgage, don't let it send chills down your spine!
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Effective But Creative Ways to Save Money for a Down Payment
Saving for a down payment can feel overwhelming, but with some creative strategies, you can make it happen faster than you think. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to upgrade, these tips can help you reach your goal and set you on the path to homeownership.
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What Is A Mortgage Par Rate And How Does It Work
Think of the par rate as the raw, default rate offered by a lender. It's not the lowest rate you can get, nor is it inflated by any adjustments. Lenders determine the par rate based on a variety of factors, such as current market conditions, your credit score, the loan type, and the loan amount.
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Common Title Issues That Can Delay Your Home Closing
When you're in the final stages of buying a new home, it's easy to assume that everything will go smoothly from here on out. However, one of the most common obstacles that can arise in this final stage of the process is title issues. If not addressed, these can delay your closing or even derail the sale.
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Can I Buy a Duplex with an FHA Loan?
If you're in the market to buy a duplex or similar multi-unit property, you may be wondering whether you can use an FHA loan to finance your purchase. FHA loans are well-known for helping first-time homebuyers, but they can also be used to purchase duplexes. Here's everything you need to know about FHA loans, how they work, and whether they're a good fit for your homebuying plans.
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Top 10 Strategies to Lower Your Mortgage Payments
Lowering your monthly mortgage payment can have a positive impact on your financial health, allowing you to allocate more money toward other needs or savings. Whether you're experiencing financial stress or just want to optimize your budget, exploring ways to reduce your mortgage payment is a smart move.
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 21st, 2024
The release of last week's inflation data has left this week with very few significant data updates. The most important information will come from various Federal Reserve members speaking on different topics. They have consistently emphasized that they will closely monitor the data to decide whether further rate cuts are needed in their upcoming rate decision meeting. Much of the market is optimistic that rate cuts will continue. Additionally, several smaller retail sales data releases are expected soon, which will provide insight into the current strength of the economy.
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Is a Cash-Out Refinance the Answer to High Credit Card Bills?
If your credit card debt is piling up, a cash-out refinance could be the solution you need to manage your financial situation. By leveraging the equity in your home, you can consolidate your high-interest debts into a lower-interest mortgage, potentially giving you relief from hefty monthly payments.
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Shared Equity vs. Traditional Loans
When it comes to purchasing a home, most buyers tend to opt for traditional financing methods like Conventional, FHA, or VA loans. These tried-and-true options have been the cornerstone of home financing for decades.
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Understanding the Financial Power of Mortgage Points
In the world of home financing, mortgage points are a powerful yet often misunderstood tool that can significantly impact your long-term financial outlook.
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Where Does the Money for Your Mortgage Loan Really Come From?
If you're considering a mortgage loan, you might wonder where the money actually comes from. It's not as simple as walking into your neighborhood bank and getting a loan directly from their vault, like it used to be decades ago.
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 14th, 2024
The CPI and PPI reports delivered their data, showing inflation figures slightly below expectations. However, the positive impact of these reports was tempered by hawkish comments from Federal Reserve members during recent meetings. Despite this, the overall outlook remains optimistic, as further rate cuts are anticipated. Lending partners have also responded positively, significantly lowering their lending rates over the past month.
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