Can You Buy Land with a VA Loan?
The VA loan program offers exceptional benefits to veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses, including no down payment, competitive interest rates, and no private mortgage insurance (PMI). But what about buying land?
Read More
Can You Be a First-Time Homebuyer Again?
Purchasing a home is a significant milestone, and first-time homebuyer programs make the process easier for many stepping into homeownership. But what if you've owned a home before or are currently a homeowner?
Read More
What to Do If Interest Rates Drop After Getting a Mortgage
When securing a mortgage, buyers aim to lock in the best possible interest rate. But what if interest rates fall after you've closed on your loan? Are you stuck with your current rate?
Read More
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 27th, 2025
With the holiday of the previous week in addition to an extremely light release week, only the Consumer Sentiment report is weighing in on the lending markets. With both the inflation reports showing inflation cooling off, there is still some optimism about where the Federal Reserve will take things. This optimism is only cooled by the uncertainty the new presidency will bring. Many markets have responded in kind, with lending partners showing a trend of increasing rates and other markets preparing for uncertainty. Within the next few months, we will see how the new administration intends to handle monetary policy....
Read More
How to Refinance Your Mortgage
Refinancing your mortgage can be a strategic financial decision, enabling you to save money, access home equity, or adjust your loan terms to better suit your current financial situation.
Read More
Is It Time to Stop Paying Rent and Start Building Equity?
Have you ever calculated how much rent you've paid over the years? It's a staggering number. According to studies, the average American spends between $133,000 and $155,000 on rent in just six to seven years. Let's break that down and explore what it means for your financial future--and how you might be able to change that narrative.
Read More
How Can You Prepare Your Finances for a Mortgage?
Dreaming of owning a home? Preparing your finances for a mortgage is key to making that dream a reality. Here's how to get started:
Read More
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 21st, 2025
Recent economic data brought significant relief, with both the CPI and PPI indicating that inflation was running cooler than expected. In the context of the current administration, this was welcome news, helping to ease concerns about potential monetary policy changes. The Federal Reserve has very frequently signaled they will follow the data and this time it was a positive result towards reducing rates further this year. The change in administration, however, still remains unknown and there is a lot of unrest across lending partners and markets alike. This was also followed by a better than expected Retail Sales report which...
Read More
How Mortgage Rates Affect Your Home Buying Power
Mortgage rates play a significant role in determining how much home you can afford. These rates influence the cost of borrowing money for your mortgage, which directly impacts your monthly payment and, ultimately, your home buying power.
Read More
Path to Homeownership With FHA Loans
For many potential homeowners, the dream of buying a house can feel out of reach, especially when saving for a large down payment or dealing with credit challenges. That's where FHA loans come in. Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, these loans have become a go-to option for first-time homebuyers and others looking for accessible and flexible financing options.
Read More
Understanding Loan Estimates for Smarter Home Financing
When you begin the exciting journey toward homeownership, understanding the financial aspects is vital. A key document in this process is the Loan Estimate. Provided by lenders when you apply for a mortgage, the Loan Estimate is your guide to deciphering the terms of your loan.
Read More
Differences Between a Mortgage Broker vs. Mortgage Originator
When you're in the market for a home loan, you'll likely come across terms like "mortgage broker" and "mortgage originator." While these professionals play critical roles in helping you secure financing, their responsibilities and how they serve you differ significantly.
Read More
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 13th, 2025
In the first FOMC Minutes of the year, the Federal Reserve signaled strongly that while officials remain vigilant for inflation exceeding their expectations, they have no plans to raise interest rates. Much of the apprehension among speculators is the monetary policy which could keep inflation higher than expected for some time. Meanwhile, unemployment reports indicate that the previous year remained stable, consistently staying below the annual high--a positive sign of a stronger job market. However, this has been somewhat dampened by the recent reports of the Trade Deficit. Compared to the previous year, the trade gap has nearly doubled, potentially...
Read More
How to Choose Which Mortgage Is The Right One for You
When it comes to buying a home, selecting the right mortgage is one of the most important financial decisions you'll make. The type of loan you choose will impact your monthly payments, interest rates, and overall financial stability.
Read More
How to Strengthen Your Mortgage Application and Boost Approval Chances
Your mortgage application is more than just paperwork--it's your chance to demonstrate to lenders that you're a reliable and financially stable borrower. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to upgrade, a strong application can make a significant difference in securing favorable terms.
Read More
Can You Use Income From Two Jobs to Qualify for a Mortgage?
If you're wondering whether you can use the income from two jobs to qualify for your dream home, the answer is yes, but there are some important factors to consider.
Read More
How to Avoid Mortgage Scams and Stay Safe When Buying a Home
Scams are everywhere, and the mortgage world is no exception. As you start the exciting journey of homeownership, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks and arm yourself with knowledge to protect your investment.
Read More
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 6th, 2025
With the holiday season coming to a conclusion, there was little in the way of data releases. Last week, the main reports were the Chicago Business Barometer and the ISM Manufacturing Index, both indicating a slight contraction in the manufacturing sector. This comes as we await the upcoming administration change at the White House. The impact of this is relatively minimal, with lending rates continuing their downward trend. Next week we will be expecting the year-over-year for both the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI), wrapping up 2024.
Read More
Start the New Year with a Clean Slate
As we step into a new year, it's the perfect time to focus on understanding and improving your credit score. Whether you're planning to buy a home, refinance, or simply enhance your financial health, your credit score plays a pivotal role in shaping your opportunities.
Read More
How Mortgage Rates Are Determined
When you're looking to purchase a home or refinance an existing mortgage, understanding how mortgage rates are determined is key to navigating your financial journey. These rates are influenced by a combination of personal financial factors and broader economic conditions, which work together to impact how much you'll pay over the life of your loan.
Read More