Understanding the Basics of Mortgage Securitization
Mortgage securitization is the financial process of pooling together multiple mortgage loans and converting them into tradable investment securities. These securities are then sold to investors in the secondary market. This process provides liquidity to lenders, enabling them to issue more loans and support continued access to home financing.
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Understanding the Federal Housing Administration Title I Home Improvement Loan Program
The Federal Housing Administration Title I Home Improvement Loan Program is a government-backed initiative designed to help homeowners finance necessary repairs, upgrades, and improvements to their primary residence. Established under the National Housing Act, this program makes funding accessible for individuals who may not qualify for traditional home equity loans due to limited equity or lower credit scores.
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The Impact of Gender and Race on Mortgage Approval Rates
The mortgage approval process is a critical step in the path to homeownership. While lending guidelines are designed to promote fair and consistent evaluation, studies have shown that disparities persist based on gender and race. These differences raise important concerns about equal access to credit and the long-term effects on wealth building, community development, and financial equity in the United States.
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 30th, 2025
With the passing of the previous busy weeks of rate decisions, this week features the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation report in the PCE Index, which has shown that inflation has come in hotter than expected for the month of May. This likely cements the Federal Reserve's decision to take no action until later and further confirming most economists' predictions. The consumer confidence has also taken a hit as it has further declined again for the month of May, indicating there is still significant apprehension within the markets and consumers alike. This is accompanied by Consumer Spending data, which met expectations,...
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From Pre-Approval to Closing What to Expect in the Mortgage Journey
June is National Homeownership Month, making it the perfect time to understand the full path to homeownership. If you are planning to buy a home, especially for the first time, knowing what to expect during the mortgage process can take away much of the stress. This guide walks you through each step and highlights how working with the right mortgage professional keeps everything on track.
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How HomeReady and Home Possible Mortgages Open Doors During National Homeownership Month
June is National Homeownership Month, a time to spotlight the programs that make owning a home more accessible to more people. While many potential buyers believe they need perfect credit or a large down payment, programs like HomeReady(R) and Home Possible(R) prove otherwise. As a mortgage originator, I see firsthand how these affordable loan options can turn homeownership from a dream into a reality.
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How Homeownership Builds Generational Wealth – A Message for National Homeownership Month
June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the lasting impact that owning a home can have on individuals and families. One of the most powerful benefits of homeownership is the ability to build equity. As you make mortgage payments, you are gradually increasing your ownership stake in the property. This equity becomes a form of forced savings and can be used in the future for things like education, home improvements, or retirement. Unlike rent, which builds no future value, mortgage payments create wealth over time.
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Renting vs. Owning the National Homeownership Month Edition
June is National Homeownership Month and there is no better time to look at the long-term financial benefits of owning a home compared to renting. As a mortgage professional, I often speak with clients who are unsure whether to keep renting or make the leap into homeownership. The decision can feel overwhelming, but when you break down the numbers and look at the bigger picture, the advantages of buying a home are clear.
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 23rd, 2025
With the passing of the FOMC rate decision, it has become clear that the Federal Reserve is taking a wait-and-see approach to the current situation regarding tariff policies. Although the vast majority of economists around the world have made predictions about what lies ahead, the effects have not yet been pronounced. Many of the recent tariff changes have also been revoked or put on pause for the largest industries, leaving many markets uncertain about the future. The key takeaway is that conditions will likely remain steady for now. The only other data release offering insight into what's to come is...
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The Top 5 Mortgage Myths Debunked for National Homeownership Month
June is National Homeownership Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the opportunities and advantages of owning a home. It is also the perfect moment to clear up some of the most common myths that hold people back from pursuing a mortgage. Many potential buyers delay their homeownership dreams because of outdated beliefs or misinformation. Let's break down the top five myths and explain what is really true in today's mortgage world.
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How to Build Credit For a Mortgage Starting This National Homeownership Month
June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the dream of owning a home and offer guidance to those preparing to take that important step. One of the most impactful things you can do right now is to begin building or improving your credit. If you plan to purchase a home in the next 6 to 12 months, the work you do today could make a major difference in the loan terms you receive later.
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Celebrating National Homeownership Month and How First-Time Buyer Programs Make It Possible
June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the dream of owning a home and spotlight the many programs designed to help first-time buyers turn that dream into reality. For many Americans, the biggest challenge to buying a home is coming up with the funds for a down payment or qualifying for a loan. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of mortgage options and assistance programs available to make homeownership more achievable.
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The Emotional Rewards of Homeownership and Why It’s Worth Celebrating in June
June is National Homeownership Month, a time not only to talk about the practical steps toward owning a home but also to reflect on the emotional rewards that make the journey worth it. As a mortgage professional, I spend a lot of time working with numbers such as credit scores, down payments, and interest rates. But the most powerful part of homeownership is what cannot be measured with a calculator.
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 16th, 2025
The CPI and PPI have yet to reveal the impacts of the tariff policies that were placed temporarily, which gives some potential insight that there might be a path forward for the Federal Reserve to look at potential rate cuts. However, economists across many industries are expecting inflation to increase temporarily as an impact for the policies that were put in place.
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Creative Strategies for Saving on Closing Costs
When you are budgeting for a new home, it's easy to focus on the down payment, but do not forget the closing costs. These fees typically range from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price and cover things like the appraisal, title search, loan origination, and other administrative expenses. For many buyers, especially first-timers, they can feel like an unwelcome surprise. The good news? There are creative, effective ways to reduce these expenses and make homeownership more affordable.
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How to Leverage Home Equity for Financial Freedom
If you've owned your home for a few years, chances are you have built up equity, maybe more than you realize. But what exactly is home equity, and how can you use it to build wealth, reduce debt, or increase financial flexibility? We will discuss how homeowners are turning their built-up equity into tools for financial freedom, and how you can, too.
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Are Interest-Only Mortgages A Smart Strategy or Risky Business?
When exploring home financing options, many borrowers are intrigued by interest-only mortgages. These loans offer the benefit of lower initial monthly payments, which can seem attractive, especially in high-cost areas or when cash flow is tight. But how exactly do they work, and are they the right fit for your financial goals?
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Can Freelancers Get a Mortgage?
If you are self-employed or work as a freelancer, you may be wondering whether buying a home is even possible. The good news? It absolutely is, but you will want to be prepared for a few extra steps in the process. Here are five common questions freelancers ask when it comes to getting a mortgage.
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 9th, 2025
With next week bringing the latest wave of inflation data reports--namely the CPI and PPI--this week featured a slew of releases with minimal impact. The Trade Deficit and the Federal Reserve's Beige Book stood out as the main indicators reflecting the current state of the economy. Although tariffs have largely been put on pause, their effects continue to reverberate across numerous industries. Significant concern remains due to the instability in decision-making from the current administration. The Trade Deficit came in as expected, with the deficit cut in half following the announcement of tariffs, which caused imports to plunge. Meanwhile, the...
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How Property Taxes Impact Your Mortgage Payment
When buying a home, most people focus on the home price, interest rate, and monthly payment. But there's another major factor that can significantly affect your mortgage: property taxes. These taxes can make your mortgage payment higher than expected and understanding how they work is key to managing your budget effectively.
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