Understanding Mortgage Payments and How to Calculate Them
Knowing how to calculate mortgage payments can help you plan for homeownership and budget effectively. Several factors determine your monthly payment, including the loan amount, interest rate, and loan term. Here's a step-by-step guide to understanding the process.
Read More
What You Need to Know About Refinancing a Reverse Mortgage
If you have a reverse mortgage, you may be wondering whether refinancing is an option. The good news is that yes, you can refinance a reverse mortgage, and doing so may offer financial benefits depending on your situation.
Read More
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 3rd, 2025
The PCE Index has aligned with expectations, and as the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation, it eases the sense of urgency for policy action. GDP data has also indicated continued economic growth, though this is tempered by future forecasts predicting a potential economic contraction. This outlook is further reflected in the Consumer Confidence report, which has shown a significant decline since the change in administration. Uncertainty is evident across lending and broader markets, affecting all aspects of the economy.
Read More
How the Purchase and Refinance Mortgage Process Works
When it comes to home financing, purchasing and refinancing a mortgage share similarities but serve distinct purposes. Understanding how each process works can help you make informed decisions about homeownership and financial planning.
Read More
The Key Details About Home Appraisals That You Might Not Know
A home appraisal is a critical step in the buying, selling, or refinancing process, yet many people don't fully understand how it works or what factors influence it. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or homeowner looking to refinance, here are some key details about home appraisals that you might not know.
Read More
Creative Ways to Use Home Equity Loans for Investment
For homeowners looking to build wealth, a home equity loan can be a powerful financial tool. With the equity in your home, you can access funds at relatively low interest rates and put that money to work in smart, strategic ways.
Read More
Understanding Mortgage Escrow Accounts and Why They Are Important
A mortgage escrow account is a financial tool used by lenders to manage and disburse payments for property-related expenses, like property taxes and homeowners insurance. Rather than paying these expenses separately, a portion of your monthly mortgage payment is set aside in the escrow account.
Read More
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 24th, 2025
The most impactful report released last week was the regular Consumer Sentiment reports, which have indicated the more recent concerns rising food costs have soured the view on the current state of the economy for the U.S. The talks between the Federal Reserve members have also slanted in a negative direction as they feel they still do not have a strong grip on inflation. With the Trump administration also shaking things up in the office with their views on Tariffs, the land lending and broader markets have seen a lot of turmoil and uncertainty about the future. There should be...
Read More
How Do Mortgage Lenders Decide How Much You Can Borrow?
When buying a home, one of the most critical factors is determining how much you can borrow through a mortgage. Lenders evaluate multiple financial aspects to assess your borrowing capacity.
Read More
To Finance Or Not To Finance
Deciding to finance a new home can be exciting, and because of that buyers tend to want to jump right in. Not so fast! Before you start searching for your dream home, you need to get pre-approved and that means applying for a loan.
Read More
Common Places to Find Tax Deductions in Your Home
Paying your income taxes each year leaves your wallet a bit thin? There may be money hiding in your home that lessens your tax burden. Here are four places to look
Read More
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 18th, 2025
The major inflation data reports have been released, and the initial readings indicate that inflation has exceeded expectations. While the data suggests that the Federal Reserve is unlikely to allow any further rate cuts beyond those already implemented, optimism remains in the broader lending markets. This optimism is driven by expectations that the new administration may introduce changes to monetary policy in the longer term. Although inflation has come in higher than expected, it remains to be seen what next week's PCE Index--the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation indicator--will reveal.
Read More
Presidents’ Day and the American Dream of Homeownership
Presidents' Day is a time to reflect on leadership, vision, and the pursuit of big goals. Throughout history, homeownership has been a key part of the American Dream, a foundation for stability, growth, and opportunity.
Read More
Second Mortgage vs. Refinancing and How to Identify Which Option is Right for You
When homeowners need access to funds or want to optimize their mortgage terms, they often face a critical decision: Should I get a second mortgage or refinance? Both options have unique advantages and considerations, making it essential to evaluate your financial situation and long-term goals before choosing the best path.
Read More
How Obtaining a Mortgage Can Impact Your Credit Score
When considering homeownership, many potential buyers wonder: Will getting a mortgage help my credit score? The answer is yes--if managed correctly. A mortgage is a major financial commitment, but it can also be a powerful tool for building and maintaining strong credit. Here's how a mortgage can affect your credit score and what you should keep in mind.
Read More
How Technology and Innovation Are Reshaping the Mortgage Industry
The mortgage industry is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in technology and innovative financing solutions. Homebuyers today have more options than ever, from digital mortgage applications to alternative financing methods that cater to different financial situations.
Read More
Avoid These Costly Mortgage Mistakes
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. While it's an exciting milestone, the mortgage process can be complex, and simple mistakes can cost you thousands of dollars or even derail your homeownership dreams.
Read More
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 10th, 2025
Last week's reports were plentiful, but few had a greater impact on the lending and broader markets. The most significant among them were the Nonfarm Payrolls, Consumer Credit, and Consumer Sentiment reports.
Read More
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 10th, 2025
Last week's reports were plentiful, but few had a greater impact on the lending and broader markets. The most significant among them were the Nonfarm Payrolls, Consumer Credit, and Consumer Sentiment reports.
Read More
How Can I Get Removed from a Mortgage as a Co-Signer?
Being a co-signer on a mortgage can be a significant financial commitment, one that you might not want to maintain indefinitely. Whether your circumstances have changed, or the primary borrower is now in a position to manage the loan independently, it's understandable to want to remove your name from the mortgage.
Read More