For many people, FHA loans have been a valuable resource for those looking to buy a home for the first time. They are attractive loans due to their lower down payment requirement of 3.5% and generally lower rates than conventional mortgages. However, FHA loans offer more than just a traditional mortgage to home buyers. These… Continue Reading
With many economists predicting the Federal Reserve to continue to rise rates to combat inflation, that spells unwelcome news for many would-be first-time homebuyers looking to purchase a property. The Fed has already raised rates three times this year and most expect that we’ll see two more rate hikes before 2022 comes to a close.… Continue Reading
The Federal Reserve announced last week that it will again raise rates by three-quarters of a point in an effort to combat the highest level of inflation seen in the United States in decades. While the Fed does not control mortgage rates directly, this decision will undoubtedly influence the current mortgage rates available today. First-time… Continue Reading
When trying to purchase your first home, many things can be confusing to borrowers during the mortgage process. From acronyms like DTI, ATR and front-end and back-end ratios, calculating income is an area many first time homebuyers don’t understand. However, a simple review of how lenders will evaluate your income can help you determine if… Continue Reading
For many first-time homebuyers, the biggest challenge to homeownership is the large chunk of change needed to put down on a mortgage. This is commonly referred to as a down payment. Depending on the loan program you choose, a lender could require you to put down as little as 3% or as much as 10%.… Continue Reading
When you buy a house, most people expect to pay back the amount borrowed plus interest. But, did you know that a mortgage payment is made up of more than just principal and interest? In some cases, a mortgage payment may have five or six different parts to them. For the first-time homebuyer this can… Continue Reading
Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate in the United States again today in an attempt to quell rising inflation. While the Fed does not have direct control over mortgage rates, they often rise when the federal funds rate also heads north. As of the time of this writing, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate… Continue Reading
Alright, you have selected the house you want to buy, found a mortgage lender to meet your financing needs and they have presented you with a rate quote that looks pretty enticing. You love the offer, and your dream of homeownership is coming to close but there’s just one thing. You notice an extra charge… Continue Reading
A credit score is arguably the single most important factor for lenders when determining whether you qualify for a mortgage or not. Not only that, but your credit score will also determine what type of loan you can get when finding financing for your next home purchase. The score is important to lenders because it… Continue Reading
When buying a house, it is critical that every borrower research each loan program to know the ins-and-outs of each type of financing. Knowing what loan is best suited for you and your family will depend on your individual financial situation. Perhaps nothing is more important than trying to determine how much cash you will… Continue Reading