For recent graduates, young professionals or folks considering a career change, affordability of housing often becomes the deciding factor in where they choose to look for a job. Of course, we all want to make the highest possible salary, but a souped-up paycheck in a city with sky-high rent won’t do you much good since… Read More »
Since the end of the great recession, home prices in America have rebounded substantially. Since the dark days of 2009, prices have steadily climbed and are up over 50% on average from the lowest point. This is great news for homeowners whose homes may be worth more than their pre-recession values, but less great news… Read More »
Working well with your mortgage loan officer is critical to your home ownership dreams. He or she is the one that can make your mortgage a reality or deny the application outright. So, it is essential to have good communication with your loan officer from the start and before you sign mortgage disclosures. But many… Read More »
Home-owners have seen the equity in their home increase the last few years, and interest rates are on the rise. Rather than refinancing their first mortgages and possibly getting a higher interest rate, more home owners are opting for a home equity loan that provides a clear and simple path to receive cash back cost-effectively.… Read More »
Are interest rates on FHA home loans still competitive? Are first time house buyers still considering FHA loan programs in today’s market? FHA recently released details about the health of its Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund this week, which revealed enough economic net worth and enough capital reserves. But despite these facts, FHA has still said… Read More »
If you have a home loan backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and have been affected by the devastating California wildfires this month, you may be in line for some financial assistance. To date in November 2018, the fires have claimed the lives of 44 people and destroyed at least 100,000 acres including thousands… Read More »
If you need a lot of cash to pay for a major expense – such as college tuition or a home renovation project – and you don’t have the cash for it, a cash out refinance of your first mortgage could be the solution. A cash out refinance of your first mortgage allows you to… Read More »
This happens often to retirees who want to refinance their home or get a new mortgage. After their regular employment earnings are reduced in retirement, their monthly incomes drop. They could have a lot of money stored in IRAs and other investments, but for the purpose of a mortgage, they might not have enough income… Read More »
The Department of Housing and Urban Development recently updated the Debt to Income rules and income requirements for FHA loans. For over eighty years the Federal Housing Administration has been assisting consumers with FHA home buyer loan and refinance mortgage programs that feature flexible income requirements and easy credit rules and guidelines. There is a… Read More »
Reduced documentation and stated income home loan programs almost disappeared after the last financial downturn. Too many people who had questionable income sources were not fully verified and vetted by mortgage loan companies, and many could not afford to pay their mortgage payments when interest rates increased almost a decade ago. After the mortgage meltdown,… Read More »
