I’ve been hearing massive amounts of babble about changes in the way mortgage applications and credit reports are handled for home buyers. These adjustments could mean more favorable interest rates for first-time home buyers and folks with limited credit history. Trended Data Expected to Help First-Time Home Buyers First-time homebuyers are expected to enter the… Read More
Mortgage and Finance
Home Sellers & Buyers Struggling with the Still Troublesome TRID
The government regulation that includes TRID was meant to benefit consumers. It’s been a bewilderment at best and a disaster in many cases. Home Buyers have experienced unprecedented delays and inexcusable inconvenience and loss as detailed in the article below. The first thing most Realtors noticed was that Home Sellers are apparently not considered consumers… Read More
Buying a Home on a Budget? Yes You Can!
*NOTE: Please see information on down payment assistance and help with your closing costs, at the bottom of this post. Though buying a home is indeed a major decision and you want to consider it carefully, buying THE home might better be reserved for your second or third real estate investment. Look at it this… Read More
Mortgage Rates Make Moves
Mortgage Rates Make Moves I was talking with a mortgage lender recently at a Home Buyer’s seminar. He was maintaining a positive outlook on mortgage rates in spite of the recent rise and expected jump next month. I would caution you however, if you are on the fence about when to buy a home, when… Read More
The Housing Market Reflects Consumer Caution in September
Consumers Show Increased Caution in Home Purchase Sentiment in September September was indeed a quiet month for the Real Estate industry. In itself, this is not unusual however October is also beginning a little sluggishly. I find this a bit puzzling considering remarkably low interest rates and stagnant home prices. I feel that this is… Read More
Will Mortgage Rates Rise in December? All Fed Signs Point to Yes.
Will Mortgage Rates Rise in December? All Fed Signs Point to Yes. By Suzanne De Vita The Federal Reserve kept the benchmark rate unchanged on Wednesday, in a divided vote that alludes to the possibility of a hike before the end of the year. “The Committee judges that the case for an increase in the… Read More
A Larger Percentage of Home Hunters are Single Buyers According to NAR
A Larger Percentage of Home Hunters are Single Buyers According to NAR In my experience, most single home buyers possess impressive buying power and tend to look to the future. There is little to distinguish the wants and needs of a single home buyer from those of a family. The one subtle contrast, if indeed… Read More
Video: How to Buy a House, the k.i.s.s. method
Contrary to popular belief, buying a home should never be complicated, confusing, stressful, or frustrating, and if your Realtor is doing their job, it won’t be. With the proper systems in place your transaction can be smooth, exciting and even fun. There really are lenders who won’t lecture you, home inspectors who won’t alarm you,… Read More
Infographic: How Many Hours Do You Have to Work to Afford Your Mortgage?
Infographic: How Many Hours Do You Have to Work to Afford Your Mortgage? True, owning a home is an expensive proposition. Yes you are paying a mortgage. If you’re renting a home you are still paying a mortgage, just someone else’s. True, you have utilities and upkeep. But you’ll be paying utilities either way and… Read More
Are You a Loan Officer? A Home Buyer? What do you think about a simplified mortgage application?
Fannie and Freddie Redesign Uniform Residential Loan Application Form. A new, simplified mortgage loan application (not yet in use) is debuting to mixed reviews. Gone are the days of home buyers spending hours answering unclear questions by hand. Present-day mortgage applications are largely completed by loan officers on a computerized form. So loan officers everywhere… Read More