For the third year running, Maricopa County is the fastest growing county in the U.S. For those of you who are not residents (yet), Maricopa County is commonly referred to as “The Valley of the Sun”. It is essentially Central Arizona and encompasses some of the most recognizable cities in the state: Phoenix for one,… Read More
Low Mortgage Rates
Conforming Mortgage Loan Limits Increase for Home Buyers
Home Buyers utilizing the Conventional Mortgage are seeing an increase in conforming home loan limits. Loan limits generally keep pace with housing prices in various regions and have been adjusted upward for the 2019 housing market. The conforming limit does not refer to the price of the home,
Home Sellers, Time to Get Off the Fence as Mortgage Rates Ease Off
With the recent rise in mortgage rates beginning to level off, and Real Estate’s busy season fast approaching, conditions are ripe for Home Sellers to get off the fence. Properties in first-time-buyer range are flying off the shelf, as are more expensive homes… priced right. If that weren’t enough good news for Home Sellers, more… Read More
Renting? You’re Already Paying a Mortgage, Just Not Your Own
STOP paying someone elses mortgage! Has it ever occurred to you that while you’re renting a home, the mortgage you are paying is someone else’s? The vacation you are funding is your landlords? And all your efforts are going into taking care of a property that will never be yours? That property is building equity,… Read More
Fed in No Hurry to Raise Rates Again… for Now
Fed in No Hurry to Raise Rates Again… for Now. As of today, mortgage rates are running on average 4.25 – 4.35 for 30-year fixed and 15-year fixed are ranging from 4.313 to 4.445, and though higher than a few weeks back, still remarkably reasonable. A few online banking systems are reporting lower rates however… Read More
20 Percent Down is Nice, but NOT Mandatory
20 Percent Down is Nice, but NOT Mandatory Due to misunderstood government regulations instituted in the past two or three years that were meant to stabilize the housing market, many folks are under the impression that they must have 20% down to buy a home. This is categorically untrue. Not only do 3.5% down FHA… Read More
Video: Think of Buying a Home? Do Your Groundwork
Video: Think of Buying a Home? Do Your Groundwork. The only thing I really take issue with in the video below is the statement that home buying can be complicated. You’ve heard me say it over and over again… If your Realtor is doing their job, buying a home should never be “scary”, intimidating, complicated… 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