Realtors® always seem to think that right now is a good time to buy and they usually have good reasons why. But being a good time to buy doesn’t just rely on market conditions, loan rates or economic factors. It has more to do with individuals than anything else. Here are four factors to consider. […]
On occasion, buyers who are prepared and qualify to buy a home decide to take a step back and wait to commit to the purchase of a home. When their focus moves from buying a home, they start considering using their down payment money for other things. They begin to think about other large purchases […]
In a recent annual Gallup poll that started in 2002, 35 percent of the respondents said real estate was the best long-term investment option compared to 27 percent who choose stocks. Although the top choices were real estate, stocks, savings accounts and buying gold, respondents had the most confidence in homes as investments. Even with […]
If you experienced the distressed sale of a home but now you have your credit and finances back in order, you may still be asking the question “How long do I have to wait to qualify for another mortgage.” Based on when you experienced your distressed sale, the length of time will differ. Each different […]
If you are in the market to buy a home and find one that checks off most of your “must-haves” list, you may want to go ahead with the purchase. First-time home buyers can be at a disadvantage since they put most of their available cash into a down payment and closing costs. This forces […]
Freddie Mac predicted it and it is happening. We are past the first quarter of 2018 and the 30-year fixed rate mortgage is going up. The rates will exceed the 5 percent, if this pace continues, by the end of this year. The first of an expected three raises in rates by the Fed has […]
Concerned buyers who were unsure about the new tax laws that affect home ownership can breathe a sigh of relief. The 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act which was passed by Congress and signed into law treats real estate as a favored investment. Tax laws are in place whether you are living in the home […]
Back in 1968, mortgage rates were 8.5 percent. Then the following year, rates dropped to 7 percent. Homebuyers were able to buy a 15 to 20 percent larger home with the same payment if they could get their mortgage assumed. Back then FHA and VA mortgages were very popular for certain price ranges and these […]
Some potential home buyers determine which agent they will use when they start looking for their dream home. They believe that finding the home is the most critical part. While finding a home is critical, the most important part is getting good representation. Finding the right agent requires more skills then just being the agent […]
Private mortgage insurance is usually required on mortgage loans for more than 80 percent loan-to-value. If a borrower defaults on their loan, mortgage insurance will reimburse the lender. You need to be aware that when certain conditions have been met, expensive PMI can be removed. When your mortgage balance has reached 80 percent of your […]
