In the wake of the recent catastrophic hurricanes and wildfires that have ravaged parts of our country, the President declared several Major Disaster Areas. This designation brings with it a commitment of federal aid to assist in recovery. A list of these areas can be found at www.fema.gov/disasters. What does this mean for people who are paying a mortgage on a property or running a business in a Major Disaster area? What about people employed in one of these areas? Depending upon what type of mortgage you have and which government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) owns or guarantees your mortgage, you may be eligible for various types of relief to help ease the financial burdens of disaster recovery. Read More “Disaster Relief Options for Mortgages” →

What is your favorite escape? A coastal retreat. A rustic mountain hideaway. A loft with a city view. Whatever you prefer, a vacation home can be a lifestyle upgrade that provides a respite from the daily grind. As an investment property, that second home may also help achieve your financial goals and plan for the future. But, how do you figure out if owning a second home is even in the realm of possibility? Answering these three questions below will help you put forth a plan to make your home away from home a reality. Read More “3 Questions to Answer Before Buying a Second Home” →

Read More “How to Select the Right Mortgage Insurance Payment Option” →

The term “Non-Qualifying Mortgage” or Non-QM can sound intimidating. At its most basic level, a Non-QM loan is a loan that does not meet the standards set forth in regulatory reform imposed after the 2008 housing crisis. Below we take a closer look at what this really means in terms of risks and benefits for both consumers and lenders.

Read More “What You Need to Know About Non-QM Loans” →

Read More “Loan Programs for First Time Homebuyers” →

Read More “How to Make an Offer on a House in a Competitive Market” →

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is often thought of as a “necessary evil.” It protects the lender and helps you purchase your home, but, it’s an added monthly expense that you will likely be anxious to get rid of as soon as possible. So, how do you eliminate monthly mortgage insurance? Below are some options to consider.

Read More “Eliminate Mortgage Insurance Faster and Save” →

So far the Fed has increased its benchmark rate three times since the financial crisis as they track economic improvement and attempt to maximize employment and stabilize inflation. If the economy continues to improve, and economic data remains positive, another increase could come as soon as May or June. While consumers with credit card debt may see an immediate increase in interest rates as a result of the Fed’s rate increases, the effect on longer term mortgage loans will be less direct, but still impactful. As RPM’s Julian Hebron explains in an article on Zillow “Even though mortgage bonds represent longer-term rates, these Fed hikes still fuel selling of mortgage bonds, pushing mortgage rates higher.”

Read More “3 Tips To Help Home Affordability When Rates Rise” →

From location, to budgeting, to the right floor plan, there is a lot to consider when searching for the perfect home. In addition to choosing the home features that matter most, you are also faced with decisions about home financing.

Read More “FHA vs Conventional – Choosing Which Loan Is Best for You” →

Buying a home for the first time can seem like a daunting process. But it doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little preparation, and the guidance of a real estate agent and mortgage professional, you’ll be well on your way to making the house of your dreams…your home! This easy-to-follow infographic will show you what to expect along the path to home ownership:

Read More “A Simple Guide to the Home Buying Process” →