Is a real estate bubble to blame for sudden drops in the stock market? Does stock market volatility indicate that a housing crash and recession are imminent? Probably not. Although there are some correlations between stock market activity and the health of the housing market, there isn’t a direct, consistent cause and effect relationship between the two. There are always other factors at work that help to complete the big picture. Here’s some insight into how rates, the housing market and the stock market are intertwined, but still need to be considered separately. Read More “What Does Stock Market Volatility Mean for the Housing Market?” →

Read More “FHFA Announces Increased Maximum Loan Limits for 2018” →

Read More “New Research Shows Fall as Prime House Hunting Season for First-Time Buyers” →

Read More “Country’s Largest Source of Mortgage Money Raises Debt-to-Income Ratios Making Homeownership More Attainable” →

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” →

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” →

Read More “Things to Know When Purchasing a Condo” →

Rates began ticking up in the wake of the election and the upward trend is expected to continue, albeit at a slower pace compared to the first few post-election months. If you are currently in the market for a home, you may be concerned about battling increasing prices and upward trending rates. But, you could have the option to tackle affordability by buying down your rate.

Read More “Is Buying Down Your Rate Right For You?” →

First-time homeowners are often younger than the average homebuyer, which means lower income levels, less money saved and, typically, more student loan debt. Concerns about student loans often discourage would-be first-time buyers from pursuing their goal of homeownership. If you’re considering purchasing your first home, these tips can help get you there.

Read More “Key Economic Indicators that Affect Mortgage Interest Rates: Housing Reports” →

Read More “Key Economic Indicators that Affect Mortgage Interest Rates: The Employment Situation” →