MORTGAGE BLOG

Struggling to Sell Your Home? DON’T Make This Costly Mistake

Blog posted On October 19, 2023

“I’ll wait until next year...” “Maybe when rates fall…” “I can’t afford to buy right now…” High mortgage rates are pushing many people out of the home buying market. With fewer interested buyers, selling a home has become significantly harder than a couple of years ago. If you’re trying to sell now, don’t give up hope. We have ways that can help you save money and still sell your home at top price.

Renovation Loans - How They Can Be Beneficial in the Current Market

Blog posted On September 21, 2023

Roughly half of the American population worries they’ll never own a home. Fewer homes are for sale and more homes are selling over asking price, meaning you’re more likely to be involved in a bidding war and might not be able to afford the homes you like. Many buyers, especially first-time buyers are understandably losing hope. If you feel like you’re one of these people, we’ll tell you a secret hack that most American buyers AREN’T doing that can uncover more options at lower prices. Don’t lose hope just yet!

Why a Mortgage Preapproval is Your First Step in Home Buying

Blog posted On September 07, 2023

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or you’ve moved between several homes, the journey can be both exciting and overwhelming. One crucial step that often gets overlooked in the excitement is obtaining a mortgage preapproval.

Exploring Your Mortgage Options When Rates Are Rising

Blog posted On August 31, 2023

Mortgage interest rates tend to be very cyclical. They regularly rise and fall depending on factors like inflation and the general health of the economy. If you’ve found yourself looking for a home when rates are rising, it can seem like the long-term affordability of homeownership is out of reach. However, there are options for home buyers in almost every housing market. This article will look at the viability of options like adjustable-rate mortgages, temporary buydowns, rate locks, and refinancing.

3 Essential Questions Renters Must Ask Before Purchasing a Home

Blog posted On June 23, 2023

For many renters, the idea of transitioning from renting to homeownership can be both exciting and daunting. It's a significant financial and lifestyle decision that requires careful consideration. Before taking the leap, renters should ask themselves several crucial questions to ensure they are ready for the responsibilities and benefits of owning a home. If you’re considering homeownership, consider these three essential questions that you should ask before making the move.

The Best Time of Year to Buy A Home: Insights And Tips

Blog posted On June 02, 2023

As you start shopping for a home, timing can play a crucial role in securing a deal or getting the location you want. While the real estate market fluctuates throughout the year, certain periods offer definite advantages for potential home buyers.

Legislative Proposal to Ban Trigger Leads Offers Consumers Hope of Long-Needed Relief

Blog posted On April 27, 2023

Last week, Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York introduced bill H.R. 2656 in hopes of ending the sale of trigger leads, which could greatly reduce the number of unsolicited calls a consumer receives after applying for a mortgage. Oftentimes, trigger leads cause confusion for buyers because they can come from competing lenders who are asking for personal information. Although this bill is still in the early stages, it’s a good (and far overdue) step in the right direction.

5 Ways to Turn Your Tax Refund into a New Home

Blog posted On February 02, 2023

Tax season is the time of year that most Americans look forward to because they are expecting a refund from Uncle Sam. It may be easy to start daydreaming about a new car, a new wardrobe, or shiny new electronics, but if your goal is to become a homeowner this year, there are several ways that you can leverage your refund to reach your goal and start building wealth.

Here are 5 ways that you can use your tax refund to purchase a home:

Builder Optimism, Home Inventory, and Purchase & Refi Demand Tick Up as Rates Trend Lower

Blog posted On January 19, 2023

What a difference a year makes. A year ago, mortgage rates were climbing one of the steepest hikes in history. The only rival being the Everest of the late 70s and early 80s. What was once a roaring market driven by pandemic-level rates quickly became a ghost town of sinking refinance demand, destroyed builder confidence, and plummeting interest in purchasing a home. A cloud of apprehension lingered over the market for the better part of a year. Twelve months later, and the sun is finally starting to break through.

Home Buyers Are Feeling More Confident About Purchasing in 2023

Blog posted On January 12, 2023

Home buyers are embracing the new year with a new hope. Mortgage application submissions are up, sales prices are set to cool, and more sellers are offering concessions. On top of that, mortgage rates are expected to continue trending lower over the next 12 months. Though last year was a challenge for many, it’s looking like the force will be strong with hopeful buyers this year.

6 Main Things That Go Into Making an Offer on a Home

Blog posted On December 14, 2022

You and your real estate agent have done the research and found the home. Congrats! Now it’s time to make an offer. An offer is important not only because of its price point. If an issue or question ever comes up during the transaction, this is the contract that you all will reference. Making an offer is a little more detailed than just writing a number on a piece of paper, so if you haven’t already, you might want to connect with a real estate agent – someone who is trained and ready to write you a winning contract!  

5 Reasons Why Winter is the Best Time to Buy

Blog posted On December 07, 2022

Winter is probably the last season picked in home buyer gym class. It’s cold, it’s in the middle of the school year, and everyone is preoccupied with the holidays. Plus, it admittedly is a slower season for the housing market. While winter may not have the speed of spring or athleticism of summer, it does have a certain edge that can help home buyers win.

Home Buying Tips for Recent College Graduates

Blog posted On November 02, 2022

Purchasing a home is a dream of many, especially those who have graduated college and begun life in the ‘real world.’ Purchasing your first home early and avoiding the rent trap can give you a jump start on building valuable home equity. If you’re just starting out in the ‘real world,’ welcome! Here are a few tips for those who don’t want to waste money on rent.

What Can Buyers Negotiate When Buying a Home?

Blog posted On October 12, 2022

Rates are continuing to trend higher, giving many home buyers pause about their purchase. But rising rates are just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface, the housing market is shifting in favor of home buyers. Prices are falling, competition is dwindling, and sellers are doing anything to reach the closing table. The power is yours – what do you want to ask of your sellers? Here are some factors you can negotiate.  

How to Lower Your Monthly Mortgage Payment

Blog posted On September 29, 2022

Interest rates have risen, but there are still ways you can make your mortgage payment lower. Here are five ways you can lower your monthly mortgage payment. 

5 Tips to Help You Choose a Mortgage Lender

Blog posted On September 28, 2022

When shopping around for a mortgage lender, it's important to investigate more than who has the lowest rates. While most mortgage lenders have a lot of the same processes, other factors that can set them apart include the service you receive and the fees they charge.  

Closing Day Checklist for Home Buyers

Blog posted On September 14, 2022

You are finally about to close on your dream home! As closing day gets closer you may be stressed that you may be forgetting something important for the big day. By making a closing day checklist, you can eliminate the stress and prepare for a smooth day.

Here is a checklist of closing day must-haves.

Why Researching School Districts When Buying a Home is Important

Blog posted On August 03, 2022

When searching for a home, home buyers typically list out what’s important to them before beginning their home search. The top factors that most buyers look for are price, location, and a good neighborhood with amenities. And when it comes to location, school districts are a big consideration.

4 Factors to Consider When Determining Your Max Purchase Price

Blog posted On July 13, 2022

Buying a home is exciting, but it’s essential to determine how much house you can afford before starting the home buying process.

Below are important factors to consider before you begin your home search journey.

New Home vs. Existing Home: Which is Right for You?

Blog posted On July 06, 2022

Buying a brand-new home is more appealing for many home buyers. But does ‘new’ always mean better quality? Here are some of the pros and cons to both new and existing homes.

5 Ways to Lower Your Closing Costs When Purchasing a Home

Blog posted On June 29, 2022

Closing costs are the final hurdle home buyers have when purchasing their new home. They are around 3% to 6% of the borrowed loan amount, which can be a significant amount on top of the down payment. Luckily most costs can be negotiated, which can help you lower the amount of money you will have to pay at the closing table.

Why Now is Actually a Good Time to Buy

Blog posted On June 22, 2022

Lately, the media and news has been portraying the current housing market as a ‘bad time to buy.’ While home prices may be high, they’re set to stabilize soon. While mortgage rates are trending higher than two years ago, they’re not as high as their pre-2010 average. Now might be a better time to buy than you think, and the tables are starting to turn in favor of buyers.

The Dos and Don'ts While Waiting for Closing Day

Blog posted On June 01, 2022

Your offer on your dream home has finally been accepted – but your work isn’t finished just yet. While it may be tempting to start purchasing new furniture and décor, it’s crucial to monitor your spending until your loan is fully approved. There are other financial aspects you will want to be aware of before you close. Below are six tips on what to do and what not to do while waiting for closing day.

How Our On-Time Closing Guarantee Can Help You Make the Winning Offer

Blog posted On May 19, 2022

In a busy housing market, each day counts. With our On-Time Close Guarantee, you can get a head start on your mortgage underwriting, get an on-time close guaranteed, and compete in a crowded market.

5 Things to Look for When Touring a Home

Blog posted On May 18, 2022

Real estate is continuing to move fast, and often this means that you must move faster on a home that you are interested in than you would in a slower moving market. You must often decide if you will be putting an offer on a home within hours of touring it. It is essential to make your first tour count and know what key things to look for. 

9 Tips for Beating Out Buyer Competition

Blog posted On May 04, 2022

If several people want same item at an auction, what happens? Chances are, they’ll try to outbid each other until one person makes an unbeatable offer. The same goes for the housing market. When there are several home buyers in the market but few homes for sale, oftentimes they’ll run into a bidding war. A bidding war is when two or more home buyers make offers on the same property and simultaneously increase their offers in order to win the home. The secret to winning a bidding war? It might be simpler than you think.

Pros and Cons of Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

Blog posted On April 14, 2022

In a rising interest rate environment, the numbers that you see can be intimidating. Especially if you’re used to record-low rates. Getting a fixed-rate mortgage in a high-rate environment can be intimidating. Once you close on your loan, you are locked into that interest rate unless you refinance. Another alternative – one that many homeowners and home buyers haven’t thought of in a while – is an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).

Benefits of Purchasing a Multifamily Home

Blog posted On March 31, 2022

Unless you’re a seasoned real estate investor, it’s likely that you haven’t considered purchasing a multifamily home. At first glance, buying a multifamily home sounds much more expensive than a typical single-family purchase. Although yes, most multifamily homes have a higher sales price than comparable single-family homes, they actually could help you save money every month.

How to Choose the Best Mortgage Fit

Blog posted On March 24, 2022

Shopping for a home is the fun part. Then comes the mortgage shopping. Conventional loans have long reined as the most popular type of home loan. But there are a few more options out there, such as FHA Loans, VA Loans, USDA Loans, Jumbo Loans, Renovation Loans, and all kinds of specialty programs. Not to mention the different loan terms and mortgage rate options. Deciding on what’s right for you may feel overwhelming, but with these five steps, you can find your perfect mortgage fit in no time.

6 Signs That You’re Ready to Buy a Home

Blog posted On March 23, 2022

Most people reach an age where they debate if buying a home is right for them. If you find yourself asking this question often, it might be time to evaluate if you’re really ready to buy a home. Here are six sure signs that will help you decide if you’re ready to transition from renting to owning.

Halal Financing Program: Accessible Homeownership for All

Blog posted On March 10, 2022

The Halal Financing Program is a home buying solution that can offer more buyers a path to homeownership. Through our partnership with the Ijara Community Development Corporation, we are one of the only companies in the nation to offer Islamic-compliant lending.

4 Tips for a Stress-Free Home Search

Blog posted On February 09, 2022

The housing market goes through ebbs and flows of inventory levels. During a time of high buyer competition and low housing supply, you might find your home search a little more difficult. There will likely be fewer options in your price range and more buyers looking at the same house. If you’re searching for a home during a time like this, there are several ways you can help make the house hunting process smoother.

How to Make an All-Cash Offer Without Taking Out Cash

Blog posted On January 27, 2022

Standing out in a competitive market can be hard. Home prices are high, home inventory is low, bidding wars are rising, and all-cash offers are taking the cake. Most sellers favor all-cash offers but for many buyers they can be difficult to finance. With our Delayed Financing Program, you can give your offer the all-cash edge it needs and recoup your assets later.

What to Look for in a Home Listing

Blog posted On January 26, 2022

In a competitive housing market, you might not be as picky about your choices. But there’s one factor to look at that could help you save money in the long run.

6 Tips to Help You Reach the Closing Table Faster

Blog posted On January 19, 2022

Mortgage lending has come a long way in recent years. You no longer need a 20% down payment and perfect credit score to secure a loan. There are several mortgage options with low down payment requirements and lenient credit score qualifications. What you do need for a smooth closing is honesty, cooperation, and trust. There are many steps in the mortgage process, but the most important factor in each is providing your lender all the information we need.

How to Successfully Invest in Short-Term Rentals

Blog posted On December 08, 2021

Many vacation homeowners may choose to lease their second homes out as short-term rentals when they are not occupying the property.  Leasing a home as a short-term rental through a service like Airbnb or VRBO is a great way to earn extra income and offset some of the cost of homeownership.  In some popular vacation destinations, the prevalence of short-term rentals has led to restrictions and ordinances limiting rental activity.  For example, in Breckenridge, Colorado, city officials are currently trying to reduce the amount of licensed short-term rentals from 3,000 to 2,200 properties. 

5 Red Flags to Watch for with Your Real Estate Agent

Blog posted On December 02, 2021

In today’s busy market, working with the right real estate agent is critical to moving fast and getting your offer accepted.  While your real estate agent can’t change the floorplan or location of your home, they can make the home buying process easier.  If you’re working with an agent and you’re not sure if it’s helping, here are five red flags that might signal it’s time to hire a new agent.

Should You Trust Online Home Price Estimates?

Blog posted On October 13, 2021

In the age of Zillow and Zestimates, it can be difficult to discern what’s real and what’s not. Online home price calculators like Zillow’s Zestimate tool and Redfin’s Estimate calculator can give you a rough idea of how much a home is worth. This can help sellers get an idea of their market value and buyers determine what’s in their budget. However, it shouldn’t be the sole factor influencing your sales price or home offer.

What to Expect When You Close on a Home

Blog posted On October 07, 2021

Closing on a home is an exciting start to a new future, and it’s a huge accomplishment. If you’re about to close on a home of your own – congrats! We’re sure you can’t wait to move in and start enjoying life as a homeowner. Before you do, there are a few important steps of the closing process left.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Downsizing as a Retiree

Blog posted On September 23, 2021

Change can be hard – whether you’re a first-time home buyer adjusting to home maintenance or a retired homeowner moving to a smaller place. Going from what you’ve known to something new isn’t always easy – especially if it’s what you’ve known most of your life. Downsizing homes as a retiree can almost feel like you’re a first-time home buyer all over again. But in a few simple steps, you can go from experienced homeowner to successful home seller in no time.

5 Ways to Tell If a Home is Overpriced

Blog posted On September 16, 2021

With surging home prices, high buyer demand, and low housing inventory, the market can become a feeding frenzy for eager buyers looking to lock in low mortgage rates. Sellers list their homes at higher prices and buyers make offers that are tens of thousands of dollars over asking price to compete. But even in a seller’s market, there comes a point where the price of a home simply outweighs its worth. Here are five ways to determine if a home is overpriced.

How to Buy a House While Paying Off Student Loans

Blog posted On September 02, 2021

Millennials have been the generation with the most home buyers since 2014, followed by Gen X. As of 2021, Gen X has been the generation with the most student loan debt, followed by Millennials. Many people sitting on the home buying sideline might think that they can’t purchase a home because of their student debt. However, the two generations with the most debt are also the two generations that purchase the most homes. While having student loans might make the home buying process slightly more challenging, it certainly shouldn’t prevent you from applying. By taking some of the following steps, you can increase your chances of mortgage approval and better prepare for your home purchase. 

A Home Buyer’s Guide to Moving: What to Buy and What You Can Get Free

Blog posted On August 18, 2021

According to Moving.com, the average cost of a local move is $1,250. The cost of a long-distance move is $4,890. Though these costs might seem steep, there are certain moving purchases that could save you thousands in the long run. Others, you might be able to do without.

Seller Concessions: What Are They and How Can They Help?

Blog posted On August 05, 2021

Many buyers look at one number when shopping for a home – the number on the price tag. While a home’s sales price plays a large role in the cost of your future payments and how much your mortgage loan will be, it’s not the only cost you should be considering in your budget. Aside from interest rates and your down payment, another important home buying factor is your closing costs.

5 Mortgage Myths, Debunked

Blog posted On July 28, 2021

If you don’t think you’d qualify for a mortgage, think again. Many times, home buyers will doubt they can qualify for a home loan based on misinformation. So, to set the record straight, here are five mortgage myths, debunked.

Taking a Five-Sense Approach to Touring Homes

Blog posted On July 21, 2021

Touring a home can be a sensory overload. Many times, we see what we want to see, and not what we need to see. In other words, when touring a home, you’re likely envisioning a perfect future instead of noticing the current imperfections of your surroundings.  If you take a five-sense approach to your home tours, you can get an even better feel of how you might like your future home. 

4 Tips for Buying a Home in a Busy Market

Blog posted On June 30, 2021

When the housing market is hot, it might take you a little bit longer to find your future home, but it’s not impossible. Instead of rushing in on the first house you see or opting out altogether, here are four tips to help guide you home when the market is hot.

3 Compromises You Shouldn’t Make When Buying a Home

Blog posted On June 24, 2021

When the housing market is hot and inventory is low, finding the right home can be difficult. You’ll likely have fewer choices and more buyers competing for the same homes. Consequently, you might have to expand your search and sacrifice certain home features. This can help you buy your home sooner, but there are certain compromises you shouldn’t make even when you are eager to buy.

5 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Hiring Them

Blog posted On June 03, 2021

Google can do a lot, but it can’t quite compete with talking to someone about all of your home buying questions. Working with a REALTOR^® can be a great asset in your home buying journey. Not only can they provide individualized advice, but they’re there to help guide you every step of the way. Many home buyers find a trusted REALTOR^® through word of mouth or network connections, but if you’re starting from scratch, asking potential REALTORS^® these five questions might be a good place to start.

Don’t Make This Common Home Buying Mistake

Blog posted On June 02, 2021

If you’re buying a home, you’re probably focused on the upfront costs: your down payment, interest rate, and purchase price. These costs will dictate how much you pay upfront and how much your monthly mortgage payments will be going forward. To aid your home search, you might create a budget around the estimated monthly mortgage payments you will be able to afford. While this is a good start to your purchase preparation, you won’t want to stop there. Making a home buying budget strictly based on the estimated monthly mortgage payments you can afford might put yourself in a difficult financial position down the road.

5 Myths About Buying a Home

Blog posted On May 19, 2021

Buying a home is a big step. Renting allows you to live more commitment-free, and when you think of buying, you might be worried about what it entails. For many people, they envision a large debt, strict mortgage requirements, and settling down. But not everything you hear about buying a home is true. To help you transition from renting to buying, here are five common myths about buying a home.

What’s the Difference Between Condos, Apartments, and Townhouses?

Blog posted On May 13, 2021

Choosing where to buy or rent a place to live depends on many different factors. How far is the commute? What are the school districts like? Is it located in a nice neighborhood? All important questions to consider. But before you answer them, you’ll need to answer what kind of property am I looking for? There are several options to consider besides a house.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying in a Busy Market

Blog posted On April 15, 2021

Everything moves faster when buyer competition is high. The offers roll in quicker, the houses close sooner, and the seller often gets much more than their asking price. Consequently, many buyers feel the pressure to act fast too. This can lead you to skip inspections, overpay, and wind up in a bad financial position in the long run. To help you avoid these common mistakes, here are five DOs and DON’Ts to guide you through buying in a busy market.

A Home Buyer’s Guide to a Pet-Friendly Purchase

Blog posted On April 07, 2021

When buying a home, it’s important to consider the needs of all family members involved. For many families, this includes the needs of a furry friend. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 50% of American households have at least one pet, and nearly 90% of those households said their pets’ needs are very important factors when buying a home. If you’re one of those 90%, consider these four questions to find the perfect place for both or both you and your pet.

4 Steps for Home Buying Success

Blog posted On March 18, 2021

After years of saving and months of searching, you’ve finally found the one. Now, you’re ready to move in. But there are a few other steps you need to take before the moving trucks roll up. If you know them in advance and are prepared, then the home purchase process can move even faster, and you can start packing up in no time.

6 Factors that Affect a Home’s Price

Blog posted On March 02, 2021

Home price appreciation has surged over the past year – up 10.1% year-over-year, according to the recent Case-Shiller home price index report. This is the first time that home prices have seen a double-digit gain since 2014, as more buyers have been flooding the housing market and fewer homes have been available for sale. Whether you’re a proactive homeowner getting your house ready to sell, or a savvy home buyer looking to make a smart investment, knowing which factors affect a home’s price could help you maximize your returns in the future.

How to Determine if You’re Financially Ready to Buy a Home

Blog posted On February 24, 2021

When many home buyers are preparing to purchase a home, they can picture it all – the perfect house, the perfect family, and the perfect renovations they’re already planning in their heads. While buying a house is definitely an exciting investment, it’s important that your financial preparedness matches (or surpasses) your emotional preparedness to buy as well. In order to to help determine if you’re financially ready to buy a home, here are 5 questions to answer.

Answer These Questions BEFORE You Buy a Home

Blog posted On February 18, 2021

Mortgage rates have been breaking record lows for the past several months – making home buyer demand surge. And while low mortgage rates present a great opportunity for potential home buyers, there are many factors that you should consider, besides your mortgage rate, before you buy a home.

Jumbo Loans 101: What They Are and When You Need One

Blog posted On January 21, 2021

Last month, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that it would be raising the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loan limits, marking the fifth straight year of loan limit increases. Still, in certain markets, homes are more expensive than the current conforming loan limits. If you’re looking in one of these markets, you’ll likely need to consider a jumbo loan option.

Why Buying a Home is a Smart Investment

Blog posted On January 13, 2021

When people think of investments, they normally think Wall Street and stockbrokers. And while stocks can be a great investment, many experts recommend diversifying your investment portfolio to reduce risk and maximize returns.

How to Finance a Home in Retirement

Blog posted On November 19, 2020

You’ve finished working, paid off your debt, and finally gotten the kids out of the house – now, it’s time to retire and relax. However, relaxing can be hard when you’re still responsible for keeping up a family-sized home. If you’re tired of maintaining a large house, but still want the benefits of owning a home, it might be time to downsize. Unfortunately, downsizing to a smaller home requires you to apply and qualify for another mortgage – which can be unfamiliar when you don’t have a salary.

Preparing for Your VA Loan Purchase

Blog posted On September 03, 2020

The VA Loan is one of the most important benefits offered to active duty military and veterans. It was designed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to give returning World War II veterans an affordable pathway to homeownership because it is available with no down payment and flexible underwriting requirements.