Category: News

If you are thinking about buying your first house, you probably have a lot of questions. Common ones are: how much can I afford, can I get approved, etc. It's also a good idea to organize and try to optimize your finances. However, even if you're starting with modest resources, you can still set yourself up for mortgage success. Here are some tips on where to start. Recognizing Mortgage Readiness Before diving into homeownership, it's essential to know if you're genuinely prepared for this commitment. According to a Freddie Mac study, the following signs indicate you might be in the right financial position: • A credit score of 661 or above. • A debt-to-income ratio (DTI) under 25 percent, focusing on mortgage debt. Including other obligations like student loans, the…

This week we saw the release of Consumer Price Index (CPI) for June 2023, which recorded a rise of 0.2 percent, a slight increase from May's 0.1 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Year-over-year, the all-items index experienced a 3.0 percent hike, a decrease from May's 4.0 percent, indicating a sustained deceleration in inflation for the past 12 months. With the inflation rate now standing just one percentage point above the Federal Open Market Committee's 2 percent goal, the inflation scenario, particularly its impact on the housing market, demands a closer look. The slowing of inflation, however, does not translate equally into the housing sector. The Bureau's data highlight the 'shelter' category, encompassing housing costs, as the most significant contributor to the CPI's all-items increase. However, he…

With housing prices pushing the affordability envelope for many Americans, some individuals are considering buying a fixer-upper. We've all seen the home makeover shows with astonishing before and after transformations, but should you take on such a project? Here are a few things to consider: 1. Know Your Limits: Assess how much of the work you can handle yourself. Consider how much time you have available for renovations. Ask yourself if you're prepared to live in a construction zone for a while. 2. Work Out Costs In Advance: Invite a contractor to join the inspection and provide a written estimate for the proposed work. If you're planning on doing the work yourself, calculate the cost of supplies. In either case, add an extra 15% to the costs to account for…

With housing prices pushing the affordability envelope for many Americans, some individuals are considering buying a fixer-upper. We've all seen the home makeover shows with astonishing before and after transformations, but should you take on such a project? Here are a few things to consider: 1. Know Your Limits: Assess how much of the work you can handle yourself. Consider how much time you have available for renovations. Ask yourself if you're prepared to live in a construction zone for a while. 2. Work Out Costs In Advance: Invite a contractor to join the inspection and provide a written estimate for the proposed work. If you're planning on doing the work yourself, calculate the cost of supplies. In either case, add an extra 15% to the costs to account for…

The image of homebuyers often conjures up young couples, freshly married or new parents, looking for a nest to raise their family. However, senior citizens and retirees also have valid reasons for house-hunting. Even with today’s higher home prices and interest rates, seniors maybe in need of a mortgage for a variety of reasons, here are options for qualifying and loan options. Applying for a mortgage as a senior entails meeting the same financial criteria as other borrowers, such as credit history, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, income, and other assets. However, the documents required to qualify for a mortgage are slightly different for retirees. For instance, you'll have to provide forms to document income instead of pay stubs and W-2 forms. These might include Social Security award letters, retirement award letters,…

Navigating the home-buying journey with little to no credit history can seem daunting. However, FHA loans, insured by the Federal Housing Administration, can be a lifesaver for prospective homebuyers with such financial constraints. Their flexible financial prerequisites make them an excellent alternative for those dealing with debt or other personal finance challenges. The FHA loan program's forgiving nature makes it easier to obtain than traditional loans, helping more people join the homeowner's club. However, an easier application process doesn't mean a less serious commitment; diligent preparation is crucial to sidestep common errors in home loan applications. If the appeal of less stringent requirements entices you, stick around as we delve into how to secure an FHA loan with low credit. Understanding FHA Loan Eligibility and Requirements for Low Credit The…

When it comes to the decision between buying or renting a home, in today’s market, we have to look at number of market and individual factors. With rapidly increasing housing prices and a significant inventory shortage, the thought of purchasing a home may seem daunting with the US Census Bureau and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development reported the median sales price of $436,800 for homes at the start of 2023. Buying a home brings with it a set of unique advantages. The possibility of building equity, the tax benefits, and the freedom to customize your living space are all compelling reasons to consider homeownership. However, these benefits are balanced by potential drawbacks such as variable monthly payments, maintenance responsibilities, decreased flexibility, and the risk of your home's…

For first-time homebuyers, purchasing a home is a huge financial commitment and in today's pricing environment its also a considerable financial challenge for many Americans. However, homebuyer grants can significantly lighten the financial load, grants aren't available to all home buyers and are usually aimed at lower income buyers. Understanding Grant Eligibility Requirements vary between programs, several common elements are worth noting: • Income limits: Many programs consider households that earn 80 percent or less of the area median income (AMI) as “low-income.” Therefore, access to these programs is restricted to those within this income range. Moreover, the income limits adjust depending on the number of household occupants. • Home price limits: Certain programs may restrict your spending to a specific range of residence prices. These limits are largely dependent…

Finding a skilled loan officer who is attuned to your needs and can assist you through the process is essential. Here are five questions you might want to ask your home mortgage lender. What are my home loan options? This question will help gauge the loan officer's expertise and understanding of your specific situation. You may need to share some personal financial information, but a credit check shouldn't be necessary at this stage. Could you explain the mortgage process? A competent loan officer should be able to outline the steps from application submission to loan approval. They should also provide insights into legal and real estate aspects or direct you to your real estate agent for further information. What do I need to provide for loan approval? Before submitting any…

There are numerous benefits to being self-employed - you're your own boss. However, when it comes to securing a mortgage, the process deviates slightly from traditional mortgages. It often involves additional requirements and more administrative procedures. Here are some tips to help you get organized and approved if you're self-employed. Apply for a mortgage when your income is high. We understand this is easier said than done, but lenders will focus most on your income from the last two years. If your income fluctuates, it's best to apply in a high-income year. This strategy can help you qualify for a larger loan amount and a lower interest rate. Lower your DTI. Your debt-to-income ratio is one of the critical factors in getting approved. Therefore, it's beneficial to pay down both…