First, primary residence and principal residence mean the same thing. So when we talk about mortgages, primary residence and principal residence are interchangeable terms. What is a Primary Residence? In short, a primary residence is the main location where a person lives. It could be a home, condo, apartment, or even a boat. The main defining criteria are simple: […]
When you’re ready to buy a home, you can lower your interest rate by buying mortgage points. If getting the lowest interest rate is your primary goal, then choosing to buy mortgage points or “discount” points can make a lot of sense. But paying mortgage points at closing isn’t always the best financial decision when […]
If you’re having trouble getting a condotel loan or financing a luxury condominium, you’re not alone. Many property owners and investors are looking to diversify their portfolios while rates are still low. But conventional guideline restrictions on condotels and non-warrantable condos have made it a little more challenging to apply and get approved. Well-qualified borrowers […]
If you’re self-employed, have a high net worth, or want to apply for a mortgage without having to verify your income, then the no income verification loan might be worth considering. Just like it sounds, a no income verification loan doesn’t require proof of regular income to qualify. Qualifying criteria are much more stringent, but […]
Does your employer offer restricted stock units as part of your compensation package? Recently, a client asked if they could use restricted stock units as qualifying income to apply for a home loan. It’s becoming more common for big tech companies like Amazon and Google and large corporations to offer company stock to their employees. […]
Mortgage rates are starting to fluctuate, and there are a lot of predictions floating around about rising mortgage rates. But the pandemic has taught us that nothing is for sure. Trends that used to be predictable are in question. So how can we know whether or not mortgage rates are going to rise or stay […]
For a lot of people, this has been the year of transition. Work from home, back to the office, zoom school, back to campus, hybrid everything, and each month there’s a new set of rules. The big question I’ve heard a lot—is buying a home still a smart move? Is now a bad time to […]
When you’re getting ready to refinance your mortgage, one factor that impacts the terms of your new loan is the appraisal. A current home appraisal creates the basis of your home’s value in today’s housing market. But not every mortgage refinance requires a home appraisal. This can relieve a lot of stress for homeowners who […]
Many homeowners have been asking, what can I do if I can’t pay my mortgage? The Fannie Mae HIRO loan program could help. Many American homeowners have suffered reduced income or loss of employment during this past year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Forbearance and loan modification programs can help, but many covid-related housing relief programs […]
Many homeowners have been talking about relocating, and it’s not a surprise after this past year. Some people want to cash out and head to the coastline, while others want to move where the cost of living is lower. Lately, I get asked whether or not the USDA loan would be a good fit for […]
