The Streamline Refinance Explained

Have you heard of the term “streamline refinance”? Lenders certainly have and when you discover what this process actually is, you may very well decide it’s time to refinance after all. A streamline refinance is where an existing mortgage is completely replaced by a new one. The term was originally coined when the Federal Housing […]

Buying a Home: 3 Signs You Know It’s Time

For those who occasionally wonder whether or not it’s time to consider buying a home and stop being a renter, it can be difficult to ultimately lead to the decision to drop the landlord and buy your own home. There won’t be any midnight revelation that says, “Buy Now” or anything remotely similar. Even if […]

When are Government-Backed Loan Programs the Best Choice?

There are three government-backed loan programs available today: The USDA, VA and  FHA loan programs. They’re referred to as a government-backed loan because the lender is guaranteed to be compensated should the loan ever go into default. Each of these three has their own special niche that is filled. USDA Loans USDA loans are used […]

USDA Loan: How to Finance a Property in a Rural Area

Many mortgage programs like to have a loan application that checks off all the boxes. This means approving both the property as well as the borrower. The property is approved primarily by reviewing the property appraisal. The appraisal contains a wealth of information about the property including the general condition of the home, a legal […]

Conventional 97 (3.0% Down) or FHA (3.5% Down) – Which is Better?

If a low down payment mortgage is your preference, there are two programs that might suit your needs. The Conventional 97, a Fannie Mae product, and the FHA loan. They’re both very similar and even more so beyond the low down payment. If you’re eligible for both programs, there are some questions to ask to […]

7 Reasons You Should Use a Mortgage Broker

A mortgage broker is an individual or a business that discovers and arranges financing for their clients. I’m a mortgage broker and my fiduciary responsibility is to you. There are multiple places to obtain a home loan from your local bank to an online lender but a mortgage broker has distinct advantages that other lending […]

Interest Rates: Is the Fed Changing Its Tune?

It appears that, while not backtracking, the Federal Reserve has indeed changed its tune regarding their policy on interest rates. The Federal Open Market Committee, or FOMC, wrapped up its most recent two-day meetings this past January 30. The FOMC meets about every six weeks to review the current state of the economy, review recent […]

Mortgage Rate Forecast: Should You buy Now or Wait?

It’s now closer to the time when holidays and days off are further in the rear view mirror and it’s back to the standard routine. Investors are back in the markets packing their portfolios with stocks, mutual funds and bonds and analysts are moving back in the guessing game as to the state of the […]

Top 5 Economic Reports That Can Affect Mortgage Rates

Have you ever wondered how and why mortgage lenders adjust their mortgage rates their borrowers can choose from each day? One would think it’s a lot of work to make a daily rate change, right? I mean, why doesn’t a lender just post a rate and let it stay that way for a few days? […]

Refinancing a VA Loan with Questionable Credit

VA loans are a bit more forgiving overall compared with other zero/low down payment programs, and refinancing a VA loan is a great option. For those who qualify for a VA loan and want to come to the closing table with close to zero cash, the VA loan can’t be beat. No down payment, restricted […]