5 Questions First-Time Homebuyers Need to Ask

Buying a first home is probably the biggest financial decision someone can make. For those who already own their own homes they can relate. It’s a process that can be explained upfront but until someone goes through it, experience is the ultimate teacher. Finding, buying and financing a home can be a rather drawn out […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 3 Government-Backed Mortgage Loans

Financing a primary residence means having the most financing options available in today’s marketplace. For those wanting to buy and finance investment real estate there are fewer albeit very competitive choices. But with a primary residence, there are plenty and are divided into two basic categories- conventional and government-backed mortgage loans. A conventional loan is […]

The VA Funding Fee Waiver: How It Works

When you and I first begin speaking about using your VA eligibility to buy and finance a home, you can also request a Loan Estimate which will itemize potential closing costs you’ll encounter at the closing table. As you might be aware, borrowers using their VA eligibility status to finance the property are restricted from […]

Bank Statement Loans Explained

Bank Statement Loan Explained   Have you heard of a Bank Statement Mortgage? Most mortgage loans require bank statements to verify sufficient funds to close on a transaction. A complete bank statement provides third-party verification that the applicant has enough funds for a down payment, related closing costs and cash reserves all belonging to the […]

How to Calculate a Jumbo VA Loan Amount

If you’re eligible for a VA loan and want to come to the closing table with as little money as possible, a VA loan is going to be hard to beat and for several reasons. The most popular is probably not requiring a down payment. That is at least up to the maximum VA loan […]