Why Mortgage Bonds Matter

A mortgage bond is a bond just like any other. There is a fixed rate of return that the investor knows about prior to making a purchase. Compare a bond to an individual stock or mutual fund and you’ll soon discover a wide disparity between yields, or profit. Stocks can provide a greater return on […]

Thinking of Refinancing? Start Your Application In Now

Mortgage rates are still very low and refinancing options are better than ever. For many, the decision whether or not to refinance your mortgage is fairly easy. This is something I can do with you over the phone. Simply compare the difference in monthly payments and divide that into the amount of closing costs needed […]

5 Things You Can Do to Ensure a Smooth Closing

From the outside looking in, getting a mortgage loan from application to final closing looks fairly straightforward. You apply for a loan, submit it, the lender looks at it, approves it then orders final closing papers. Once you submit your application, it gets pretty quiet on your end. But on the other end, there’s a […]

What Exactly is Forbearance?

The term “forbearance” has gotten a bit of attention over the past few weeks. Unfortunately, homeowners often seek out a forbearance agreement without fully knowing all the implications or understanding exactly what forbearance is and is not. The term has come to the forefront lately as the number of the unemployed mounts and homeowners may […]

Want to Be a Landlord? Know How It Will Affect Your Debt Ratios

One of the most consistent and safe investments continues to be real estate. Yes, there are always ups and downs but over time real estate as an investment asset is hard to beat. Flipping houses was a fad several years ago when No-Doc loans and loans for those with damaged credit were everywhere. Yet experienced […]

VA Eligibility Restoration: How It Works

There’s really no question the VA home loan is the premier option for those who are eligible and want to come to the closing table with as little cash as possible. In fact, the VA home loan doesn’t require a down payment at all. Zero. The only other loan program that doesn’t need any type […]

How Lenders Count Revolving Debt vs. Installment Debt

Mortgage lenders want to make sure applicants can afford a new mortgage payment, and this means looking at your current revolving debt and installment debt. This mortgage payment includes not just the principal and interest amount toward the outstanding balance but also includes a monthly amount for property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and mortgage insurance when […]

Why Working Virtually With Your Loan Officer is a Smart Move

Wondering how your new mortgage loan will be handled now that many of us have been officially considered “non-essential?” Well, for one, the mortgage industry is up and running regardless of any status. Yes, there are many who are currently in a work-from-home status and don’t have an official office to go to, at least […]

The Seesaw World of Mortgage Rates, Stocks and Bonds

If you’re like most people, you really don’t pay much attention to Wall Street on a daily basis. Sure, you’ll check your 401(k) when you statement comes in and peek at your IRA but in general, Wall Street is left for the so-called “experts” who buy and sell stocks every single day. But as you’re […]

VA Home Loan Changes for 2020

Perhaps the absolute best home loan option for those who qualify and want to come to the settlement table with as little out-of-pocket cash as possible is the VA home loan. The VA loan doesn’t need a down payment and is one of only two such government-backed programs with this feature. The other option is […]