Pros and Cons of Extra Mortgage Payments
After a few years and perhaps discovering more financial flexibility, many homeowners begin to wonder if they should make extra mortgage payments. The thinking is that extra payments can save in interest and bring you closer to actually owning your home. While this is a good idea, there are also reasons why you might not […]
What’s the Difference? Private Mortgage Insurance vs Homeowner’s Insurance vs Mortgage Protection Insurance
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Private mortgage insurance protects your mortgage lender in the event you default on your loan. Many lenders will require high risk buyers to carry private mortgage insurance to protect what is their investment too. Generally, it’s required if you have a conventional loan and make a down payment of less than […]
You Really Can Be A Homeowner
Buying a home is a major life milestone, and with it comes a lot of financial scrutiny and planning. The initial part of the process of getting your mortgage is paying close attention to your finances. It is crucial you don’t do anything that will cause your mortgage to be denied. You need to have […]
Today’s Low Interest Rates
In the sixth straight week of decline, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.82% for the week of May 30. This is down from 3.99%. It was the lowest level since September 2017. Borrowers are receiving exceptional rates compared to last year at this time, when 30-year mortgages were averaging 4.54%. The monthly payment on a […]
Mortgage Applications on the Rise
Mortgage applications to purchase a home rose recently and were 7% higher than a year ago. Purchase applications reached their highest level since April 2010. While total mortgage application volume decreased 3.5% during the same time, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index, overall volume was 14% higher than a year ago. Purchase […]
What to Ask Your Lender before You Commit
Which mortgage is the right one for me? When you want to know what your options are for each type of loan discussed, the mortgage lender should tell you the pros and the cons in light of your particular situation. In this article, we’ll look at what to ask your lender before you commit. Questions […]
Mortgage Protection Insurance
Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance (MPPI) or Mortgage Protection Insurance (MPI) can be described as life insurance equal to the amount of your mortgage. Neither of these should be confused with Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). They are totally different things. PMI is charged to you each month along with your mortgage payment to protect your lender […]
Guidelines for Calculating a Mortgage
If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ll first want to have an idea of what you can afford. There are many online mortgage tools to use but remember this is just an estimate. When you feel you’re ready to initiate the purchasing process you should obtain professional mortgage advice on your actual […]
Home Equity Loan and Second Mortgage: What’s the Difference?
The terminology is confusing. A second mortgage is any loan that involves a second lien on the property. Some second mortgages are for a fixed dollar amount paid out at one time, in the same way as a first mortgage. As with firsts, such seconds may be fixed-rate or adjustable-rate. You will need to keep […]
Millennials and the Home Buying Experience
Totaling more than 80 million individuals, millennials represent the largest generation in the U.S. By 2025, they will claim three-quarters of all jobs. Also considered the best educated, 35% of 25 to 29-year-olds hold a degree, while at the same time carry some of the highest debt levels due to student loans and credit card […]
