How the Fed’s Interest Rate Hike Affects Your Mortgage
This week, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the third time in 2018. This quarter-percentage rate increase brought the federal funds rate into the target range of 2 – 2.25 percent. The committee sets monetary policy, primarily by raising or lowering the Fed’s target for the federal funds rate, which is used as the […]
Home Buying Mistakes to Avoid
Becoming a homeowner in Florida is one of the most exciting and potentially stressful things you can do. There’s a lot to learn and a lot to do, which can leave quite a bit of room for mistakes. The home buying process is an emotional experience that is personal for each buyer. Just remember that […]
What You’ll Need Before Applying for a Home Loan
Whether you’re a first-time home buyer in Florida, or are an empty nester ready to downsize, you’ll need to complete a lot of steps before you consider talking with a lender. There are many things you’ll need to do to get ready to buy a home. It can be overwhelming. It might sometimes feel like […]
How to Survive Buying a House¶
Preparation¶ You’ll probably start entertaining the idea of looking for a home years before you’re totally financially prepared. It can be daunting, but it will give you a better idea of what you want, like a master suite, basement, or garage apartment. Using online mortgage calculators you’ll also be able to get a rough idea […]
What’s the Difference Between Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval?
Unfortunately, without proper preparation, many buyers get lulled into the mistaken notion that if a lender pre-qualifies them for a mortgage, it means that they have been pre-approved for the home loan. There’s a world of difference between these two terms. If you’ve ever been confused by the two, this will explain how they differ, […]
Buying a House Without a Spouse
Getting married has several financial consequences; it can raise or lower your taxes. It can alter the types of retirement accounts you’re eligible for. It can affect your insurance rates. And yes, being married can also impact a mortgage. While there are many things to take into consideration when you purchase a home, you may […]
The Difference Between APR and Mortgage Interest Rate
Considering taking on a mortgage can be confusing and overwhelming. There’s an endless amount of information and advice and weeding through it can be a monumental task. When you get a mortgage, you are charged two different rates—the annual percentage rate and the interest rate. Understanding the difference between the two rates is important and […]
How FHA Loans Work
FHA loans are a great option for first time home buyers — if this is your first home purchase, a Florida FHA home loan is probably your best option with its low down payment and easier credit standards. Your down payment can be as low as 3.5% of the purchase price and closing costs and […]
Ins and Outs of a VA Loan
What is a VA Loan? A VA Loan is a segment of the GI Bill was that signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide veterans with a federally guaranteed home loan with no down payment. It’s one of the ways we thank our veterans for their service. What Service Members Need to […]
5 Things Mortgage Lenders Look For
Buying a home isn’t easy; after all, you have to convince a mortgage banker that you’re capable of accepting a loan. When lenders review your application, they try to determine your ability to pay off your loan. Keep in mind that they are taking a chance on you—and they need to minimize risk as much […]
