July 2018 mortgage rates forecast (FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional)
June 20, 2018
July will bring on a wild ride for mortgage rates. The Fed is eyeing additional rate increases this year, and the economy is hotter than it’s been in a long time.
Buying an investment property: maximizing your money
June 20, 2018
Buying an investment property can start you on the road to wealth. Many rich people got there that way. But if you lack experience, avoid mistakes by following these tips.
Mortgage rates today, June 20, 2018, plus lock recommendations
June 20, 2018
Mortgage rates today are driven by movements in financial markets worldwide. When the economy heats up, bond price drop, and rates increase. When the economy pulls back, interest rates tend to fall.
Bargain beach houses: The nation’s most affordable seaside towns
June 20, 2018
It turns out beach houses don’t have to break the bank. According to a new list, 10 American beach towns offer the best of both worlds — affordable housing and seaside views.
No-commission real estate agents sell your home at a fraction of the cost
June 19, 2018
Want to sell your home without paying that 6 percent commission? One real estate agency is looking to turn the old model of selling a home on its head, offering no commission realtors throughout the Northeast.
Mortgage rates today, June 19, 2018, plus lock recommendations
June 19, 2018
Mortgage rates today are driven by movements in financial markets worldwide. When the economy heats up, bond price drop, and rates increase. When the economy pulls back, interest rates tend to fall.
Painting contractors: How much should painting cost, or should you DIY?
June 19, 2018
You could probably pain your home yourself, if you’re willing and able. But many would rather leave it in the (hopefully) capable hands of painting contractors. Here’s how to find a cood one, and what you should expect to pay.
Mortgage rates today, June 18, 2018, plus lock recommendations
June 18, 2018
Mortgage rates today are driven by movements in financial markets worldwide. When the economy heats up, bond price drop, and rates increase. When the economy pulls back, interest rates tend to fall.
Home equity hits $1 trillion; Western homeowners come out on top
June 18, 2018
It’s a good time to be a homeowner. According to new data, American homeowners have gained more than $16,000 in equity over the past year—and even more growth is on the horizon.
Home closing: Avoid falling at the finish line
June 18, 2018
Once you have mortgage approval, don’t blow it before the home closing process. Avoid changes to your application and make sure your final documents are correct.
Don’t move when you can improve: home renovation loans
June 17, 2018
Home improvement or renovation loans can save you money and get you exactly what you want. Here are the top ways you can finance your upgrades.
Don’t waste your weekends: How to find reliable lawn care
June 16, 2018
Not everyone gets joy from gardening or lawn care. If you don’t like the DIY solution, here’s how to find a reliable provider.
Homeownership question: “How do I find a licensed plumber near me?”
June 15, 2018
The time to find a licensed plumber in your area is before you need one. Here’s how to choose one.
Mortgage rates today, June 15, 2018, plus lock recommendations
June 15, 2018
Mortgage rates today are driven by movements in financial markets worldwide. When the economy heats up, bond price drop, and rates increase. When the economy pulls back, interest rates tend to fall.
New condo concept puts resort living within reach for Millennials
June 15, 2018
Luxurious resort living without the luxury price tag? Thanks to a new condo concept in Park City, Utah, it just may be possible – even for cash-strapped Millennials.
The city with the most vacation homes and investment properties might surprise you
June 14, 2018
Though most would assume the nation’s top spot for vacation homes, investment properties and second homes would be someplace warm, sunny and on a beach, that couldn’t be further from the truth. According to a new ranking, the city with the most non-owner occupied homes is none other than landlocked Oklahoma City.
Mortgage rates today, June 14, 2018, plus lock recommendations
June 14, 2018
Mortgage rates today are driven by movements in financial markets worldwide. When the economy heats up, bond price drop, and rates increase. When the economy pulls back, interest rates tend to fall.
Improve credit score: When does negative information “fall off” my credit report?
June 14, 2018
Negative or derogatory information can take years to drop off of your credit history. But good payment history can improve credit score numbers quickly.
Fed raises rates, calls for faster rate hikes in 2018
June 13, 2018
The Federal Reserve announced a rate increase as expected. But here’s what you might not have anticipated.
5 Factors that make up your credit score
June 13, 2018
There are 5 major factors that go into calculating your credit score. This post explains them.
The Mortgage Reports Has Been Featured On
Most Popular Posts
How To Buy A House with No Money Down in 2018
An updated list of low- and no-downpayment mortgages available to today's home buyers. Updated for 2017. Includes access to today's live mortgage rates.
How To Avoid Paying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
All about Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) including how to get a mortgage that won't require it. Live rates from actual mortgage lenders.
What is a USDA Loan? Eligibility, rates & advantages for 2018
The USDA Rural Housing mortgage allows 100% financing and is available in most parts of the country. Review qualifications and get rates.
Before making a 20 percent mortgage down payment, read this
Making a large down payment is not the conservative investment you believe it is. The risks of putting 20% down on a home are real. Know what you should do.
2017 USDA Loan Income Limits & USDA Eligibility Check
About the USDA Rural Housing Program (Section 502), including household income limits for 2017. Lookup table by county, plus mortgage rates.
My house appraised for less than its purchase price. What now?
What to do when you home fails to appraise for its purchase price, or when your home appraisal is turned down because of loan-to-value (LTV).
Self-employed mortgage borrower? Here are the rules
If you're self-employed, mortgage approval can be harder to get. But it's easier than it used to be. lenders are loosening up, and that's good news for self-employed mortgage borrowers.
FHA loans: The mortgage first-time home buyers love [Infographic]
Along with low mortgage rates and other great traits, FHA loans are assumable. You could sell your home in 2020 with today's sub-4% rates attached. Learn more and get today's live FHA rates.
Minimum FHA credit score requirement is 500, but can you actually get a loan?
Credit score requirements are dropping for the FHA mortgage. Analysis and effect on U.S. home buyers, plus today's live FHA mortgage rates.
First-Time Home Buyers Guide: Buying With Student Loans And Debt
First-time home buyers often carry student loans, which can make saving for a down payment difficult. There are lots of "first-time" loan programs to help.
Mortgage after bankruptcy: How soon can you buy a home?
Getting approved for a new mortgage after bankruptcy can happen in as little as one year.
FHA 203k loan – rehab loan benefits, and some downsides
The FHA 203k loan is a "home construction" loan available in all 50 states. The major benefits, plus some things to watch out for.
You don’t need a 20 percent down payment to buy a home
You don't need to make a 20% down payment to purchase a home. Review popular low- and no-down payment mortgage programs and get a complimentary mortgage rate quote.
FHA Loan With 3.5% Down vs Conventional 97 With 3% Down
Comparing the FHA 3.5% downpayment program to the Conventional 97 program which requires 3% down. Analysis, plus complimentary mortgage rate quotes at near the lowest levels of all-time.
FHA Streamline Refinance Chart, Guidelines, Rates, & Refunds
Are you FHA Streamline Refinance eligible? Use this easy-to-follow format. Updated for newest changes to FHA MIP. Today's FHA rate quotes available.
Getting a mortgage on a second home / vacation property
Home prices are rising. Buying a second home purchase might pay off, and give you a sure vacation spot. How to qualify for a second home mortgage.
How long does it take to close on a house?
The faster you can close on a mortgage, the lower your mortgage interest rate can be. Know the steps in a mortgage approval, and where you cut time and corners to get to closing quicker.
Read This Before Borrowing From Your 401(k) To Purchase A Home
When buying a home, 401(k) retirement plans can be used to fund your downpayment. How this choice affects your finances, and a review of your other options.
Warrantable & non-warrantable condo mortgage rules updated
Demand for condos is increasing nationwide and getting approved for a mortgage just got a little easier. How to qualify, plus access to today's rates.
Conventional loan home buying guide for 2018
More than 60% of home buyers use a conventional loan; it's not hard to see why. Low rates and three-percent-down options are fueling the loan's popularity.