Home security tips and tricks: keeping the bad guys out
June 4, 2018
Home security tips: learn how to secure your home, avoid home burglary, and what to do in case of a home break in.
Mortgage rates today, June 4, 2018, plus lock recommendations
June 4, 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.
Counteroffer definition: What does it mean when I get a counteroffer?
June 3, 2018
Counteroffer definition: a proposal in response to a real estate purchase offer. The counter offer means that the seller accepts the buyer’s offer, subject to certain changes. The buyer can accept, reject or counter the seller’s counter-offer.
New house checklist: Things you need that you never imagined
June 2, 2018
Preparing a new house checklist before you move will remove some of the stress beforehand, and will definitely help you handle the inevitable emergencies down the road. The ounce of prevention really does beat the pound of care.
Rental property investors: here’s where to buy to maximize ROI
June 1, 2018
Where to buy rentals Though average rental investors can expect a yield of about 8 percent on each home in their portfolio, in some cities, those returns are almost doubled. According to recent data, investors in Kansas City and Pittsburgh can make 14 percent or more. Kansas City is king According to the most recent […]
Mortgage rates today, June 1, 2018, plus lock recommendations
June 1, 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.
Avoid these 7 mistakes when making an offer on a house
June 1, 2018
Making an offer on a house can be scary, especially if you want it very badly. Here’s how to make a successful offer, or at least avoid making a bad one.
How to buy a home after a short sale [Updated for 2018]
May 31, 2018
How soon can you buy a home after a short sale? That depends on the circumstances of the sale and the mortgage program you choose.
Mortgage with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy
May 31, 2018
You can qualify for a mortgage with a chapter 13 bankruptcy in your recent past. Even if you’re still in bankruptcy in some cases. Here’s how.
Mortgage rates today, May 31, 2018, plus lock recommendations
May 31, 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 prices decrease in 27 cities; here are the top 10
May 31, 2018
Home prices are climbing – but not everywhere. In fact, according to a new report, there are actually a handful of cities where prices have dropped in the last year. Could they hold the key for homebuyers seeking affordability in today’s hot market?
Home maintenance: essential for preserving home value
May 31, 2018
As a renter, you bore little responsibility for home maintenance. But now, you are your own landlord. Here are the essential tasks you’ll have to perform yourself or pay someone else to do.
Mortgage after bankruptcy: How soon can you buy a home?
May 31, 2018
Getting approved for a new mortgage after bankruptcy can happen in as little as one year.
What credit score do you need for a mortgage? Complete guide to credit for mortgages
May 31, 2018
What minimum credit score do you need for a mortgage? The answer is 500 but not everyone will qualify. What to do when your FICO is lower than you hoped.
How to improve credit score: 5 ways to raise your FICO score today
May 31, 2018
How to improve credit score numbers? FICO scores range from 300-850. The higher your score, the better mortgage rates and terms available to you.
Mortgage rates today, May 30, 2018, plus lock recommendations
May 30, 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.
Protecting your security deposit
May 30, 2018
Do you get your security deposit back? It depends. Protecting your security deposit is important, or you may have to kiss it goodbye when you terminate a lease, Here is what you need to know.
Adult child living at home: from Mom’s basement to homeownership
May 30, 2018
If you are an adult child living at home (or if you have an adult child living at home), this guide will help you pull a plan together to get out of your parent’s house and into a home of your own.
Selling your home? Use these outdoor projects to up its value
May 30, 2018
Want to get top-dollar when selling your home? Then focus on your lawn. According to a new study, simple maintenance and care not only increases a home’s appeal to buyers, but also adds serious property value as well.
Lower my bills, please! Phone, utilities, cable, internet, insurance
May 30, 2018
Who hasn’t said, “I need to lower my bills” at some point in their lives? Unless you are free and clear of debt, you can probably benefit from these tips.
The Mortgage Reports Has Been Featured On
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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.