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June 15, 2017
The no doc mortgage does not exist in the same form that it had before 2008. Great Recession-era reforms require lenders to make sure the borrower can afford to repay a mortgage.
June 15, 2017
For the second week in a row, mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest levels of the year. It presents another opportunity for mortgage shoppers.
June 15, 2017
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.
June 14, 2017
Today's Fed meeting resulted in a rate increase. This won't affect long-term mortgage rates, but will trickle up to increase rates on HELOCs, credit cards, and other loans tied to the Prime Rate.
June 14, 2017
HELOC rates are often based on the Prime rate, which is directly affected by rates set by the Federal Reserve. Here's how you can save money on a HELOC, even when rates increase.
June 14, 2017
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.
June 14, 2017
The Fed adjourns from a 2-day meeting Wednesday. The group doesn't set mortgage rates but it can influence them. How this week's meeting could affect your refinance and purchase mortgage rate.
June 14, 2017
It's no secret; mortgage interest rates are rising. So, it it time to get out of your ARM and refinance?
June 14, 2017
Should I buy a house or rent? That depends on your short-term goals and your resources. Here's what you need to know to make this important decision.
June 14, 2017
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.
June 13, 2017
PMI mortgage insurance is a necessary evil if you buy or refinance more than 80 percent of your property value. But there are are things you can do to reduce what you pay.
June 13, 2017
A recent Fannie Mae survey shows a shift in consumer attitudes about mortgage rates. Twelve months from now, say survey takers, rates could be lower.
June 13, 2017
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.
June 13, 2017
A bankruptcy doesn't disqualify you from owning a home again. Getting approved for a new mortgage can happen in as little as one year.
June 13, 2017
Step-by-step instructions for accepting a cash downpayment gift on a home, including a ready-to-use gift letter template.
June 12, 2017
The Federal Reserve meeting adjourns Wednesday and, although the Fed doesn't set mortgage rates, its rhetoric and actions can influence them. Analysis and advice.
June 12, 2017
An interest only mortgage could be right for you. or it could be very, very wrong. Learn about the pros and cons of interest only mortgages here.
June 12, 2017
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.
June 12, 2017
Fannie Mae just loosened up its guidelines, allowing some applicants to borrow with a 50 percent debt-to-income ratio.
June 12, 2017
The Federal Reserve is the central banker of the USA. How "the Fed" works, what it actually does, and how it affects everyday U.S. mortgage rates.
Most Popular Posts
October 8, 2015
U.S. homeowners are eligible for tax credits and tax deductions from the IRS. Maximize your tax return claims. Complimentary mortgage rate quotes available. Updated for 2015.
January 28, 2017
Credit score requirements are dropping for the FHA mortgage. Analysis and effect on U.S. home buyers, plus today's live FHA mortgage rates.
January 19, 2016
About the Fannie Mae HomePath Mortgage program plus details for getting approved. Read more about HomePath. Get today's live mortgage rates.
March 11, 2016
The waiting period before you can make a mortgage application after a "significant derogatory event" has been cut by half. Get more on Fannie Mae's update.
March 11, 2016
The waiting period before you can make a mortgage application after a "significant derogatory event" has been cut by half. Get more on Fannie Mae's update.
February 1, 2016
Experts said mortgage rates would over 4.5% by now. They're not. They're in the 3s. What will happen in February, though? Is now the time to lock?
June 13, 2017
Step-by-step instructions for accepting a cash downpayment gift on a home, including a ready-to-use gift letter template.
January 26, 2015
For the first time in more than a decade, the FHA has lowered its mortgage insurance premiums (MIP). Complete analysis and review, plus a complimentary FHA rate quote.
November 9, 2015
You'll need a good FICO to access today's best mortgage rates. How to shop for a loan and get your credit pulled without lowering your overall credit score.
April 8, 2015
Fannie Mae's Conventional 97 mortgage program is official. Just 3% down and ultra-low mortgage insurance rates. Easy-to-follow guidelines.
September 9, 2016
Another low-downpayment option is available to today's home buyers. The 97% LTV program can be used to refinance, too. Q&A plus access to live rate quotes.
May 12, 2017
About the bi-weekly mortgage payment program, and whether it's an effective way to own your home faster. Analysis, plus today's live mortgage rates.
June 7, 2017
Learn how to calculate your loan-to-value (LTV) and see what mortgage programs may be available to you. Mortgage rates available, too.
January 2, 2017
Defining "residual income" for VA borrowers, and listing requirements by state and by size of your family. Analysis, plus live VA rate quotes which are typically 25 basis points (0.25%) or more below comparable conventional rates.
May 26, 2016
It's easier than ever to get a mortgage loan approved, but certain behaviors can ruin your loan-in-process. A detailed list, plus access to today's rates.
June 22, 2017
Mortgage borrowers make the same common mistakes which increase their mortgage closing costs. How to make better choices for your purchase or refinance home loan.
January 17, 2017
About the USDA Rural Housing Program (Section 502), including household income limits for 2017. Lookup table by county, plus mortgage rates.
September 7, 2016
Details on mortgage discount points. How they work and what they cost. Compare today's discount points and get today's live mortgage rates.
April 12, 2017
You don't need to make a 20% downpayment to purchase a home. Review popular low- and no-downpayment mortgage programs and get a complimentary mortgage rate quote.
March 10, 2017
A step-by-step, non-biased walkthrough of today's home buying process. Read more, plus get access to today's live mortgage rates which are currently near their lowest of all-time.
March 5, 2014
You don't need a 20% downpayment to buy a home. Mortgage guidelines are loosening and mortgage rates are low. Read more and get today's rates.
