How much money can you save by living with your parents?

March 11, 2018 in Buying a home First-Time Home Buyers

Moving home to save money Living with your parents can turbo boost your ability to save for a down payment. And it’s a strategy increasing numbers of young professionals who want to be homeowners are adopting. One thing many neglects to do first is to find out how big a down payment they may need. […]

Moved back home? Here’s how to make it work

March 9, 2018 in About Mortgages Buying a home Essential Mortgage Miscellany First-Time Home Buyers Homeownership Topics Real Estate Renters Uncategorized

If you’ve moved back home to save money, here’s how to get back on your own fast.

Don’t be a victim of mortgage fraud

February 18, 2018 in About Mortgages Buying a home First-Time Home Buyers Homeownership Topics Real Estate Refinance

Mortgage fraud: unlikely, but possible According to the FBI, you are not the most likely victim of mortgage fraud — most cases are perpetrated by borrowers against mortgage lenders. Often those involve exaggerations, white lies or outright falsehoods on loan applications. Should you lie on your mortgage application? However, mortgage industry professionals who abuse their […]

What mortgage rate history can tell us about the future

February 15, 2018 in About Mortgages Economic News Essential Mortgage Miscellany Federal Reserve First-Time Home Buyers Forecasts Homeownership Topics Mortgage Rates Mortgage Strategy Real Estate Refinance Uncategorized

How useful is mortgage rate history? Mortgage rate history may sound a pretty boring topic. Indeed, you may subscribe to the Henry Ford school, which believes that all history is bunk. However, knowing how mortgage rates behaved in the past can help you understand what might happen to them in the future. That knowledge could […]

Small house, smaller down payment: how to get the home you want as fast as possible

February 5, 2018 in Buying a home First-Time Home Buyers Homeownership Topics Real Estate

Buying a small house can make financing your first home easier. You may have less square footage, but you’ll also have a smaller down payment and mortgage.

Is 2018 the year you should become a homeowner?

January 24, 2018 in About Mortgages Buying a home Economic News First-Time Home Buyers Homeownership Topics Mortgage Rates Real Estate Uncategorized USDA Loans VA Loans

Happy new year — as a homeowner Is your new year’s resolution for 2018 to become a homeowner? Or would you make it one, if only you thought it was a smart move — and you stood a chance of achieving it? Well, read on because you might find some good news. 2018: A vintage […]

How to make the most of your closing disclosure

January 23, 2018 in About Mortgages Buying a home Essential Mortgage Miscellany First-Time Home Buyers Uncategorized USDA Loans VA Loans

Buying a home: Don’t fall at the finish line At least three business days before you’re due to close, you should receive a closing disclosure. Could there be a worse time? You’re preparing to move! And your to-do list has never been longer. So the last thing you want is a five-page document to wade […]

Should you lie on your mortgage application?

January 12, 2018 in About Mortgages Buying a home Essential Mortgage Miscellany First-Time Home Buyers

Are “white lies” okay on a mortgage application? How much harm can a little white lie on your mortgage application do? Well, quite a lot, actually. True, you’re unlikely to face the maximum penalties that mortgage fraud can bring. You’d have to do something really bad to get 30 years in a federal penitentiary and […]

First-time home buyers guide to mortgage loans

First-time home buyers guide: The basics of a mortgage

December 15, 2017 in First-Time Home Buyers

As a first-time home buyer, understanding how your mortgage works is the first step to making better mortgage choices — and getting the best rate possible.

Mortgage loans for the newly-employed first-time home buyer

First-time home buyer guide: buying with a new job

November 10, 2017 in First-Time Home Buyers

As a first-time home buyer, you may not have the work experience of a seasoned buyer, but that doesn’t have to affect your ability to get mortgage loan-approved.

10 things NOT to say to your mortgage lender

October 19, 2017 in About Mortgages Buying a home First-Time Home Buyers Real Estate

There are a number of things you shouldn’t say to your mortgage lender that can lead to your loan application being denied. Don’t let it be you.

Pets are leading factor for Millennials to buy homes

October 6, 2017 in Buying a home First-Time Home Buyers

Dogs now play a key role in Millennials’ decision about home buying, outweighing getting married or even having kids. What it means for buyers and sellers.

New startup Loftium changing how we see down payments

October 6, 2017 in Buying a home First-Time Home Buyers Real Estate News

if you’re buying a home in the (expensive) Seattle area, this new program by Loftium and Umpqua Bank might help. It provides down payments to those willing to participate in the program.

Picking the best mortgage loan for your new home

First-Time Home Buyers Guide: Picking The Right Mortgage Program

October 4, 2017 in First-Time Home Buyers

This guide for first-timehome buyers covers choosing the mortgage loan which best fits your financial and emotional needs.

First-time home buyers guide to finding the perfect home

First-Time Home Buyers Guide: Finding The Perfect House

October 4, 2017 in First-Time Home Buyers

Shopping for a home that fits your needs and budget can be an exciting and stressful experience — especially for first time home buyers. Planning ahead will help settle your nerves.

First-time home buyers guide: buying with low credit scores

August 24, 2017 in First-Time Home Buyers

First-time home buyers tend to have lower credit scores than the general population. That’s okay. There are plenty of “first-time” loan programs to help.

First-Time Home Buyers Guide to buying a home with student loans on your credit report

First-Time Home Buyers Guide: Buying With Student Loans And Debt

August 10, 2017 in First-Time Home Buyers

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.

Using the 100% USDA Home Loan program to purchase a home

First-Time Home Buyers Guide: What Is A USDA Mortgage?

May 23, 2017 in First-Time Home Buyers

First-time home buyers have access to wide number of low- and no-downpayment mortgage loans. The 100% USDA loan is among the most aggressive programs available.

First-time home buyers can use FHA loans to purchase a home with just 3.5% down

First-Time Home Buyers Guide: What Is An FHA Mortgage?

November 26, 2016 in First-Time Home Buyers

First-time home buyers have access to a myriad of low- and zero-down payment mortgage loans. Of all the available loan programs, though, the FHA loan is the most inclusive and accessible for today’s buyers.

Choosing the optimal rate for your mortgage

First-Time Home Buyers Guide: Choosing Your Mortgage Rate

October 7, 2016 in First-Time Home Buyers

When you’re shopping for a mortgage rate, the economy sets the baseline interest rate. Everything else is based on you. Here’s how to get your lowest rate possible.

First-Time Home Buyers Guide: Using A Real Estate Agent