Mortgage StrategyAugust 24, 2020How to pay off your mortgage early by paying extraYou're allowed to pay extra on your mortgage to pay it off early. Here are three strategies to pay off your mortgage early if you have extra cash.
Mortgage StrategyJuly 31, 2020Seller concessions: How a seller can pay your closing costsA seller concession is an agreement where the home seller pays the buyer's closing costs. Learn how seller concessions work here.
Buying a homeJuly 29, 2020Want to buy a house with cash? Read this firstIf you can buy a house with cash, you'll be in a strong position to negotiate. But don't forget the drawbacks that come with cash home buying.
Mortgage StrategyJune 18, 2020Are 5/1 ARM rates really the lowest mortgage rates?5/1 ARM rates are typically the lowest conventional mortgage rates on the market. But 5/1 ARMs carry more risk. Is the low rate worth it for you?
Mortgage NewsJune 16, 2020Can you get down payment assistance during COVID-19?Buying your first house during COVID-19 presents unique challenges. But help, in the form of down payment assistance, is still available.
Mortgage StrategyJune 15, 2020Is now the time to get a reverse mortgage?The reverse mortgage is suddenly more popular, as COVID-19 forces homeowners to look for cash flow. But is a reverse mortgage right for you?
Mortgage NewsJune 2, 2020The new post-COVID norm: Easier mortgages for all?For many, COVID-19 has lead to lower mortgage rates and easier loans. From remote closings to delayed appraisals, the virus is changing long-term norms.
Mortgage RatesMay 18, 20202.5% mortgage rates are here. What’s next — 2%? Or even 1%?2.5% mortgage rates are here. Will we see mortgage rates dropping more? The same forces pushing down rates are still with us. Here's what it could mean.
Mortgage RatesMay 12, 2020The mortgage rates ‘sweet spot’ is finally here. Should you refinance?Mortgage rates are in a sweet spot right now — still near record lows, with guidelines loosening back up so homeowners can actually qualify for new loans.
Mortgage NewsMay 4, 2020No lump-sum payments required in COVID mortgage forbearance plans: FHFAFHFA announced a new rule about coronavirus mortgage forbearance that protects homeowners from foreclosure after the forbearance period is over.
Cash Out RefinanceApril 30, 2020What is a home equity loan? Home equity loans and HELOCs explainedA home equity loan lets you tap into your home's cash value. Learn how home equity loans and lines of credit work, and when to get one.
Cash Out RefinanceApril 27, 2020Homeowners are using cash-out refinances for emergency funds. Should you?U.S. homeowners could tap millions in home equity to help them through coronavirus financially. Is a cash-out refinance a good idea for you?
RefinanceApril 22, 2020Should I refinance amidst coronavirus fallout? 13 million homeowners are trying to decideMortgage rates have been falling, but is it worth refinancing during the coronavirus pandemic? For millions of homeowners, the answer might be yes.
ForecastsApril 21, 2020Breaking: This agency predicts 2.9% mortgage rates by 2021Fannie Mae predicts mortgage rates in the record-low territory for the rest of 2020 and 2021. What that would mean for home buyers and refinancers.
Mortgage NewsApril 9, 2020How to request mortgage forbearance under the CARES Act: Use this hardship letter templateUse this free hardship letter template to request mortgage forbearance from your loan servicer. This is the one step to get CARES Act mortgage relief.
Real EstateApril 1, 2020Is it STILL a good time to buy a house?It's been a good time to buy a house since mid-2019, with low rates creating record affordability. But is now, amid coronavirus, still a good time to buy?
Mortgage StrategyMarch 24, 2020How to pause mortgage payments if you’re laid off due to COVID-19Mortgage forbearance can defer your loan payments for up to 12 months if you're laid off or under financial stress due to COVID-19. Here's how it works.
Mortgage NewsMarch 17, 2020Record-low mortgage rates skyrocket due to strange lending phenomenon. What now?Record-low mortgage rates came and went. Last week saw a return to 4% rates and increased closing times. Here's what borrowers can do to help their cause.
Mortgage StrategyMarch 10, 2020Drop what you’re doing and finish your mortgage application insteadBuyers and refinancers: Make your mortgage application and loan documents top priority. Record low rates mean big delays as lenders fill up with applicants.
Mortgage NewsMarch 5, 2020You probably already missed the ‘all-time low’ 3.29% mortgage rateYou may have heard that the lowest rates ever are here. But are they still available?