In this market, it is challenging to make a move if you must utilize the equity from the sale of your existing home for the down payment on a new home. Most Sellers will not accept an offer that is contingent on the successful closing of your existing property. But there is simple solution. Assuming you can qualify for both mortgage payments, and you have a 3 – 5% down payment for a conventional loan, you ...
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If you have had credit challenges in the past, beware of unscrupulous companies that promise they can solve all your problems. Far too many take advantage of you. They typically will charge you an upfront setup fee and then a monthly charge for as long as you remain a client. Most of them just take the “shotgun” approach and dispute every negative item on your report, every month. The credit reporting agency is then required to ...
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With inventory levels low in this competitive housing environment, some people are opting to make cash offers on homes to make their purchase agreement look more attractive to potential sellers. While this may help you get your offer accepted, there is a large pitfall you must understand. The IRS gives you a 90-day window to put a mortgage on a property to gain the benefits associated with this loan being considered “acquisition indebtedness”.
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IS YOUR BANK THE BEST PLACE TO GO? – Part 2
Last time, we presented a few things to consider if you are thinking about financing for your new home. Specifically, should you use a local bank or a Mortgage Banker? It may seem like the logical step is to call your bank. They have your banking accounts and since the Bank has your financial information, the process will be easier. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. ...
Continue Reading →IS YOUR BANK THE BEST PLACE TO GO? – Part 1
You’ve decided to make a move and buy a new home, what’s next? The first step should be to obtain a Pre-Approval Letter. It may seem like the logical step is to call your bank. They have your banking accounts and since the Bank has your financial information, the process will be easier. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. In fact, it is typically a much ...
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…and as witnessed over the past 20 years, nowhere is it more evident than in the mortgage industry. Much of it, as with any business, occurs because of the rapid and ever evolving technological advances making the process easier and more efficient.
Enter Government Regulation
But, as rapidly as it happens, the most change we’ve seen in the past years has come from government regulation. Hindsight is 20/20, of course, and looking back at the events leading ...
Since I last wrote this update back in April, interest rates have been amazingly steady. The Federal Reserve raised short-term rates again in June. That is having a direct impact on adjustable rate mortgages (that are now adjusting), home equity lines of credit, and car loans. The prime rate has now risen from 3.25% in 2015 to 5% today. They have penciled in two more increases this year potentially, which would bring it up to 5 ...
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As you contemplate and work through a divorce, one of the most important factors to consider is your housing needs in the future. Will you stay in the home that your living in or sell the house and move somewhere else? We can’t overstate the importance of getting with a mortgage professional as you begin to negotiate your marital settlement agreement. There are very specific guidelines revolving around ...
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It’s no secret, it is a competitive market out there if you are a buyer. Whether you are purchasing a home and have the cash on hand for the down payment or you need to sell your existing home first to use the equity from that property for the down payment on the new home, there are challenges. The key to success is preparation. We have gone out of our way to create tools for you ...
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Do you have a Will? Certainly not a subject I ever relished discussing…and it appears a lot of people feel the same since somewhere between 55 and 65% of Americans do not have one. If you are in that percentage, I urge you to look into it for yourself. My wife and I were fortunate to have friends who stressed the importance of having one, so after we were married we had a living trust prepared. ...
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