10
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 10, 2014

Last week's economic reports contained mixed reports indicating that the economy continues to recover with occasional "blips" in its progress. Construction spending was lower than expected. A Federal Reserve survey of senior loan officers indicated that credit standards remain strict for mortgages and other types of lending. According to the survey, a "modest net fraction" of large banks had eased credit standards for prime mortgage lending. First-Time Homebuyers Struggle as Market Share Hits 27-Year Low The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reported that first-time buyers' share of home purchases has slipped to 33 percent, which was its lowest level in…
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07
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Negotiation Tips: How to Ask the Seller to Pay the Closing Costs

You've found the perfect new house or condo, and you are now preparing an offer that you believe the seller will find tempting enough to accept. However, you know that there are going to be thousands of dollars in closing costs that need to be paid before the sale is completed and you become the home's new owner. The question is, should you ask the seller to pay some or all of the closing costs? In today's blog post we'll address this question and list a few scenarios in which you may want to consider having the seller pick up…
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06
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Did You Know That Your FICO Score Can Drastically Affect Your Mortgage? Here’s Why

Are you about to apply for a mortgage loan in order to buy a home? If so, you may be curious about your credit score and how this might impact your financing. Let's take a quick look at how FICO credit scores can affect your mortgage and share a couple of ways that you can boost your score to ensure your application is approved. What is a FICO Score? The Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) is the country's leading producer of credit scoring information and is the primary source that most lenders will check to assess how much risk you present.…
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05
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

You Ask, We Answer: What is a “Reverse Mortgage”?

If you've recently considered your options for taking some of the equity out of your home you may have heard about reverse mortgage loans. If you meet the requirements for a reverse mortgage it can be an excellent way to tap into the value of your home, freeing up that cash to be reinvested or used for other purposes. In today's blog post we'll explore reverse mortgage loans, explaining how they work and whether or not you're qualified to receive one. How Does a Reverse Mortgage Work? As the name implies, a reverse mortgage is the opposite of a traditional…
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04
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Have You Had Trouble Getting a Mortgage? Three Tips for Sprucing Up Your Credit Before Reapplying

If you've had some trouble getting approved for a mortgage recently, you're not alone. Many individuals face mortgage challenges due to past blemishes on their credit reports or a personal financial crisis that resulted in bills not being paid on time. In this post we'll share three quick tips for sprucing up your personal credit before reapplying for a mortgage. With a bit of luck and hard work you can be on your way to purchasing that new dream home. Pay Off Your Credit Cards And Lines Of Credit The easiest way to improve your credit score and prove that…
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03
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 3, 2014

Last week's economic news brought mixed developments as pending home sales moved to their second highest level of 2014. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced the expected end of asset purchases under its quantitative easing program. In its post-meeting statement, the committee noted improvements in overall economic conditions labor markets as indications of better than expected economic trends. The Case-Shiller Home Price Index reports for August showed continued slowing in housing price gains. Mortgage rates were higher, but consumer confidence exceeded expectations. Pending Home Sales Rise, Case-Shiller Reports Slower Price Gains The National Association of REALTORS® reported that pending…
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