Blog

22
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage,

3 Tips To Consider When Buying A Home With An FHA Mortgage

FHA loans are becoming increasingly popular these days as potential homeowners may not able to qualify as easily for conventional mortgages. The FHA insures some higher-risk loans, in turn allowing borrowers with low down payments and less than perfect credit to purchase homes and bolster the housing market. However, while getting through the loan process with an FHA mortgage loan is not necessarily more difficult than with a conventional or conforming loan, there are some issues that you will want to be aware of. Property Condition You can't buy just any property with a FHA loan, or any other loan…
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21
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

Questions and Answers Regarding Escrow Accounts

Whether you are purchasing a new home or you are considering applying to refinance your home, chances are the lender will require an escrow account. These accounts are often a source of confusion for homeowners. In reality, these accounts benefit the homeowner and help protect the lender. What is an escrow account? Escrow accounts are sometimes called "impound" accounts. These accounts are set up to help manage payments of property taxes and homeowner's insurance. Depending on the individual requirements of the lender, you may be asked to pay as much as one-quarter of these upfront and they will be put…
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20
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 20th, 2018

Last week's weeks economic releases included readings on the NAHB Housing Market Index, housing starts and building permits issued and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. NAHB: Builder Confidence in Housing Market Holds Steady in February The National Association of Home builders reported an index reading of 72 for its Housing Market Index in February. January's reading was also 72; readings over 50 indicates that more builders than fewer are confident about housing market conditions. Three readings comprising the overall NAHB HMI reading include builder confidence in current market conditions, which was…
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16
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Home Seller Tips, Mortgage, ,

Recently Inherited a Home That You Don’t Need? Here’s How to Get It Sold Without Too Much Stress

Has a loved one or family member recently passed on and left you with their home? Inheriting a house can be a delightful gift, but it can also present a significant number of challenges that you must navigate. Let's explore how to deal with an inherited house and, should you decide to, how to sell it without incurring too much stress. Are Emotions Involved? The death of a family member or other loved one can be a trying time emotionally. Depending on how the deceased left the property, you may also have to deal with cleaning out personal belongings and…
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16
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage

Why Should One Consider Refinancing Their Mortgage Now?

Refinancing a mortgage is a golden opportunity to lock in today's low interest rate for the next 15 or 30 years. While interest rates now are still low, there's a good chance they may be heading up in the coming months. The Fed may not maintain the current bond purchasing level forever, and any changes that the Fed makes will likely affect mortgage interest rate levels. As interest rates remain near low for 30 and 15 year mortgages, homeowners can benefit greatly from a refinance. Several types of people in particular should consider refinancing. Carrying a high rate Anyone with…
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15
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

4 Home Improvement Shortcuts That Can Lead to Disaster — and How to Avoid Them

Are you starting to get the renovation itch? With spring on the way, you might be tempted to launch those home improvement projects that you contemplated over the winter. However, as with any project, you will want to get things right. Let's take a look at four renovation shortcuts that can lead to disaster and the steps you can take to avoid them. Shortcut #1: Not Understanding Your Home's Structure Before you undertake any renovation involving your home's structure, you must be confident that you know exactly what is where. For example, do you know what is inside of your…
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