Blog

10
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Can You Get a Mortgage after a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Discharge? Yes – But You’ll Have to Wait

There was a time when it was possible to acquire a mortgage shortly after filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but with the shifts in the financial sector, the timeline on such a mortgage approval has changed in recent years. If you're currently undergoing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and are wondering how this will impact home ownership, here are the basics on this type of bankruptcy and what it may mean for you. What Is Chapter 7? While a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the kind of financial situation that requires debt repayment, Chapter 7 is different in that it involves the…
Read More
09
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Leveraging LPMI: The Pros and Cons of Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance

From interest rates to mortgage loans, there are many things associated with applying and obtaining a mortgage that are important for new homeowners to be aware of. If you've heard the term Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance (LPMI), this is when the mortgage lender pays off mortgage insurance on behalf of the homeowner. While this kind of insurance can be beneficial for some homeowners, here are some of the basics on LPMI so you can determine whether or not it will work for you. It Can Be Tax Deductible While a homebuyer generally has to be in a position of good credit…
Read More
08
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 8, 2016

Last week's economic reports included construction spending, personal income, and multiple reports on employment. Freddie Mac's mortgage rates survey and new jobless claims were also released. Construction Spending Dips in June According to the Commerce Department, construction spending fell in June to -0.60 percent as compared to expectations of an increase of 0.50 percent and May's reading of -0.10 percent. Spending was even across public and private construction spending. The Commerce Department said that construction spending on June rose to $1.13 trillion was 0.30 percent year-over-year and was 6.20 percent higher for the first six months of 2016 as compared…
Read More
05
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Thinking about a ‘Fixer Upper’? Understanding the Balance Between Purchase and Reno Costs

Fixer uppers can come with huge price benefits and opportunity, as well as problems. Make sure you understand what you're getting yourself into before you purchase a home that needs significant restoration. Carefully Calculate Do the math very carefully before jumping in. Add up the expected renovation costs based on a thorough evaluation of the property. As some of the expected costs will lie within a grey area, it is important that you base your estimation on the higher end of the price range. Be sure to account for all materials and labor. Once you have calculated your expected renovation…
Read More
04
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

3 Different Types of Loan That Will Negatively Impact Your Ability to Get a Mortgage

A good credit rating is built on a number of financial factors including paying your bills on time and the length of your credit history, but loans can also be a source of bolstering your credit score in a positive way. While this means that loans can actually be a good thing, there are also the kinds of loans that can have a damaging impact on acquiring a mortgage. If you'll soon be pursuing your own home purchase, here are some loans that may have a negative impact. Borrowing For Education When you are young, student loans are an ideal…
Read More
03
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Spouse with Bad Credit? 3 Reasons You’ll Want to Consider a Co-signer for Your Mortgage

Obtaining a mortgage can be quite a complicated process even without the financial hurdles, but if your spouse's credit has experienced a number of difficulties, acquiring a mortgage can be even more of a burden. If you're concerned about what bad credit will mean for your mortgage and are weighing your options, here are some reasons why it might be important to use a co-signer for your application. Increasing The Likelihood Of Approval From getting an education to purchasing your first vehicle, it's a common occurrence for people to take a loan out at some point in their life. However,…
Read More