Blog

21
May
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Refinancing on a FHA Mortgage? Learn More About the FHA Streamline Refinance

Home buyers are often drawn to the FHA mortgage program due to the low interest rates, low closing costs and generally attractive loan terms. However, there will come a time when many who have an FHA mortgage want to refinance. After all, refinancing a mortgage may allow you to tap into your home's equity, obtain a lower interest rate, extend or shorten the loan term or achieve other goals you may have. While there are different loan programs that you can use to refinance, many are taking advantage of the FHA streamline refinance program. What Is the Streamline Refinance Program?…
Read More
20
May
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Freelancing in 2015? Three Tips for How to Secure a Mortgage if You’re a Self-Employed Entrepreneur

If you are self-employed, either as a freelancer or as the owner of your own business, your income can fluctuate greatly from year to year. That can make it difficult to get approved for a mortgage, although there are some things you can do to improve your chances. Here are three tips for securing a mortgage if you are self-employed. Make Sure Your Credit Score Is In Good Shape While your ability to pay back a mortgage is the most important factor in approval, your credit score is a close second, and that goes for every borrower, not just those…
Read More
19
May
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Buying a Classic Older Home? Three Upgrades You’ll Need to Make Immediately

While some home buyers only want to live in a brand new home and will custom build a home to their specifications, others are drawn to the historic character and charm of a classic home. Older homes may have incredible architectural detail and special features that you simply do not want to change. These older homes can sometimes be a much better investment than a brand new home. However, there are some essential features that should be upgraded as soon as possible after you take ownership of your classic home. The Electrical Panel Many older homes were built at a…
Read More
18
May
By Jim Hasek
Market Outlook, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 18, 2015

Last week's economic reports included data from the Federal Reserve on student loan debt, job openings and retail sales. Weekly jobless claims and Freddie Mac's survey of average mortgage rates were released as usual on Thursday. A report on consumer sentiment wrapped up the week's scheduled economic new. Federal Reserve: Student Loan Borrowers Struggle with Payments  In two reports issued by the New York and St. Louis branches of the Federal Reserve, researchers found that high numbers of student loan borrowers are behind in making payments. According to the New York Fed, 11.10 percent of student loan borrowers were 90…
Read More
15
May
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Multi-Generational Living: Our Guide to Buying a Home That Suits Your Whole Family

It was very common decades ago for several generations of a family to live together, and this may have included kids, parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents in some cases. Today's modern homes are generally designed to accommodate a more traditional modern family, which includes only parents and kids or for only a married couple without kids. When you are buying a home for other generations as well, it is important for you to pay attention to a few important points. The Right Living Spaces and Accommodations Generally, a home with a floor plan that is most suitable for multiple generations…
Read More
14
May
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate Tips, ,

Real Estate Investing: Why Buying Raw Land Can Be an Excellent Long-Term Strategy

When many people think about investing in property, they think about purchasing income-producing real estate such as a residential property or an office building with tenants. There are indeed many benefits associated with investing in income-producing property. For example, these properties may produce rent that can offset your ownership expenses. However, buying raw land can also be an excellent long-term investment strategy. By learning more about the benefits of investing in raw land, you may be ready to start searching for real estate to invest in soon. Minimal Ownership Expenses Raw land will not have as many ownership expenses as…
Read More