18
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

Qualifying For A Mortgage Credit Certificate

Purchasing a house can be expensive, but there are measures in place to make it easier, particularly for people buying a home for the first time. One option is a mortgage credit certificate. What is the certificate, and how does it work? A Mortgage Certificate Is A Tax Credit A mortgage credit certificate, usually shortened to MCC, is a credit issued to first-time homebuyers by the local or state government. This certificate allows first-time homeowners to claim a federal tax credit for mortgage interest paid on the loan, with a limit of up to $2,000. When someone takes out a…
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16
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

What Is A High Enough Credit Score For A Mortgage?

There are many people who are interested in purchasing a home for the first time. Even though many first-time homeowners are interested in the sticker price of a home, it is just as important to consider credit scores. Anyone who requires financing to purchase a home will have to go through a credit check. What credit score is considered high enough for a home loan? What do people have to do if they want to increase their credit scores? What Credit Bureaus Do Lenders Use? First, a credit score is a reflection of someone's overall financial health. A lender wants to…
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12
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

What To Know About Property Values and Refinancing

There are many people who are thinking about refinancing their homes. For example, some people may be interested in reducing their monthly payments, while other people may be interested in tapping into the value of the home to fund a home improvement project. What is the relationship between property values and refinancing? There are several important points to keep in mind.  Property Values Tend To Rise First, it is important for homeowners to understand that property values tend to rise during the life of a mortgage. For example, someone may purchase a home valued at $250,000. Then, fifteen years later,…
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04
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Mortagage Tips, ,

Decluttering A Home Can Make A Major Impact

There are numerous homeowners who are looking for a way to make more space. Even a small decluttering project can make a significant difference to the amount of space available in a home. This can also make it easier for homeowners to find what they are looking for. Furthermore, if a home is going on the market in the near future, it needs to be as clean as possible. That way, prospective buyers can see the potential of a home. What are a few examples of decluttering projects that can make a significant difference? Clean Under The Kitchen Sink The…
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03
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Reverse Mortgages 101: How This Unique Financial Product Can Make Your Life Easier

If you've been in your home for a while and have considered other loan options, you may have heard the term reverse mortgage without being aware of how this product can benefit you. While this type of mortgage works for those who have a high amount of equity in their home, here are the details on reverse mortgages and how this product may work for you. What's A Reverse Mortgage? The reverse mortgage was created in 2009 as the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage for Purchase (HECM) and is something that can be used by those who are older than 62.…
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29
Oct
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

Important Relationships During The Home Buying Process

Purchasing a home is an exciting time, but there is also a lot to manage. There are a lot of text messages, phone calls, and emails coming in. It is important for potential homeowners to keep them straight. Who are some of the most important people during the purchase process? The Real Estate Team First, there are going to be a lot of important people on the real estate side of this transaction. Every home buyer should work with a real estate agent who can help them assess the market, arrange showings, and find the right home. There might also…
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