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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08
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Refinancing to Pay for Renovations? Consider the VA’s Energy Efficient Mortgage Program

Making renovations that are energy efficient is not just a great way to reduce energy output, but it's also an effective way of decreasing monthly utility costs. It serves as a one-time investment that will save money in the long run. However, renovations are costly and not everybody has the extra finances required to make energy efficient changes. This is where the VA's energy efficient mortgage (or EEM) program comes into play. The program is designed to allow veterans to apply for a new mortgage or refinance an existing one with extra funds to renovate the home to be up…
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28
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

The HARP Refinance Program Has Been Extended into 2016: Here’s How You Can Take Advantage

With the Home Affordable Refinancing Program recently being extended until the last day of December, 2016, many homeowners who have found their assets in a challenging situation have been given a second chance to apply and receive an affordable mortgage. By taking advantage of the HARP program, eligible borrowers can refinance to the current mortgage rates on their homes while avoiding paying for private mortgage insurance or putting down the principal. A Quick Primer On The HARP Refinancing Program With the economy in a strong downturn in 2008, the value of millions of American homes plunged and the owners found…
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26
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

You Ask, We Answer: 5 Ways That You Can Proactively Build and Improve Your Credit Score

If you're planning to buy a house or take out a business loan in the near future, you'll want to work hard to boost your credit score well ahead of time in order to improve your likelihood of getting the loan you need. A great credit score can also make you more desirable to employers and help you to negotiate lower car insurance rates. But what can you do in order to build your credit score over time? What are the best strategies for boosting that score as high as possible? Here's what you need to know. Dispute Errors On…
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19
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Understanding the CFPB’s New Mortgage Rules and How They Might Affect You

If you're getting a mortgage, you'll want to ensure you're well versed in all of the government regulations surrounding mortgages and how they affect you. One government agency that dictates a number of the rules surrounding mortgages is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB has several regulations that lenders need to follow, some of which have only recently come into effect. So how do the CFPB's new mortgage rules affect you? Here's what you need to know. Know Before You Owe: Mortgages Just Got Easier To Understand The CFPB's new Know Before You Owe mortgage disclosure rule has rolled…
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14
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Three Tips to Ensure That a Reverse Mortgage Makes Sense for Your Financial Situation

If you're having financial troubles, or if you need to free up a large sum in a short period of time, a reverse mortgage is a great way to get the money you need without having to take on new debt or make monthly payments. When you apply for a reverse mortgage - also known as a home equity conversion mortgage - you're essentially borrowing money from the equity you've built up in your house. The great advantages of a reverse mortgage are that you don't need to make any loan payments until you decide to move out of the…
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