There are many different home loan programs available that individuals can obtain depending on their circumstances. Whether you are a student or in retirement, getting your first or sixth home mortgage – this will always be an interesting topic of conversation. With so many options to wade through, we wanted to focus on two different government loan programs: FHA and VA. Though they are backed or insured by the federal government, that doesn’t mean they are the same.
How to Enjoy the Holidays This Season While Following CDC Covid-19 Guidelines
This holiday season is going to look drastically different from those of previous years and huge family gatherings will most likely need to adapt to the current state of the world. Since the coronavirus is still a threat, we want to make sure you are enjoying the holidays as safely as possible. We have compiled a list of recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) so you can feel more informed about how to stay happy, healthy, and jolly.
Top 3 DIY Projects Every Family Member Can Participate in During the Ongoing Pandemic
With the recent election, many have found distraction from the ongoing pandemic. Now that the election is finished (for the most part), the reality of social distancing has started setting back in, causing ongoing stress and anxiety to almost every family across the nation. With varying safety protocols and restrictions being imposed, an increased number of people are looking for ways to alleviate the strain. Below are a few ways to help the situation.
Pros and Cons of HOAs
Homeowner associations (HOAs) have become more common over the years than many might think. According to a study in 2018 from the Foundation for Community Association Research, 26.9 million homes in the United States belong to an HOA with the highest concentrations of them in California and Florida. Before buying a home in an HOA, it is important to understand what they are. Here we will illustrate the pros and cons of HOAs so you can be better prepared when you go to buy your next home.
Understanding the Basics of Entering an HOA
When buying a home there are multiple things to consider. What kind of mortgage are you going to get? Do you want to remodel? However, one of the most important things to think about that many don’t know is whether your neighborhood has a homeowners association (HOA). In this guide we’ll answer all your questions surrounding HOAs like how much they cost, who controls them, and if you can opt-out.
5 Updates to Create a Smart Home
Now that we are almost finishing up 2020, it is time to bring your home into this decade! Sadly, we still don’t have hoverboards or robot butlers, but you can still elevate your home to make it work more efficiently for you. With a few minor tweaks and a couple of new gadgets, your home can become a smart home. By updating your home’s sound, lighting, temperature, security, and safety you’ll be able to feel like your home is doing all the work on its own.
A Guide for Borrowers to First and Second Mortgage Options
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial undertakings you can make during your life. Not many people can afford to buy their homes outright when the deal closes and need assistance in the form of a mortgage, or two. Here are the main types of mortgages borrowers can utilize when thinking about how to afford a home.
5 Important Forbearance Facts You Need to Know if Freddie Mac Owns Your Loan
Editorial | One of the hottest trending topics in the housing industry during the pandemic has been Forbearance. Millions of borrowers across the United States have been directly or indirectly impacted financially by the volatility of the current market and could potentially benefit from seeking a Forbearance. Many borrowers, however, are unfamiliar with how this type of mortgage relief program works. Borrowers must keep in mind that forbearance doesn’t erase what they owe. Instead, it provides options on how they can affordably repay missed payments later on. In essence, a forbearance is a written agreement that allows a borrower to reduce or suspend monthly payments for a specified time.
Want to Close by Your Closing Date? (I Would)
My friend found their dream home in the mountains and was all set to move (the Uhaul was packed and everything!) before they were informed their mortgage file was delayed in underwriting and they were not going to close by their original closing date. While I was on-hand to commiserate with them, I bit my tongue when it came to saying this scenario was avoidable. There are three main factors that often delay a file in process or underwriting, and it behooves you as a borrower to know these potential pitfalls before you advance through the mortgage lending process.
Are Home Prices Going to Go Up or Down?
Oddly enough, because I write this blog, I get asked all the time by friends and colleagues what I think will happen to housing prices. It has become an even more repetitive ask in these abnormal economic times, as it applies to a wide swath of the population, including: homeowners, potential homeowners, real estate agents, mortgage professionals, economists, media pundits, those casually interested in the housing market, and so on. I do not have a crystal ball, and often the speculative answers vary depending on how the question is approached. However, I do know what will influence prices in either direction.
