by sgomes | Aug 23, 2024 | Finance, Reverse Mortgage
If you have potential gaps in your plan for retirement income, you might consider adding part of your home equity to your planning. Over the past several years home values have increased dramatically across the US. In response to this, many retirement planners are...
by sgomes | Aug 9, 2024 | Mortgage, Mortgage Rates
A recent decrease in interest rates has spurred a significant uptick in mortgage refinance applications, according to the latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). While overall mortgage application volume saw a notable increase, the majority of this...
by sgomes | Aug 2, 2024 | Mortgage
When applying for a mortgage, one critical step that stands between you and closing the deal is the underwriting process. The core function of underwriting is evaluating your financial standing, which determines your eligibility for a mortgage. It is based on factors...
by sgomes | Jul 26, 2024 | Housing
Recent data released by the National Association of Realtors® sheds light on the evolving dynamics within the housing market. While existing home sales experienced a decline in June, median sales prices reached record highs, showing a mixed picture for potential...
by sgomes | Jul 19, 2024 | Housing
The real estate market is a dynamic ecosystem that can shift in favor of either buyers or sellers based on supply and demand. Understanding the differences between a buyer’s market and a seller’s market can empower individuals looking to buy or sell...
by sgomes | Jul 12, 2024 | Finance, Housing, Mortgage
If you’re planning to buy a new home, chances are you are also planning to hire an agent to represent you. Most home buyers use a buyer’s agent to support at least part of their home-buying process. However, there are exceptions when buyers either prefer to contract...
by sgomes | Jul 5, 2024 | Finance, Housing, Mortgage
If you are new to home buying, or if it’s been a while since you bought a house, here’s a step-by-step overview of how the process works. 1. Determine your Budget Select a lender to get pre-qualified, or better yet, get pre-approved. the pre-approval process...
by sgomes | Jun 28, 2024 | Finance, Housing, Mortgage
Earnest money is a deposit made by the buyer upfront when purchasing a home. It is often referred to as a good faith payment, demonstrating to the seller your serious intent to purchase the property once certain conditions are satisfied. To safeguard the deposit, a...
by sgomes | Jun 21, 2024 | Finance, Mortgage
As you probably know, your credit score plays a crucial role in your ability to buy a home. But most people don’t know how much it impacts their monthly payments and the total amount they’ll spend on their mortgage. Not only does it help you qualify for a mortgage,...
by sgomes | Jun 13, 2024 | Finance, Mortgage
Your FICO credit score is important when considering buying a home. High scores can qualify for loan packages with lower interest rates, which can increase your borrowing power and lower your monthly payments. If you have a less-than-perfect credit score, you still...