Mortgage Applications on the Rise
Mortgage applications to purchase a home rose recently and were 7% higher than a year ago. Purchase applications reached their highest level since April 2010. While total mortgage application volume decreased 3.5% during the same time, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index, overall volume was 14% higher than a year ago. Purchase […]
What to Ask Your Lender before You Commit
Which mortgage is the right one for me? When you want to know what your options are for each type of loan discussed, the mortgage lender should tell you the pros and the cons in light of your particular situation. In this article, we’ll look at what to ask your lender before you commit. Questions […]
Homebuying Preparedness
Do you dream of one day owning your own home? You need to be prepared. If you buy before you’re able, you can find you owe more on your property than what it’s worth. But when is the best time to buy a house? It is important to buy a home for the right reasons, […]
Why Home Inspections Are Necessary
You may have decided the master suite was exactly what you wanted, but do the windows leak? When you choose to purchase a home in Texas, you’re also potentially buying any problems lurking in the walls, the foundation, the crawl space, or the attic. The home inspection is the best way to negotiate repairs or […]
How Long is the Mortgage Process in Texas?
Unfortunately, the honest answer is that it depends on a number of things. The most important is how long it takes you to find a property in Texas you want to call home. It could take months or possibly years if you include the search as part of the process. You want to be thorough, […]
Mortgage Protection Insurance
Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance (MPPI) or Mortgage Protection Insurance (MPI) can be described as life insurance equal to the amount of your mortgage. Neither of these should be confused with Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). They are totally different things. PMI is charged to you each month along with your mortgage payment to protect your lender […]
Do You Need A Realtor?
The short answer is no, but not using a realtor, instead thinking you can use the internet as your only means of information is short-sighted. From researching the projected cost of utilities to local zoning restrictions, you’re going to invest countless hours in research before making an offer. As a buyer, and especially as a […]
Regular Home Maintenance Checklist
As a new homeowner, it can seem intimidating or totally overwhelming keeping up with the tasks required of home ownership. Fortunately, most of this list of tasks can be completed on your own without much experience. Without further ado, here’s your regular home maintenance checklist: MONTHLY Inspect, and possibly change out HVAC filters Experts will […]
What is Mortgage Protection Insurance?
Consider what would happen if someone listed on your mortgage became disabled, came down with a serious illness or died? Do other family members have the finances to make monthly mortgage payment? Do you have a financial back-up plan? Don’t feel alone. Many people don’t have a plan or an insurance that would assist in […]
Guidelines for Calculating a Mortgage
If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ll first want to have an idea of what you can afford. There are many online mortgage tools to use but remember this is just an estimate. When you feel you’re ready to initiate the purchasing process you should obtain professional mortgage advice on your actual […]
