Today’s Low Interest Rates

In the sixth straight week of decline, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.82% for the week of May 30. This is down from 3.99%. It was the lowest level since September 2017. Borrowers are receiving exceptional rates compared to last year at this time, when 30-year mortgages were averaging 4.54%. The monthly payment on a […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Home Equity Loan and Second Mortgage: What’s the Difference?

The terminology is confusing. A second mortgage is any loan that involves a second lien on the property. Some second mortgages are for a fixed dollar amount paid out at one time, in the same way as a first mortgage. As with firsts, such seconds may be fixed-rate or adjustable-rate. You will need to keep […]

Home Buying and Millennials

Totaling more than 80 million individuals, millennials represent the largest generation in the U.S. By 2025, they will claim three-quarters of all jobs. Also considered the best educated, 35% of 25 to 29-year-olds hold a degree, while at the same time carry some of the highest debt levels due to student loans and credit card […]

How to Save Thousands on Your Mortgage

Do you hate the thought of paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest on a mortgage loan? When you make a mortgage payment, a portion of that money goes toward the principal amount of your loan, and the other part goes toward interest. During the early years of your mortgage, your payments will primarily […]

How to Become a Homeowner in Texas

If you’ve ever wanted to buy a house in the Lone Star State, you’ll need to go through a lot of steps. In this article, we provide an overview of how to become a homeowner in Texas. Budget You need to know exactly how much home you can afford before you begin your home search. […]

Choosing the Right Mortgage for a Fixer Upper

The biggest difference you’ll be facing is that you’re applying for a mortgage based on the value of the house after the renovation, and not what the home is worth at the time of purchase. Unlike traditional fixed rate mortgage options, fixer-upper homes will need a unique loan. There are two main types of loans […]