Down Payment Assistance Programs May Make Homeownership More Affordable

There are many people who are currently looking to purchase a home while interest rates are relatively low; however, there are many homeowners who feel like they do not have a strong level of financial understanding when it comes to the process of purchasing a home. If homeowners don’t have the financial knowledge base to effectively evaluate their options, they might have trouble figuring out what they can truly afford. For example, how much money do homeowners need to save for a down payment? There are a lot of down payment assistance programs available at local, state, and regional levels. Resources Are Available For First Time Homebuyers There are many down…
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The Younger Generation is Looking To Buy Houses

The current housing demand is unparalleled and because of this demand, home prices are skyrocketing. Nonetheless, people continue to shop for homes. Low interest rates and high demand combined with supply chain issues are stunting the homebuilding industry, creating a perfect storm for an unprecedented housing market. In addition, there are many millennials who are looking for homes right now as well. Why is this the case? Interest Rates Are At Record Lows One of the biggest reasons why so many younger people are looking to buy a home is that low-interest rates make them more affordable. As a result, people are able to stretch their dollars farther. There is no question…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 12, 2021

Last week’s scheduled economic reporting included readings from the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee, news on changing FHA home loan requirements for borrowers with student loans, and reporting on job openings. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. FOMC Minutes Show Fed’s Reluctance to Raise Target Rate The Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve released minutes of its meeting held via teleconferencing on June 15 and 16. The Committee resumed its consideration of creating “domestic and foreign repurchase agencies that would have a backdrop role in fostering implementation and support of monetary policy and smooth functioning of markets,” but no decisions were made.  FOMC members…
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A Review Of Government Vs Conventional Mortgages

There are two broad categories of mortgages. The first is government mortgages, which include USDA, FHA, and VA loans. These loans are backed and insured by the United States government. The other category is conventional mortgages. These are mortgages that are insured by private lenders, such as banks and credit unions. What are the differences between these two loan options? Government Mortgages The qualifications for government mortgages are usually more lenient than conventional loans. For example, FHA mortgages are usually backed by the Federal Housing Administration. FHA loans could be a smart option for borrowers who might not be able to make a large down payment or who are taking out…
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Refinancing A Mortgage: Is It Too Soon?

Due to the fact that mortgage rates are still hovering near record lows, many homeowners are considering refinancing to a lower interest rate. This is a great way for homeowners to shorten the term of the loan, reduce the size of their monthly payments, and access cash for a home improvement project. On the other hand, there are some situations where it might be too soon to refinance an existing mortgage. What are a few factors to consider? Conventional Home Loans Might Require A Certain Amount Of Equity Homeowners with a conventional loan should reach out to their lender to see what the requirements are on the home loan before refinancing.…
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Let’s Talk Hardwood: Why Converting Your Home to Hardwood Flooring Will Boost Its Value

When a homeowner makes the decision to upgrade flooring in one area of the home or throughout the entire space, there are numerous materials that may be considered. While each material option has its unique benefits and advantages, many are drawn to hardwood flooring as an option. This is a material that has the potential to boost home value, and a closer look at its benefits will reveal why this is the case. A Durable, Long-Lasting Material With many flooring options, homeowners understand that the material will need to be replaced or upgraded over the years. With hardwood flooring, the timeless appeal and incredible durability of the material means that the…
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