You are probably excited to close on your home, but you may have also seen that your interest rate might be a bit higher. If you are looking for a way to save money, particularly if you have a lot of work to do on the home, you might be looking for a way to reduce your interest rate during the first couple of years. One option is to perform a 2-1 buydown. What do you need to know about this option, and how do you know if it is right for you? How A 2-1 Buydown Works This is a special type of program that can help you slightly alter the financing on your home loan. Specifically, it has been designed to reduce the interest rate during the first two years of your mortgage. During the first year … [Continue Reading...]
Last week’s economic reporting included coverage of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech to the Economic Club of Washington and the University of Michigan’s data on consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published.
Federal Reserve: Chairman Jerome Powell Says the “Disinflationary Process” is Ongoing
Fed Chair Jerome Powell said in remarks made to the Economic Club of Washington that the “disinflationary process” has started, but he also indicated that January’s unexpectedly strong jobs report indicated that further interest rate hikes are necessary: “We think we need to do … [Continue Reading...]
Whether you have recently graduated from college or are getting close to retirement, it's likely that you have given some thought as to how you can grow your net worth. You might have invested in stocks, picked up a few bonds or have a 401(k) plan set up to help fund your retirement. But have you considered buying real estate as part of your portfolio? In today's blog post we'll have a look at three reasons why real estate investing is one of the most effective ways to grow your overall net worth. Reason #1: It Generates Passive Income One of the best reasons to hold real estate as part of your investment portfolio is that it can generate passive income in the form of rent. Whether you buy a … [Continue Reading...]
As you take a look at your mortgage options, you might find that a conventional mortgage presents a few qualification challenges. Fortunately, there are other options available, and you might be able to pursue an ITIN loan. This stands for Individual Tax Identification Number, and Individual Tax Identification Number loans could be beneficial for people cannot get approved for a qualified mortgage. What do you need to know about the process? What Are The Requirements Of An ITIN Loan? First, you need to get an Individual Tax Identification Number. While you do not need a Social Security Number, you might need to fill out Form W-7. Then, you need to provide supplemental … [Continue Reading...]
If you are interested in purchasing a house in the near future, you need to pay close attention to your kitchen. The kitchen is considered to be the heart of the home, and you need to make sure the kitchen is laid out appropriately. You need the kitchen to match your expectations, but you also need to pick a kitchen that will help you maximize the value of your home if you decide to sell it down the road. What are a few of the most important examples of kitchen features you need to pay attention to? The Cabinets Always take a close look at the cabinets. Look at the inside of the cabinets for signs of water damage, and make sure the cabinets are aligned appropriately. If the cabinet … [Continue Reading...]
Last week’s economic reporting included readings on home price growth from S&P Case-Shiller and the Federal Housing Finance Administration. Monthly reports on job growth and unemployment were released by the federal government and ADP. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. S&P Case-Shiller HPI: Home Prices Drop in November S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices revealed that U.S. home prices fell for the fifth consecutive month in November. The National Home Price Index fell by -3.1 percent year over year in November as compared to a positive reading of 2.8 percent home price growth in October. Miami, Florida, Tampa, Florida, and Atlanta, … [Continue Reading...]