Buying a home is a huge milestone, and the excitement of closing can lead many buyers to quickly accept any mortgage offer without fully understanding its terms. One important detail to watch for is whether your mortgage includes a prepayment penalty. This fee can be an unwelcome surprise, so it’s crucial to know what you’re signing up for before finalizing your loan. What is a Prepayment Penalty?A prepayment penalty is a fee that some lenders charge if a borrower pays off their mortgage within a specified period, typically during the first two to five years. Though less common, some loans still include this clause. The lender charges the penalty to recoup the loss of expected … [Continue Reading...]
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by credit card debt, a cash-out refinance may be an effective way to manage it. This type of mortgage allows you to utilize your home’s equity to pay off high-interest credit cards, consolidating them into a single, lower-interest mortgage payment. How a Cash-Out Refinance Works A cash-out refinance lets you replace your current mortgage with a new one for more than what you owe. The difference is then given to you as cash, which you can use to pay off your high-interest debt. Here's how the process works: Apply for a Cash-Out Refinance: You start by applying for the refinance. Home Appraisal: Your lender will arrange for an appraisal to determine … [Continue Reading...]
Last week was a fairly light week, with the non-farm payroll data being the most significant release. The data showed that payrolls are growing at a faster rate than historical trends suggest, which could indicate that inflation is still above the Federal Reserve's target. In contrast, the upcoming week has a busy schedule, with many important economic releases lined up back to back. Non-Farm Payrolls Hourly pay for American workers rose a sharp 0.4% in September - above expectations - to put the increase over the past 12 months at 4.0%. That's up from 3.9% in the prior month. Wages are rising faster compared to the last few years before the pandemic. Wage gains rose just slightly over 3% on … [Continue Reading...]
Getting a mortgage without a credit score may seem like a tough task, but it is possible. Many assume that a credit score is a must, but if you don’t have one, you can still pursue your dream of homeownership. Here’s how. What is a Credit Score? A credit score is a numerical value that shows how well you manage debt. The score is based on factors like your payment history, how long you’ve had credit, and how much credit you’re using. Higher credit scores typically mean better mortgage terms, including lower interest rates. Loans Without a Credit Score If you don’t have a credit score, it’s not the end of the road for a mortgage. While many lenders are … [Continue Reading...]
The VA home loan program is one of the most valuable benefits offered to those who have served in the U.S. military, providing veterans and active-duty personnel with access to favorable mortgage terms. One common question is whether these VA entitlements ever expire. What is VA Home Loan Entitlement? VA home loan entitlement refers to the amount the Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees to a lender if the borrower defaults on the loan. This guarantee significantly reduces the lender’s risk, which allows veterans to access zero down payments and lower interest rates. The VA doesn’t issue the mortgage itself but backs loans made by private lenders. VA entitlements come in two … [Continue Reading...]
If you're thinking about buying a new home next year, there's one important factor to consider before you start browsing listings—your credit score. A strong credit score can make a huge difference in the interest rates you will qualify for and can also determine your mortgage approval. Starting the process of improving your credit now gives you a head start, putting you in a better position to achieve your homeownership goals when the time comes. Here are five steps to help you get started: 1. Check Your Credit Report Before anything else, it's essential to know where you stand. Request a copy of your credit report from the major credit bureaus. This will allow you to review your … [Continue Reading...]
