Halloween is a thrilling time of the year, filled with spooky costumes, delicious treats, and endless fun. It is also important to remember that safety should always come first. Whether you're a parent, homeowner, or someone simply looking out for your community, keeping your family and home safe on Halloween is a top priority. Here are some valuable tips to ensure that the holiday remains full of treats and without any tricks.
Home Security Matters: Securing your home is vital during Halloween. With increased foot traffic around your property, consider the following:
Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked.
Consider motion-activated lighting to deter unwanted visitors. … [Continue Reading...]
This week’s most significant data offered preliminary numbers for manufacturing and services PMI (Purchasing Managers Index). Both can serve as a forward indicator for the economy while providing insight into the current state of the cost of living for the service industry. While manufacturing met an expected rise for the end of October, services saw a contraction, falling to 46.6 from 49.3. Readings below 50.0 can be a sign of a downturn for the economy, particularly given the time of the year.
Mortgage Applications & Rates Indices
MBA Mortgage Applications Index saw a reduction of -1.0% in applications for the week, with rates once again increasing again week over week.
Primary … [Continue Reading...]
If you have been declined for a mortgage, you may think that buying that new home is out of reach. However, there are ways to turn a rejection into an approval and to find a more accessible loan. Here are just a few steps you can take to learn about your loan options and get the mortgage that works for you.
Find Out Why The Mortgage Application Was Denied
The first step to getting a second opinion is to find out why your mortgage application was denied. Banks commonly deny mortgages for reasons like a low credit score, a high debt-to-income ratio, or concerns about the applicant's past and present employment status.
To qualify for a mortgage, most lenders want to see someone with a credit … [Continue Reading...]
"No-deposit" mortgage deals for first-time buyers refer to mortgage options that allow buyers to purchase a home without having to put down a deposit or a down payment. Here are the pros and cons of such deals:
Pros:
Lower upfront costs: The most significant advantage of a no-deposit mortgage is that it eliminates the need for a substantial upfront deposit. This can be beneficial for first-time buyers who may struggle to save a large sum of money for a deposit.
Increased affordability: With a no-deposit mortgage, first-time buyers can purchase a home with a smaller amount of savings.
Potential investment opportunities: By utilizing a no-deposit mortgage, first-time buyers can allocate … [Continue Reading...]
A closed-end second mortgage is a type of loan that allows a borrower to obtain a lump sum of money using their home as collateral. It is considered a "second" mortgage because it is taken out in addition to the borrower's primary mortgage.
The term "closed-end" refers to the fact that the loan has a fixed amount and a predetermined repayment schedule. This means that once the borrower receives the lump sum, they cannot access any additional funds from the loan. The repayment schedule typically ranges from 5 to 15 years and involves monthly payments that include both principal and interest.
Here's how a closed-end second mortgage typically works:
Application and Approval: The homeowner … [Continue Reading...]
When a borrower applies for a mortgage loan, the lender typically requires proof of insurance coverage before they approve the loan. An insurance binder is a document issued by the insurance company that provides temporary proof of insurance coverage until the official insurance policy is issued.
The insurance binder for mortgage loans will typically include information about the property being insured, the coverage limits, and the effective date of the policy. The lender will review the insurance binder to ensure that it meets their requirements for coverage and will usually require the borrower to maintain insurance coverage for the duration of the mortgage loan.
How to Get a Mortgage … [Continue Reading...]