When it comes to applying for a mortgage, lenders take various factors into account to determine your eligibility. One crucial aspect they consider is your employment history. Your employment history provides lenders with valuable insights into your financial stability, income consistency, and ability to repay the loan. Lenders evaluate your income consistency to ensure that you have a reliable source of funds to cover your mortgage payments. They typically request pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns to verify your income. If you have been in the same job or industry for a considerable period and have a consistent or increasing income, it strengthens your mortgage application. However, if … [Continue Reading...]
Last week’s scheduled economic reporting included readings on construction spending, June’s FOMC meeting minutes, and reports on jobs and the national unemployment rate. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. Construction Spending Increased in May The Commerce Department reported spending for construction rose to 0.90 percent in May as compared to a month-to-month increase of 0.40 percent posted in April. The year-over-year reading showed $1.93 trillion in construction spending in May. April’s data was revised downward from the original reading of 1.20 percent growth to 0.40 percent growth in construction spending. Readings for construction … [Continue Reading...]
Choosing the right mortgage lender is a crucial decision when you're considering purchasing a home or refinancing your existing mortgage. With numerous lenders available in the market, it's important to carefully evaluate your options to ensure you select a lender that suits your needs and financial goals. Interest Rates and Terms: One of the primary factors to consider is the interest rate offered by the lender. A lower interest rate can significantly impact your monthly mortgage payments and overall affordability. Compare rates and terms from different lenders to determine the most favorable options for your financial situation. Lender's Reputation and Credibility: When dealing with … [Continue Reading...]
Inflation can erode the value of your savings over time, and one way to hedge against inflation is by investing in assets that appreciate in value over time. Real estate is often considered a good hedge against inflation, as property values tend to rise in line with inflation. Here are some ways a home purchase can help beat high inflation: Lock in a low-interest rate mortgage: High inflation often leads to higher interest rates, but if you lock in a low-interest rate mortgage when inflation is low, you can benefit from lower mortgage payments even if interest rates rise in the future. This can free up more money for other expenses and investments. Appreciation: Real estate values tend to … [Continue Reading...]
Purchasing or selling a property is a significant financial transaction that involves numerous parties, legalities, and a substantial amount of money. To ensure a smooth and secure process, the real estate industry relies heavily on a mechanism known as escrow. Understanding Escrow Escrow refers to a neutral third-party entity or professional, typically an escrow officer or a title company, entrusted with holding and disbursing funds and documents during a real estate transaction. It acts as a safeguard, ensuring that all parties fulfill their obligations and that the transaction progresses smoothly. How Escrow Works Once the buyer and seller have agreed on the terms of the transaction, they … [Continue Reading...]
Last week’s scheduled economic news includes readings on inflation, new home sales, pending home sales, and consumer sentiment. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell spoke at a banking conference in Spain. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. New Home Sales Rise as Pending Home Sales Fall May readings for new and pending home sales showed mixed results for May. 763,000 new home sales were expected on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. Analysts expected a reading of 675,000 sales based on April’s year-over-year reading of 680,000 new home sales. May’s increase in new home sales was the largest since February 2022. New home sales … [Continue Reading...]
