Are you interested in refinancing your mortgage? There are a variety of reasons why you might want to refinance your home loan. For example, you might want to secure a lower interest rate, or you may want to reduce your monthly payment. You might even want to tap into the equity you have in your home for some quick cash. There are different loan options available, so you need to think carefully about which one is best for your needs. The Conventional Mortgage Refinance One of the first options you will consider is a conventional mortgage refinance. This could be the best option for you because it provides you with the greatest degree of flexibility. For example, you can shorten the … [Continue Reading...]
How to Get Rid of PMI? PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is a type of insurance that lenders may require borrowers to pay if they have a down payment of less than 20% of the home's purchase price. The purpose of PMI is to protect the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan. However, once you have paid off enough of your mortgage or your home has appreciated in value, you may be able to get rid of PMI. Here are some ways to do so: Pay down your mortgage: If you make extra payments on your mortgage or pay more than the required monthly payment, you can build equity in your home faster and reduce the amount of PMI you have to pay. Once you reach 20% equity in your home, you can request … [Continue Reading...]
Buying a home is an exciting and exhilarating time. Between the time your offer is accepted, and when you finally have keys in hand and you are ready to step into your new home, it can be stressful. The escrow period, also known as the closing, can take the most easygoing home buyer to the brink of insanity. After you have negotiated your best price and come to an agreement, there are ways to make the escrow process less anxiety-provoking. Here are some tips from top real estate agents to help you get through the escrow process without losing your cool. Utilize Your Professionals Trust your real estate agent to walk you through the entire process is key to a smoothly closing escrow. … [Continue Reading...]
With the weather beginning to warm up outside, you might be thinking about installing a pool on your property. This is a great way to relax, entertain friends, and get some exercise; however, a pool can cost tens of thousands of dollars. What happens if you don't have enough money? There are several options available. Ask About A Pool Loan One of your first options might be to approach a local lender and ask for a pool loan. As the name suggests, this is a loan that can provide you with funding specifically for the construction of a new pool. While your pool construction company might be willing to offer you a financing plan, you should also talk to local lenders to see what rates you can … [Continue Reading...]
Owning a home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it's important to be aware of the expenses that come with homeownership. Understanding these costs can help you prepare for and manage them effectively, ensuring a smoother transition into your new home. The Mortgage Payment The mortgage payment is typically the largest expense that homeowners face. This monthly payment consists of the principal and interest on your home loan. The principal is the amount you borrowed to purchase the home, while the interest is the cost of borrowing the money. The length of your loan term and the interest rate will determine the size of your monthly mortgage payment. Keep in mind that paying down … [Continue Reading...]
Last week’s economic reporting included readings on inflation, retail sales, and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. March Inflation Slows as Retail Sales Fall Inflation slowed to a month-to-month pace of 0.10 percent in March as compared to February’s reading of 0.40 percent growth. Year-over-year inflation rose by 5.00 percent and fell short of analysts’ expected reading of 5.10 percent year-over-year inflation and February’s year-over-year inflation rate of 6.00 percent. Core inflation, which excludes volatile readings for food and fuel, rose by 0.40 percent in March and matched analysts’ … [Continue Reading...]