Are You 1 of the 59M Considering Buying a Home?

According to a survey conducted by Bankrate.com, one in four Americans are considering buying a home this year. If this statistic proves to be true, that means that 59 million people will be looking to enter the housing market in 2017! The survey also revealed 3 key takeaways: Those most likely to buy are ‘Older Millennials’ (ages 27-36) […]

Attention First-Time Buyers: Here’s the Key Stuff You Don’t Know About Mortgages

When it comes to mortgages, there’s a big gap between what people think they need in order to get one and the reality of what buyers are successfully doing—especially young people. I know, I know, I’ve written on down payments before (like last month, when I highlighted that putting 20% down isn’t the norm). But you know what? When […]

Qualify for a Mortgage and have a FICO Score Under 750?

The results of countless studies have shown that potential home buyers, and even current homeowners, have an inflated view of what is really required to qualify for a mortgage in today’s market.   One such study by the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, revealed that many Millennials have not yet considered purchasing a home, […]

Two Myths About Mortgages That May Be Holding Back Buyers

Fannie Mae’s “What do consumers know about the Mortgage Qualification Criteria?” Study revealed that Americans are misinformed about what is required to qualify for a mortgage when purchasing a home and these two myths may be holding buyers back. Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment” The first of two myths is Fannie Mae’s survey revealed that consumers overestimate […]

5 Things Your Mortgage Broker Wishes You Knew

The financial side of home buying can sometimes feel like a nightmare. You’re stuck in a calculus final that never ends—and you’ve forgotten the meaning of everything. Here are the 5 things your mortgage broker wishes you knew. PITI (or principal, interest, taxes, insurance)? Prepayment penalties? Contingencies? “Confusing” is an understatement. We’re the first to admit that looking for a […]

How to Buy a Second Home (Hint: It Won’t Be Like Your First!)

So you’re thinking of a second home? You’ve braved the home buying circus before, and have a great place to show for it. You’ve trudged through the open houses, experienced exactly how stressful closing can be, and dealt with legions of moving trucks. And still, a part of you wants something more: an escape in the mountains, a beach cottage, or a pied-à-terre in the […]

5 Most Common Questions About Mortgages—Answered

Not exactly sure how a mortgage works? Don’t feel bad—the average home buyer doesn’t either. The whole process is filled with head-scratching questions, from how big a down payment has to be to why your interest rate isn’t as great as you’d hoped. To help clear up some of your confusion, here are some of the most common questions home […]

Sales at Highest Pace in 9 Years!

Some Highlights: Sales of existing homes reached the highest annual pace in over 9 years at 5.29 million. Inventory remains below the 6-month norm and prices are still on the rise. Interest rates are at a historic low of 3.48%. You read that right!  Sales are at their highest pace in NINE years!!