Category: Buying a Home

Types of Renovation Mortgage Programs

Renovation Mortgage Programs If I had a dollar for every time someone responded to my comment about remodeling and DIY projects with the phrase “welcome to home ownership!”– I’d be rich!  Not everyone has the means to build their pinterest-inspired dream home from the ground up– but what if I told you there are mortgage programs designed to help renovate existing structures?  What… Read more »

Trended Credit Data: How Will It Affect You?

You may have heard some buzz this spring about mortgage giant Fannie Mae and trended credit data, changes which were set to take effect in June. Just days before the launch, however, the new system was delayed unexpectedly. Well folks, long-awaited Desktop Underwriter 10.0 launched this past weekend, and with it, the requirement that lenders… Read more »

Using Gift Funds for your Down Payment

Using Gift Funds for your Down Payment Not everyone has thousands of dollars lying around for a down payment when they are in the market to purchase a home, so receiving a gift can be a great option!  Here’s what you need to know, if you’re lucky enough to receive a down payment gift. There… Read more »

USDA Lowers Upfront and Annual Fees for RD Loans

USDA Lowers Fees for RD Loans Great news for homebuyers considering a USDA rural development home loan (RD Loan)!  The already popular zero down mortgage is getting even better. The USDA announced this week that they will be decreasing both the upfront guarantee fee—a closing cost which is financed into the total loan amount at close; and… Read more »

What is a Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio?

What is a LTV

If you’ve ever been in the market for a mortgage, you’ve probably heard the phrase ‘loan-to-value ratio’ or ‘LTV’ for short.  Obtaining a new mortgage can be nerve-wracking, even without the financial jargon and acronyms—so let’s talk about LTV, what it means, and how it affects you and your mortgage. How are Loan-to-Value ratios calculated?… Read more »

Manufactured Home Loans

manufactured home loan requirements

Finding a lender who will finance a manufactured home can be quite a task, but luckily Riverbank Finance is able to provide programs to help you! It is important to know what to expect and the difference between financing a stick built home and a manufactured home. There are various programs that will allow for… Read more »

Brexit gives mortgage seekers the gift of low mortgage rates!

Mortgage rates have dropped yet again in the wake of the Brexit (Britain voting to leave the European Union).  The world markets have been very volatile since the news broke early Friday morning. Financial instability brings lower mortgage rates. Now is the best time to buy a home or refinance your mortgage to a lower… Read more »

Mortgage Rates have Dropped to Recent Lows

Mortgage rates have dropped again officially hitting the lowest levels in one year which is near historic lows. According to the Freddie Mac weekly mortgage survey, rates are as low as 3.72% for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage and as low as 3.01% for a 15 year fixed rate mortgage. If you have been considering… Read more »