Category: First Time Home Buyer

Buy a Home with No Closing Costs

Buy a Home with No Closing Costs An alarming number of first time homebuyers are unaware that mortgages involve closing costs, and which often creates a financial obstacle. Here, we’ll explain not only what closing costs are, but more importantly, how to avoid paying them! What are Closing Costs? Closing costs are additional fees a… Read more »

VA Loans Just Got Better

  For eligible servicemembers, veterans, and surviving spouses, the existing VA home loan program just got better! The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has introduced a new policy regarding how student loan debt affects mortgage eligibility. Related: VA Loans for Military Veterans VA loosens Guidelines for Student Loans The new policy makes it easier for… Read more »

Use Your Tax Refund as a Down Payment on a Home

Use Your Tax Refund as a Down Payment on a Home One of the biggest roadblocks to homeownership for prospective first time homebuyers is the down payment. Given the cost of rent, utilities, student loan debt, and many other expenses, it is hard to save up thousands of dollars for a down payment. Some first… Read more »

Housing Inventory Reaches 18-Year Low

Housing Inventory Reaches 18-Year Low The number of active listings dropped again last month to the lowest level since 1999, according to the National Association of Realtors.  Only 1.65 million homes are available for sale, which equates to roughly 3.6 months of inventory nationwide.  This figure is downward from the 3.9 months of inventory reported in December… Read more »

7 Mortgage Myths Debunked

7 Mortgage Myths Debunked It is no secret that the home buying process is a long and complicated one. Getting started can be intimidating and confusing, so we’ve compiled a list of common mortgage myths we hear from our clients. Here, we’ll break them down and explain the truth about mortgages, in plain English. 1.… Read more »

FHA Lowers Mortgage Insurance Premium

FHA Lowers Mortgage Insurance Premium Great news for homebuyers considering an FHA home loan or FHA refinance! The popular mortgage program is getting even better. The Department of Housing & Urban Development announced this morning that the FHA will be decreasing their annual mortgage insurance premium by a quarter of a percent. The upfront guarantee fee… Read more »

Millennials, Mortgages and Homeownership

Millennials, Mortgages & Homeownership It is no surprise that millennials, generation aged 18-34, make up more than 40% of homebuyers today. Follow these simple steps to join your peers on the path to home ownership. Don’t Wait Forever If you find yourself waiting for the perfect house, at a great price, and the lowest rate,… Read more »

How to Ensure a Fast Mortgage Closing

If you’ve ever purchased a home, you know how stressful the process can be. What should be an exciting experience can quickly turn to panic, as the target closing date approaches. So, what can be done to prevent delays along your path to homeownership? Check out our list of tips and tricks below to meet (or beat!) your closing date. Get… Read more »