Category: Mortgage Tips

New MSHDA Grant | MSHDA Down Payment Assistance Flaws

  What everyone is referring to as the new MSHDA grant is not free money. Actually, it is not even a grant. It is a second mortgage that may be used in place of a down payment when buying a new home in the form of down payment assistance. Contrary to what most people assume,… Read more »

HomePath Mortgage Loans for Buying Fannie Mae Foreclosures in MI

A HomePath Mortgage allows a home buyer to buy a home with a low down payment and flexible mortgage terms with no appraisal, no mortgage insurance and even seller paid closing costs. This unique home loan program offers the best of all financing terms for qualified buyers. This conventional loan product is only available one… Read more »

2014 USDA Rural Development Loan Eligibility Updates

The National USDA Office in Washington DC has confirmed that they will be using 2010 Census data to update the USDA Rural Development program eligibility maps. Current USDA maps are based on the dated 2000 Census data. This change will not take effect until October 1st, 2014 however the changes will affect many areas nationwide… Read more »

Five Easy Ways to Pay Off your Mortgage Faster

If you are a person that plans for the future then you most likely have given thought about paying down your mortgage. For many families, your mortgage is the largest debt you have above car loans, student loans, credit cards and personal loans.  You should put an equal amount of focus on paying off this… Read more »

Buy a house with your Tax Refund as a Down Payment

The end of the year can be a very joyous time for many of us. It is a time when we can spend some quality time with our families, experience the joy of giving to others, and reflect on how thankful we are. The end of the year also allows us to reflect on our… Read more »

How to Apply for a Mortgage Loan

The first step to becoming a homeowner is applying for a mortgage. This is a crucial step in the home buying process that cannot be overlooked. Many times, real estate agents even require that you are preapproved by a mortgage company before they will spend their time showing you homes. It is important to know that… Read more »

Why Property Taxes go up after Buying a Home

Be sure to investigate property taxes before you buy a home. Sure, the real estate listing may estimate the current property taxes but you need to take it a step further to get the full tax costs. One common tax number that is overlooked is the SEV or State Equalized Value. Property taxes are based… Read more »

FHA Back to Work After Government Shutdown

While the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) was not fully closed during the government shutdown, they were running on limited staff for the 16 days of uncertainty. Most FHA Lenders and Banks continued to process and fund FHA loans during this time which has created a backlog of FHA endorsements and questions from these companies. In response to undoubtedly hundreds of… Read more »