Posts Tagged “mortgage”

What’s the Best Amount for a Down Payment?

What’s the Best Amount for a Down Payment?

If you’re obtaining a mortgage for your new home, you’ll likely be making a down payment.  While some loan types don’t require a down payment (namely, VA or USDA loans), the vast majority of borrowers are required to pay at least 3.5% towards their new home at settlement time. If you’re able to pay 20%…

Time to Lock In! Mortgage Rates Near 3-Year Lows

Time to Lock In! Mortgage Rates Near 3-Year Lows

The average 30-year fixed rate conventional mortgage is hovering just above a 3-year low, Mortgage News Daily reports.  Borrowers across the nation can expect to lock in at a rate of approximately 3.625% — not too shabby! This rate is close to the all-time lows that the mortgage industry experienced in 2012-2013. FHA and VA loans…

Should You Consider a 15 Year Home Loan?

Should You Consider a 15 Year Home Loan?

The 30-year mortgage is currently the preferred type of home loan for the vast majority of buyers across the nation.  In fact, nearly 95% of EveryHome’s borrowing clients obtain a 30-year loan.  However, some financial advisors warn that 30-year loans aren’t in every buyer’s best interest, as they can lead to high levels of debt into…

How To Buy a Home With No Money Down

How To Buy a Home With No Money Down

Generally speaking, you’ll need to put down at least 3.5% when you purchase a home using an FHA loan.  If you’re obtaining a conventional loan, you’ll need at least 5%.  However, there are some creative ways to buy a home with no money down: The most common way to pay less (or nothing at all!) at…

Mortgage Rates Tumble to 14-Month Low

Mortgage Rates Tumble to 14-Month Low

Mortgage rates continue to defy industry experts who predicted that the 30-year fixed rate loan would hit 5% this year.  Instead, the national average 30-year fixed rate mortgage dropped to 3.59% this week – its lowest rate since February 2015!  Last week’s average rate was 3.71%, according to government mortgage giant Freddie Mac. “Low mortgage…

Mortgage Rates Inch Higher as Spring Market Heats Up

Mortgage Rates Inch Higher as Spring Market Heats Up

The average rate for a 30-year fixed loan has increased for the third week in a row, according to Bankrate’s most recent survey of mortgage lenders across the nation.  The current rate currently stands at 3.93%, up from last week’s average of 3.87%. While mortgage rates may continue to fluctuate or increase slightly in upcoming…

Can You Buy a Condo with an FHA Loan?

Can You Buy a Condo with an FHA Loan?

If you’re thinking about purchasing a condominium, you may be wondering if you can use an FHA loan.  The most simple answer is that many (but not all) condo communities are eligible to be financed with a FHA loan. Because the FHA has specific requirements for condo projects, the community must already be on FHA’s list…

FHA Loans Available for Buyers with Credit Score of 580

FHA Loans Available for Buyers with Credit Score of 580

Are the days of strict lending standards over?  First Choice Loan Services, Inc. recently introduced an exciting new program for potential home buyers with less-than-stellar credit. The boutique-style lender is now offering FHA loans to borrowers with a credit score of 580 with a 5% down payment.   The program is also offering down payments…

How to Avoid PMI With Just a 10% Down Payment

How to Avoid PMI With Just a 10% Down Payment

Typically, anytime a buyer puts down less than 20% down on a home, they have to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI). Because this type of insurance can be expensive, many buyers attempt to avoid it by putting down at least 20%. Of course, this isn’t feasible for all borrowers — especially first time buyers! One…

Understanding Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Understanding Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

If you’re obtaining a loan and putting less than 20% down, you’ll likely be paying private mortgage insurance (PMI).  This pesky fee can range considerably in price, but it typically ranges between 0.3 and 1.5 percent of the original loan amount per year, according to Bankrate.com. While this insurance is paid by the consumer (that…

Quick and Easy Guide to Financing a Second Home

Quick and Easy Guide to Financing a Second Home

Purchasing a second home or vacation home can be a lot easier than one might expect! EveryHome had the opportunity to speak with Rob LaPierre, the Branch Manager of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. With the tightening of lending guidelines over the past few years and since the beginning of the recession, many buyers are under…

3 Signs That You’re Ready To Become a Homeowner

3 Signs That You’re Ready To Become a Homeowner

There’s a lot to think about when you purchase your first home (mortgage insurance! floorpans! interest rates! HOA fees!), and one of the most important elements is your readiness.  And, even as real estate agents, we acknowledge that it’s not in everyone’s best interest to buy a home just yet.  Here are three signs that…

Why So Many Buyers Choose a Mortgage Banker

Why So Many Buyers Choose a Mortgage Banker

If you’re purchasing your new home with a mortgage, you’ll likely choose between using a mortgage banker and your local bank.  EveryHome had the opportunity to sit down with Mark Mawby, the VP of Lending for Freedom Mortgage about why so many buyers choose a mortgage banker: Support A mortgage banker is available when your schedule…

Underwater on Your Home? What You Need to Know!

Underwater on Your Home? What You Need to Know!

If you owe more on your mortgage than your home is currently worth, you’re considered “underwater” or “upside down” on your loan.  Unfortunately, despite rising home values, many local homeowners are still underwater on their mortgages.  As a result, we continue to see short sales (more on that in a minute) and homeowners who are…

Mortgage Rates Fall….Again

Mortgage Rates Fall….Again

The average 30-year fixed rate loan fell from 3.92% last week to 3.81% this week, according to Freddie Mac.  This is the lowest rate since October, and the third consecutive week of falling rates. Industry experts blame the decreasing rates on global financial turbulence and concern, including weak inflation, stock market crises, and falling oil prices. As a…

Go Top