lizlaurenb

22

Feb

Real Estate

The Most Common Real Estate Investing Terms You Need To Know

If you are thinking about investing in real estate, you probably know it is a great way to diversify your investments. But, like any investment, you must make sure you choose your targets wisely. That means understanding a lot of the jargon in the field. You will come across a lot of real estate investing terms, but what are some of the most important ones you need to know? Hard Money Loan There are a variety of real estate loan options, and one frequent choice among real estate investors is called a hard money loan. This is typically a loan…

21

Feb

By lizlaurenb

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 21, 2023

Last week’s economic news included readings on housing markets, inflation, retail sales, and data on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. NAHB: Homebuilder sentiment improves in February The National Association of Home Builders reported higher builder confidence in current U.S. housing market conditions with an index reading of 42 for February; Analysts expected a reading of 37 and January’s reading was 35. NAHB index readings over 50 indicate that most home builders have a positive view of housing market conditions. Factors influencing positive builder sentiment included lower mortgage rates…

17

Feb

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

In a Hurry to Buy a Home? Speed Your Mortgage Approval up by Following This Checklist

Have you finally found your dream home after months of searching, only to discover that the seller has received other offers? Few circumstances can raise your stress level as much as finding yourself in a bidding war against another buyer. However, being unprepared by not having your finances in order can make the situation even worse. Let's take a quick look at a few ways that you can speed up your mortgage approval if you are in a hurry to buy your next home. Pull Your Credit Report ASAP The first step you will want to do is check your…

16

Feb

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

ITIN Loans: Are These Loans Right For You?

As you take a look at your mortgage options, you might find that a conventional mortgage presents a few qualification challenges. Fortunately, there are other options available, and you might be able to pursue an ITIN loan. This stands for Individual Tax Identification Number, and Individual Tax Identification Number loans could be beneficial for people cannot get approved for a qualified mortgage. What do you need to know about the process? What Are The Requirements Of An ITIN Loan? First, you need to get an Individual Tax Identification Number. While you do not need a Social Security Number, you might need to fill…

15

Feb

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

What Is an Assumable Mortgage Loan: What You Need To Know

Everything has its benefits and drawbacks, and that includes mortgage loans. There are plenty of options available, and you need to find the best one to meet your needs. You have probably heard about conventional mortgages, FHA loans, and even VA loans. On the other hand, have you heard about assumable mortgages? What do you need to know about this option, and how do you know if it is right for you? An Overview Of An Assumable Mortgage So, what is an assumable mortgage loan? This means that the buyer is responsible for taking over the mortgage obligations of the…

14

Feb

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

What To Know About Living In A 55 And Up Community

Are you thinking about moving in the near future? If you are approaching your golden years, you might be able to move into a community specifically designed for people 55 years of age and older. What are some of the top reasons to consider this type of community? No Maintenance To Worry About One of the biggest headaches of owning a home is the maintenance that goes along with it. As you get older, you might find that the maintenance gets more difficult, but in a 55 and up community, you might not have to worry about this. Many older…

13

Feb

By lizlaurenb

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 13, 2023

Last week’s economic reporting included coverage of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech to the Economic Club of Washington and the University of Michigan’s data on consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. Federal Reserve: Chairman Jerome Powell Says the “Disinflationary Process” is Ongoing Fed Chair Jerome Powell said in remarks made to the Economic Club of Washington that the “disinflationary process” has started, but he also indicated that January’s unexpectedly strong jobs report indicated that further interest rate hikes are necessary: “We think we need to do further rate increases and we…

10

Feb

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

The Top Reasons To Stop Renting And Buy Today

Buying a house can be expensive, and it can take a long time to save up money for a down payment; however, it might be time for you to stop renting and buy your own place. What are some of the top reasons why it might be time to put down some roots? Your Rent Is Going Up The reality is that your rent will go up with time. Every time you renew your lease, it can be frustrating to see that rent check continue to increase. If you are tired of your rent going up, get a mortgage. You…

08

Feb

By lizlaurenb

Home Buyer Tips

Is It Worth It to Put More Than 20 Percent Down?

Are you thinking of buying a new home this spring or summer? If so, you're not alone. Many thousands of individuals and families alike will become homeowners this year. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned veteran of the housing market, you probably know there are significant choices to make. One of the big decisions you will have to ponder is how much you want to invest in your down payment. With that in mind, let's try to answer the question of whether or not it is worth it to put more than 20 percent of the home's price…

07

Feb

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

Getting A Mortgage When Self-Employed: What You Need To Know

There is a common misconception that someone who is self-employed will not have the tax records or income necessary to qualify for a mortgage; however, that is not necessarily the case. In reality, if you are self-employed, there are a lot of home loan options available to you. It is true that it might require some additional paperwork and planning, but as long as you have the necessary information, you should be able to qualify for a mortgage. What Is Necessary To Qualify For A Self-Employed Mortgage Loan? If you are interested in taking out a mortgage when you are…