As the 2009 recession fades into the sunset, the home buying market is showing signs of improvement in areas all over the United States. With more home buyers now entering the market, this becomes a good time to discuss one popular type of mortgage called the “Adjustable Rate Mortgage” or ARM.
The HARP Mortgage Program is Coming to an End Soon – Here’s What You Need to Know
The United States government established the HARP program, otherwise known as the Home Affordable Refinance Program, to assist homeowners who are struggling with their mortgage payments. However, the program will be ending soon, and homeowners who have not yet taken advantage of the program and who intend to do so may need to act quickly.
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 27, 2015
Last week’s scheduled economic news releases were limited as no news was released on Monday or Tuesday, but good news did arrive in the form of a dip in mortgage rates for fixed rate loans. NAR reported higher sales of pre-owned homes and FHFA reported that home price growth associated with mortgages held or backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac held steady in May.
Have a Weekend to Spare? Consider These Quick Renovations to Add Value to Your Home
Homeowners who are thinking about listing their home for sale in the coming weeks or months may be focused on improving their home to help it sell more quickly, but there also may be a focus on adding value to the home in the process. In fact, these are a few simple and easy projects that can typicaly be completed over the course of a weekend; that can add value and desirability to the home.
Good News! Existing Home Sales, FHFA Home Prices Increase
Housing markets show continued signs of strengthening according to reports released on Wednesday. The National Association of Realtors® reported that sales of pre-owned homes rose to 5.49 million in June as compared to May’s revised reading of 5.32 million pre-owned homes sold and expected sales estimated at 5.42 million sales. Expectations were based on May’s original reading of 5.35 million sales. June’s reading was the highest since February of 2007. Readings for existing home sales are calculated on a seasonally adjusted annual basis.
Assessing Your ‘Debt-to-Income Ratio’ and Why This Number Matters When Getting a Mortgage
For those who are looking to buy a home soon, keep in mind that the Debt-to-Income ratio of the borrower plays a huge role in the approval of your mortgage application. A low DTI may make it easier for the lender and the underwriter to justify making a loan to the borrower.
Seeking the Perfect Summer Home Improvement Project? It’s Time for an Inground Pool
The warmer summer months provide homeowners with the ideal conditions for making improvements to their property, and many will want to put installing an in-ground swimming pool at the top of their list of improvement ideas.
Let’s Talk Hardwood: Why Converting Your Home to Hardwood Flooring Will Boost Its Value
When a homeowner makes the decision to upgrade flooring in one area of the home or throughout the entire space, there are numerous materials that may be considered. While each material option has its unique benefits and advantages, many are drawn to hardwood flooring as an option.
Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Slower in April
According to the Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index for April, home prices slowed from the March reading of 4.30 percent year-over-year to 4.20 percent year-over-year.
Buying a New Home? 3 Tips for Being Approved for a Second Mortgage – and How to Manage It
Applying for a second mortgage is a great way to keep your down payment amount to a minimum and to keep more of your cash in your bank account. It can also help you to avoid making PMI payments…
Emma Butler Group- Mortgage Tips & Community 