Reasons to Refinance Your Home Right Now
Mortgage interest rates remain at all-time lows, so now is an excellent time to consider refinancing. Maybe you never got around to refinancing during the pandemic, or perhaps you refinanced your mortgage in the last few years but have built up substantial equity in your home. Regardless, it’s crucial to regularly check up on your […]
How Much to Put Down on a House
If you are thinking about buying a home, a great place to start is planning for a mortgage down payment. Many often wonder how much money they should have saved for a down payment on a house. The answer depends on your overall budget, credit profile, debt-to-income ratio, and desired loan program. What is a Down Payment […]
What Not to Do During the Mortgage Process
Upon submitting a mortgage application and providing some brief documentation, you will receive a mortgage pre-approval. Pre-approvals are based on your current financial and credit information, so it is important to avoid things that may negatively affect your loan approval throughout the mortgage process. Mortgage companies look for stability and consistency throughout the mortgage process, […]
What is a Mortgage Note and Why is it Important?
A mortgage note is a legal document signed by the borrower at the closing, promising to repay your mortgage. Mortgage notes are contractual documents filed with the local government that state the agreed-upon terms of your loan and outline the property’s details used to secure the mortgage What is Outlined in a Mortgage Note? The mortgage […]
Holiday Energy Saving Tips
The holiday season is quickly approaching. That may mean more decorations, entertaining, and cold weather for many. Unfortunately, with the holiday season typically comes larger energy bills. If you’re looking to lower your monthly energy bill while still staying in the holiday spirit, focus on these holiday energy saving tips! 1. Switch to LED Lights Using […]
Home Maintenance Checklist: Monthly, Seasonal, and Annual
Home maintenance may seem daunting if you are unsure where to begin and what to do; however, home repairs and improvements may save you from larger potential issues and unexpected costs in the future. Follow this monthly, seasonal, and annual home maintenance checklist to help you stay on track and keep your home in its best condition […]
How Does a Cash-Out Refinance Work?
Now is a great time to refinance as interest rates remain at all-time lows, and many homeowners are sitting on untapped equity. Your mortgage should change with your evolving financing needs, so if you have equity in your home and are looking for extra cash-on-hand for upcoming expenses, you may benefit from a cash-out refinance. […]
Paying Cash for a House vs. Getting a Mortgage
If you have the means to do so, you may be wondering if you should pay all cash for a home or get a mortgage. Some believe it may be better to put an all-cash offer on a home in today’s competitive housing market. However, getting a mortgage could be a smarter financing decision as […]
How Long is a Mortgage Pre-Approval Good for and Why are They Important?
In today’s competitive real estate market, pre-approvals are more crucial than ever. Before you start the home buying process, it’s essential to understand the basics of the mortgage pre-approval process and how it may help you purchase your dream home. What is a Mortgage Pre-Approval? A mortgage pre-approval is a written commitment from a mortgage company […]
What is Included in a Mortgage Payment?
If you are thinking about buying a home or reviewing your current loan terms, you may be wondering what is included in your monthly mortgage payment. Your monthly payment will consist of the principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, and we break down each of the components below. Principal The mortgage principal refers to the actual amount of […]
