Mortgage rates have climbed again, putting pressure on buyers’ budgets and slowing refinancing opportunities. Freddie Mac reported an average 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 7.40% on October 8, compared with 6.30% a year earlier. Individual rates vary by loan program, credit score, down payment and other factors. The question everyone is asking: When will rates […]
Buying a home is a big decision, and it can be even more daunting for first-time home buyers. But don't worry, we're here to help! Here are 10 tips to get you started:
The United States is currently facing a debt ceiling crisis. The debt ceiling is the maximum amount of money that the federal government is allowed to borrow. The current debt ceiling is $31.4 trillion, and the government is expected to reach that limit in June of 2023. If the debt ceiling is not raised, the […]
The Federal Reserve (Fed) does not directly set mortgage rates, but it does indirectly affect them through its monetary policy decisions. The Fed's monetary policy decisions impact the amount of money in circulation, which in turn affects interest rates. When the Fed raises interest rates, it becomes more expensive for banks to borrow money, which […]
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is a type of home loan with an interest rate that can change over time. The interest rate on an ARM is usually fixed for a certain period of time, called the introductory period, and then it can adjust up or down periodically, based on an index rate. ARMs typically have […]
A rate buydown is a mortgage financing technique that lowers the interest rate on a mortgage for a specified period of time. The buyer or seller of the home can pay for a rate buydown. The seller may offer a rate buydown as an incentive to attract buyers, while the buyer may pay for a […]
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. It is a measure of your ability to afford monthly debt payments, including your mortgage, as a percentage of your gross monthly income. A lower DTI ratio generally means you are a more attractive borrower and […]
There are many different payments that you may be responsible for when buying a house. Some of the most common payments include: In addition to these payments, you may also be responsible for other costs associated with homeownership, such as maintenance and repairs. It is important to factor in these costs when budgeting for your […]
