Blog

Nov 30, 2016

Whether you’re selling your home or refinancing your mortgage, your home’s value plays a big part. And in most cases, home values are determined through appraisals from state-licensed appraisers. While some home characteristics assessed by appraisers are out of your control (such as your view, and the price of recently sold similar homes in your […]

Nov 29, 2016

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and December is nearly here. As temperatures drop and snow begins falling in many US regions, home utility bills are about to rise. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration is predicting a 22% increase in energy bills this winter. To lower this cost that none of us enjoy paying, […]

Nov 23, 2016

It’s been a busy few weeks when it comes to mortgage-related news. Here are some highlights: President-elect Trump vs Mortgage Rates You might have heard, we just had an election! President-elect Trump’s economic policies will have a powerful impact on the mortgage industry. This article analyzes some mortgage industry predictions and scenarios that could happen […]

Nov 22, 2016

Thanksgiving is upon us (and Christmas is a month away), bringing us into America’s busiest travel season. With AAA predicting 43.5 million Americans will travel over 50 miles to celebrate Thanksgiving (the highest amount since 2007), many Americans will be leaving their homes unoccupied. Here are some tips to help secure your most valuable possession […]

Nov 21, 2016

Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for what we have. And it’s wonderful showing loved ones how much we appreciate them. But if you’re like most Americans, you’re trying to to get through the end of the year with your pocketbook intact! For Americans wanting to buy a house in 2017, it’s even more important to […]

Nov 17, 2016

Before the mortgage bubble burst in 2008, there was a saying in the industry: “All you need to get a mortgage is a pulse.” Sounds suspect, no? The mortgage industry pre-2008 was the wild west of the lending frontier. Credit scores and debt-to-income minimums might as well have been suggestions, rather than guidelines. Even worse, […]

Nov 16, 2016

Do reverse mortgages have an undeserved bad rap? One of America’s leading retirement planning experts believes so. Wade Pfau, professor of retirement income at The American College and Director of Retirement Research at McLean Asset Management and inStream Solutions, says Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (also known as reverse mortgages) can improve retirees’ financial sustainability and […]

Nov 15, 2016

Thinking about moving? Realtor.com recently ranked America’s hottest housing market ZIP codes for 2016. Their rankings are based on the most viewed ZIP codes on its website, and the time it takes properties to sell. For the top 20 housing market ZIP codes on Realtor.com, homes sell in an average of 25 days—or 53 days […]

Nov 14, 2016

Selling your home can be stressful and rewarding. Your home’s location, its condition, and your reasons for moving all factor into your experience. But regardless of why you’re selling, here are some tips to make the process easier: Price your home right Your selling price strongly impacts the amount of offers you receive, and their […]

Nov 10, 2016

So you’ve spent time researching reverse mortgages and want to speak with a loan officer. Congratulations! For Americans aged 62 and up, reverse mortgages can provide benefits in a variety of situations. When you meet with your loan officer, it’s best to come prepared. Here are some questions you’ll want to ask them: Why do […]

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