Blog
Sep
9,
2021
9,
2021
A seller’s market has emerged in many areas around the country, but the rising costs aren’t impacting only homebuyers. The rental market has also gotten more expensive. And although renting can limit some housing expenses like taxes and maintenance, those savings can cost you in ways you may not have considered. 1. Competition Bidding wars […]
Sep
7,
2021
7,
2021
Open Mortgage, a national multi-channel mortgage lender dedicated to empowering the dream of homeownership, has been recognized as one of the top private companies in central Texas by the Austin Business Journal, ranking No. 18 on the publication’s annual list by gross revenue. The identified top privately-held companies represent some of the region’s most successful […]
Sep
2,
2021
2,
2021
Although many homeowners over 62 opt for a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) to eliminate their monthly mortgage payments, they may still face financial struggles. Unexpected events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, can derail even the best plans. Fortunately, relief legislation and guidance from the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and the Department […]
Aug
31,
2021
31,
2021
It’s a seller’s market in much of the country, which means competition is fierce, and prices are likely to be on the rise. Yet, these factors don’t necessarily make it a bad time to be a buyer. A natural reaction to the current real estate trends might be to sit on the sidelines for another […]
Aug
26,
2021
26,
2021
Real estate agents are a critical part of the home buying and selling process. In this video, our CEO and founder, Scott Gordon, discusses how to find a good realtor so you can close the deal of your dreams. Some of the topics he covers: Don’t settle for convenient options (AKA the friend or relative […]
Aug
24,
2021
24,
2021
A dramatic drop in interest rates led to a boom in mortgage refinances during 2020 and early 2021. While rates remain at historic lows, their stabilization will likely reduce the number of homeowners who are prompted by the news of falling rates to explore refinancing. Instead, it will be the proactive property owners who primarily […]
Aug
19,
2021
19,
2021
Disturbing stories of canceled home-building contracts are surfacing in Texas, Florida, Utah, and other states. As demand increases and the cost of lumber and other building materials rise, some developers invoke a clause in sales contracts with a devastating impact. It’s not unusual for purchase contracts to include some protections against cost overruns for the […]
Aug
17,
2021
17,
2021
Square footage is often one of the first features we evaluate about a home, but a higher number doesn’t always mean a more valuable home. In this video, our CEO and founder, Scott Gordon, discusses what you should keep in mind as you search for your next home. Some of the topics he covers: Price […]
Aug
12,
2021
12,
2021
Efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic included several protections for homeowners who lost income or otherwise struggled to pay their mortgages. Forbearance programs, stimulus payments, and unemployment enhancements were all intended to help avoid the long-term effects of a foreclosure. Unfortunately, it won’t be enough for everyone. It’s likely an uptick in foreclosures is still […]
Aug
10,
2021
10,
2021
A red-hot real estate market is giving many homeowners a big bump in equity. In this video, our CEO and founder, Scott Gordon, explores a few ways to cash in on years of hard work and currently rising equity. Some of the topics he covers: Home Equity Lines of Credit and Refinancing Home Equity Conversion […]
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