The purchase and refinance mortgage processes are similar in many ways, but there are also some important differences. Here is a general overview of how each process typically works: Purchase Mortgage Process Determine your budget: Before you start shopping for a home, you need to figure out how much you can afford to spend. You can do this by calculating your monthly income, expenses, and debt, and getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Find a property: Once you know your budget, you can start looking for homes that fit your criteria, whether that's size, location, or other factors. Make an … [Read More...]
Low maintenance landscaping can be a great way to improve your home's curb appeal without having to spend a lot of time and money on upkeep. Here are some ideas for low maintenance landscaping: Plant native species: Native plants are adapted to the local climate and require less water and maintenance than non-native plants. Use mulch: Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil and suppresses weed growth. Plus, it looks neat and tidy. Decorative Concrete: Decorative concrete is a type of concrete that has been designed to enhance the appearance of surfaces such as floors, walls, and … [Read More...]
Making major life decisions often involves a delicate balancing act. Among the most significant choices individuals face are buying a new car and purchasing a new home. Both ventures represent milestones in one's life, bringing excitement and anticipation. However, there is a complex interplay between these two financial endeavors that can significantly impact a person's ability to achieve their dream of owning a new home. Here are some factors to consider: Debt-to-income ratio: When you apply for a home loan, your lender will consider your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to determine whether … [Read More...]
If you're a homeowner with a mortgage, you may be familiar with the concept of an escrow account. This financial tool is designed to simplify the management of property-related expenses by combining certain costs, such as property taxes and insurance, into one account. Typically, your mortgage servicer collects a portion of these expenses with each monthly mortgage payment and holds the funds in an escrow account to cover these bills when they become due. Various factors can lead to fluctuations in these estimated expenses. If the actual costs turn out to be lower than anticipated, your escrow … [Read More...]
Last week’s economic reporting included readings on inflation, consumer sentiment, and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims. Inflation Rate Holds Steady in July Month-to-month inflation rose at a pace of 0.20 percent in July and met analysts’ expectations. There was no change in the pace of month-to-month inflation from June’s reading of 0.20 percent growth. The Consumer Price Index also reported that year-over-year inflation reached 9.10 percent, which was the highest reading since reaching a 40-year high in mid-2022. Core inflation, which excludes volatile … [Read More...]
Obtaining a pre-approval for a mortgage is an important step when you're planning to buy a home. It gives you an idea of how much you can afford, helps streamline the home-buying process, and strengthens your position as a serious buyer. However, many people worry that the pre-approval process might negatively impact their credit score. In this blog post, we'll dive into the details to determine whether or not a pre-approval for a mortgage will hurt your credit. Understanding Credit Inquiries To understand how pre-approval affects your credit, we need to discuss credit inquiries. When you … [Read More...]
