Mortgage Rates Forecast - Featured
Mortgage Basics

2023 Mortgage Rates Forecast

2020 and 2021 were tremendous years for homebuyers and refinancers, with near record setting lows for mortgage rates across the country. As we’ve begun 2023, the question on everyone’s mind has become: what will we see within the next year in regard to the fluctuating interest rates? In 2020, mortgage rates were some of the…

Continue Reading

Calculate Your Mortgage Payment - Featured
Mortgage Basics

How to Calculate Your Home Payment

When considering purchasing a home, it is important to understand how to calculate your monthly mortgage payment to plan your budget for future expenses. We are going to cover the basics you’ll need to calculate an estimated monthly payment. With this information, you can get an idea of what purchase price you are comfortable with,…

Continue Reading

FHA Home Loan Requirements
Home Loans

FHA Home Loan Requirements

Many people believe that homeownership is completely out of reach. But the truth is that even with a low credit score or the inability to save for a hefty down payment, you can still buy a house you love.If you would like to purchase a home but are struggling with credit or savings, an FHA…

Continue Reading

2023 Conforming Loan Limits - USA Mortgage
Mortgage News

Conforming Loan Limits

Each year, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sets new baseline loan limits for various types of home loans to reflect the average home price in the U.S. Conventional loans, also known as conforming loans, are guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and make up most of the loans in the U.S. As you…

Continue Reading

Who Qualifies for a VA Loan - Featured
Home Loans

Who Qualifies for a VA Loan?

VA loans are mortgage loans tailored specifically for active-duty service members and veterans of our nation’s armed forces. In order to be eligible, you must have served a designated amount of time in the military, or in some cases, surviving spouses of veterans are eligible as well. It is important to understand the difference between…

Continue Reading

What is a conventional loan - featured
Home Loans

What is a Conventional Home Loan?

A Conventional loan is a home loan program that is not backed by a government agency, but has many of the benefits that government loans have to offer and, more. Conventional home loans come in several different varieties; whether you are a first-time homebuyer, looking for an investment property, or wanting to refinance your current…

Continue Reading

Options for First Time Homebuyers - Blog
Home Loans

Loan Options for First Time Homebuyers

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, the loan process can be both exciting and daunting. With homes flying off the market in record time, it’s essential to move quickly. Researching loans you may be eligible for and getting a layout of the guidelines can help you find a loan best suited for your financial situation as…

Continue Reading

Predatory Lending Common Signs
Mortgage Basics

5 Common Signs of Predatory Lending

With so many mortgage lending companies out there, you might be wondering how to find one that has your best interests in mind. It can be more difficult when predatory lenders use deceptive tactics and tricks to trap people into less-than-ideal financial situations. Look out for these five common signs and tactics predatory lenders use…

Continue Reading

Buy a Home

5 Tips for Second-Time Homebuyers

As excited as you were to buy your first house, we bet you’re equally as excited (if not more) to buy your second. Though the process of buying a home is quite similar, there are some different things to take into consideration as you take this step into real estate investment. Here are some tips…

Continue Reading

Mortgage Basics

Mortgage Rates and Affordability

As rates rise, affordability dwindles. If you want more home for the same monthly payment, acting before mortgage rates rise further may be a direct path to success. How Much Can You Finance with $960/Month? Each example here shows the principal and interest payment for a 30-year, fixed-rate loan. 1- Loan of $180,000Interest rate: 5.00%…

Continue Reading

FHA Loans - MIP Featured
Mortgage Basics

FHA Loans: Mortgage Insurance Premium

If you are thinking about buying a home, an FHA home loan might be the right program for you. Mortgage Insurance Premium is a component of FHA home loans that you will want to know about if you decide to go with the FHA loan program. Below, we answer some common questions that you might…

Continue Reading

Purchasing a Vacation Property
Buy a Home

Purchasing a Vacation Home in Ozarks

Between thousands of acres and endless recreational activities, it’s no wonder the Ozarks is becoming such a popular spot in the Midwest. Instead of flying across the country for a water oasis, you now can be just a few hours away. Here are some things to consider so you can get your dream Ozark vacation…

Continue Reading

Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval Social media
Mortgage Basics

Loan Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval

Looking for your dream home is a long process, but if you’re not prepared, it could take even longer. The last thing you want to do is to find your dream home only to miss out! You’ve probably heard of mortgage “pre-qualification” and “pre-approval.” While they may seem interchangeable, they’re two different things you can…

Continue Reading

Seasonal Home Buying Guide
Buy a Home

Seasonal Home Buying Guide

You’ve worked hard to get your credit score in good shape, build your savings, and get pre-approved. Now, you’re ready to look for a home and finally bring those dreams to life, but you’re unsure when the purchase will happen. Each season brings different factors to consider, like supply and demand, price, and weather. No…

Continue Reading

Should I refinance my mortgage in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, and nearby areas
Refinancing

Should I Refinance My Mortgage?

The most popular reason to refinance your home is to lower the mortgage interest rates but there are actually several different reasons for someone to look into refinancing. Below, we are going to highlight some of the benefits of refinancing your loan. Refinancing: High-Interest Rates If your current interest rate seems like it might be…

Continue Reading

First-Time Home Buyers
Home Loans

First-Time Home Buyers: Do’s and Don’ts

Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming. As a first-time homebuyer, there are so many decisions to make along the way, from your buyer’s agent to your loan officer, to your loan program. But buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful! Making sure you are prepared will put you miles ahead…

Continue Reading