Categorized: Mortgage Basics

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

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

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

There are several components to a mortgage that allow for mortgage interest tax deductions to qualify. Some people can qualify for all of them, while others only use one or two. Either way, they save you money on your total tax liability. The most common mortgage tax deduction is the interest you paid on the…

Continue Reading

How does mortgage amortization really work? A fixed rate loan can also be referred to as a fixed payment loan – However, the amount of principal and interest paid changes with each payment. Interest Paid – The math behind “amortization” or paying a loan off in a fixed period of time starts with the amount…

Continue Reading

APR (Annual Percentage Rate) Comparing the cost of Home loans When you see a loan rate advertised, you’ll also see a corresponding APR (4.5%/4.762% APR). This Annual Percentage Rate is the total cost of your loan (interest and fees) expressed as a single number. The purpose is to give you one number for comparing multiple loans.…

Continue Reading

Here are Mortgage DOs and DON’Ts to follow during your loan process. Mortgage DOs Keep All Records in Good Order. Keep your credit shining. Continue making payments on time. Your credit report may be pulled again, and any negative change to your score could cause you to lose your approval and your home. Understand that things…

Continue Reading

The lowest mortgage rate is the best, right? The lowest rate certainly sounds best. But did you know the lowest rate doesn’t always mean the lowest cost? Mortgage interest is just one component of the real cost of owning a home. Interest rates are a reflection of expectations for inflation and the supply/demand equation for…

Continue Reading