15 Mar 2018
By Mark Feder

What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Putting 20 Percent Down On A Home Purchase?

Mortgage
Several generations ago, lenders required home buyers to have a 20 percent down payment in order to get a mortgage. While there were a few options out there for people who couldn't save this substantial amount, the reality was that for the majority of people, the 20 percent down was a requirement. It was the way to show that you were financially responsible enough for homeownership. And it was a strong way that the banks felt secure in making a home loan. Today, however, homebuyers have many options available to them as they shop for a new home, and those…
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14 Mar 2018
By Mark Feder

What Items Can Change My Mortgage Pre-Approval Status?

Mortgage
When you are purchasing a home, your lender may recommend you obtain a mortgage pre-approval before you find the home of your dreams. There are some benefits to being pre-approved before you find a home, but oftentimes, people confuse pre-qualifications with pre-approvals. So the question many buyers have is what exactly is a mortgage pre-approval? In a nutshell, it's when the lender provides you (the buyer) with a letter stating that your mortgage will be granted up to a specific dollar amount. What Do I Need For Pre-Approval? In order to obtain a pre-approval for your home purchase, you will…
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13 Mar 2018
By Mark Feder

Can I Have A Co-Signer For My Mortgage Loan?

Mortgage
Like credit cards or car loans, some mortgages allow borrowers to have co-signers on the loan with them, enhancing their application. However, a co-signer on a mortgage loan doesn't have the same impact that it might on another loan. Furthermore, it poses serious drawbacks for the co-signer. Mortgage Co-Signers A mortgage co-signer is a person that isn't an owner or occupant of the house. However, the co-signer is on the hook for the loan. Typically, a co-signer is a family member or close friend that wants to help the main borrower qualify for a mortgage. To that end, he signs…
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12 Mar 2018
By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 12th, 2018

Financial Reports
Last week's economic releases included reports on Non-Farm Payrolls, ADP payrolls, and the national unemployment rate. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. Public and Private Sector Jobs Show Mixed Readings ADP Payrolls reported 235,000 private sector jobs added in February as compared to January's updated reading of 243,000 jobs added. Analysts estimated 205,000 private sector jobs would be added, but this was based on the original reading of 234,000 jobs added. February was the fourth consecutive month when private sector job growth exceeded 200,000 jobs. According to the federal government, Non-Farm payrolls added 74000…
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