Blog – Page 674 of 800

05 Feb 2015

Buying a New Home? Follow These Three Tips to Ensure a Stress-Free Transaction

Home Buyer Tips

Buying real estate and or taking out a home loan is a significant milestone in life. Frequently, it means that a new phase is starting, whether it's a new job, a new relationship, or moving to a new area. However, when the most basic steps are missed, this transition can be fraught with stress and disaster. To ensure a smooth transaction, home buyers should be sure to mind the following tips. #1: Always Be Honest Honesty and clear communication need to be a two-way street. Home buyers expect their mortgage professional to be honest with them, and likewise it is…

04 Feb 2015

By Mark Feder

Tax Time is Upon Us: Learn About Tax Deductions and How to Write off Your Home Mortgage Interest

Home Mortgage Tips

Much to the chagrin of taxpayers all over the country, the tax-filing season begins in January and runs through April 15 of each year. As the current tax season approaches, it presents an opportunity to help tax-payers clarify their responsibilities and remind them of certain important tax deductions that may be available. Filing Responsibilities Every person in the United States is required to file their tax returns by April 15 so long as they have some form of qualifying income. Based on filing status, income and available deductions, tax-payers must file a 1040EZ, 1040A or 1040 (long-form for itemized deductions).…

03 Feb 2015

By Mark Feder

Do You Need Mortgage Insurance Even if It’s Not Required by Your Lender? Let’s Take a Look

Home Mortgage Tips

Finding a proper mortgage loan and understanding the processing procedures behind the loan is the basis of good research. The down payment on a mortgage loan is typically significant when dealing with mortgage insurance. Most loan applications with less than 20% down payment are required to include mortgage insurance with the loan. However, mortgage insurance may still be required even if it's not typically required by your lender. Underwriting Requirements Most home mortgage applications undergo a strict set of standards for approval. These standards are known as underwriting and make up the bulk of time spent on a mortgage application.…

02 Feb 2015

By Mark Feder

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – Feburary 2, 2015

Market Outlook

Last week's economic reports included Case-Shiller 10 and 20-City Home Price Index reports for November along with new and pending home sales for December. Freddie Mac reported on average mortgage rates and new jobless claims dipped unexpectedly. The details: Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Slower in November Case-Shiller's 20-City Home Price Index for November indicated that home prices continue to slow across the nation. Seasonally-adjusted annual home price growth slowed to 4.30 percent from October's reading of 4.50 percent. Slowing momentum in year-over-year home price growth placed downward pressure on month-to-month readings. Several cities, including Atlanta, Georgia, Boston Massachusetts and Cleveland…