What’s Changed in the Industry? The Post-COVID Mortgage Landscape

July 26, 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped many industries, and the mortgage sector was no exception. As we move further away from the pandemic, the mortgage industry continues to adapt, reflecting new economic realities, regulatory changes, and shifts in consumer behavior. For mortgage originators, understanding these changes is crucial to helping homebuyers navigate the current landscape. Here are […]

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Fixed vs. Graduated vs. Interest-Only Mortgage Amortization

July 25, 2024

When selecting a mortgage, one of the most critical decisions is choosing the right amortization schedule. This choice significantly impacts your monthly payments and the total interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan. Here, we’ll compare three common amortization options: fixed, graduated, and interest-only. Fixed Amortization A fixed amortization mortgage offers predictable monthly […]

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Financing Home Improvements with Renovation Loans

July 24, 2024

As a mortgage originator, I often encounter homeowners and buyers looking for ways to finance their home improvement projects. Renovation loans offer a fantastic solution, enabling you to upgrade and personalize your home while incorporating the cost into your mortgage. We will explore the different renovation loan options available, such as FHA 203(k) and Fannie […]

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The Importance of Employment History in Mortgage Approval and How Job Changes Impact Your Chances

July 23, 2024

When you’re applying for a mortgage, lenders scrutinize several aspects of your financial life to determine your eligibility. One crucial factor that can significantly influence the outcome is your employment history. Consistent and stable employment demonstrates to lenders that you have a reliable income stream, which reduces their risk in lending you money. However, job […]

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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 22nd, 2024

July 22, 2024

The week after the inflation data reports was expected to be relatively quiet, with the most significant event being a meeting with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. He remained tight-lipped about when rate cuts would happen, but given his demeanor, he did not deny that rate cuts were on the way — simply that he […]

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How to Manage a Mortgage After a Career Change

July 19, 2024

A career change is usually an exciting journey, it offers new opportunities and growth. It can also bring challenges when you have a mortgage to manage. Balancing a new job and financial commitments can be stressful, but with the right strategies, you can stay on top of your mortgage payments and maintain your financial stability. […]

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Can You Refinance a Reverse Mortgage Loan?

July 18, 2024

When you first opted for a reverse mortgage, it might have felt like the perfect solution to tap into your home equity and enjoy your retirement without monthly mortgage payments. As time passes, your financial situation, goals, or the market itself can change, making you wonder: “Can I refinance my reverse mortgage?” The answer is […]

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Hard Inquiry vs. Soft Inquiry — What’s the Difference?

July 17, 2024

Knowing the difference between a hard inquiry vs soft inquiry can help you maintain a good credit score. Here’s what you need to know. Most people know that your credit score can drop if you miss a payment or have a new collection filed against you. But how about when you apply for new credit? […]

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Understanding Warrantable vs. Non-Warrantable When Purchasing a Condo

July 16, 2024

When you’re shopping for a condo, there’s a bit more on your plate than just the typical homebuying concerns like credit scores, interest rates, and loan programs. A crucial aspect is understanding the role of the Homeowners’ Association (HOA) and whether the condo is warrantable or non-warrantable. This distinction can significantly impact your mortgage process […]

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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 14th, 2024

July 15, 2024

With lofty expectations, the CPI delivered a lower-than-expected inflation increase, leading to a positive uptake across many lending partners and markets. However, the PPI was on the opposite end of that, with a higher-than-expected inflation rate increase, muting the positive response from the CPI data release. The outlook for a rate cut this year has […]

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