Mortgage and Real Estate Blog
Have we hit the bottom in the housing market? The U.S. housing market was in a major boom cycle for almost 20 years, beginning in the late 1980s and lasting until 2007. However, the residential real estate industry has been in a major slump since late 2007, and has been buffeted by macroeconomic events as well as the inevitable “bust” that follows a two-decade-long booming market. The financial crisis that unfolded in 2008 and 2009 was directly related to the mortgage-backed … [Read more...]
If you haven't gathered already, the lending business has come up with its own lending vocabulary. When you prepare to buy your first home you'll hear terms you've never before heard. Mortgage lenders use this terminology each day, every day, with abandon. After all, it's their business and their lingo. One of the most used terms is "PITI." What is PITI PITI stands for principal, interest, taxes and insurance and is used to calculate (another lender term, here) debt ratios. … [Read more...]
As the housing market continues to provide opportunities for buyers and trauma for sellers, the temptation to go it alone is strong. People on both sides of the equation think they can save money by doing it all themselves. While this strategy works in some situations, there are seven good reasons why hiring an experienced Realtor can be a smart financial decision. A Realtor understands you. It’s the Realtor’s job to listen to what you say. Every buyer and seller has a wish … [Read more...]
Fannie Mae, that government-owned (that means you and me) mortgage giant is the largest buyer of mortgage loans in the United States. It pretty much has always been this way since Fannie's charter was changed back in 1968. When a lender makes a mortgage loan that conforms to Fannie guidelines, that lender may sell that mortgage loan to Fannie Mae for a price. Why do lenders sell loans? When a lender sells a loan they can make an instant profit on that loan in lieu of … [Read more...]
The mortgage business has had, to put it mildly, a few changes in the way home loans are approved. Credit score requirements, regulatory changes and countless other mortgage rules have been implemented since 2008. In fact, in 2011 there were more than 200 new mortgage rules alone. One of the new requirements is that of reviewing tax returns. Historically, lenders only required tax returns if the borrowers were self employed. Self employment, by lending standards, means … [Read more...]
How is your lifestyle these days? Looking for a fresh new look for your website? With the Lifestyle Theme for your Word Press site designed with you in mind, you have your choice of colors and layouts … [Read More...]
Are you showing pictures of property for sale on your site that seem to just lay there? Does your site have the look and feel of just about every other real estate site on the market? Have you dreamed … [Read More...]
Apple iPad 2 Case Compatible Pink Cartoon Smart Cover Graffiti Magnetic with Stand – *CUTE* 
Apple iPad 2 Smart Cover/Case Compatible and Stand Rotating 360 Light Black Leather Swivel 
Apple iPad 2 Smart Cover/Case Compatible and Stand Rotating 360 Light Blue Leather Swivel 
Fannie Mae, that government-owned (that means you and me) mortgage giant is the largest buyer of mortgage loans in the United States. It pretty much has always been this way since Fannie's charter … [More]
There has been a lot of buzz about the new Home Affordable Refinance Program. I hope this will clear up some of the questions that people may have regarding the program. This program is aimed at … [More]
I’ve got bad news for you… If you are a borrower looking to know what your new mortgage loan is going to cost you, HUD just made it harder for you. The start of the New Year brought a new form … [More]
A few weeks ago Barbara Desoer, Bank Of America's President of Mortgage Division, announced that B of A would close down their wholesale division. The wholesale division is the arm of the lenders … [More]
Whether you’re planning to buy property overseas, or looking for an advantageous mortgage option on your home, you may want to consider a foreign currency mortgage. Basically, this type of mortgage … [More]
