When choosing a good mortgage lender, whether you choose a mortgage broker or a mortgage banker, you’ll want someone who can do the job right. Finding a lender who will take the time to make sure you understand the different loan programs being offered, and will help you decide which loan best meets your needs is key to having a smooth closing. Check out the articles, columns, blog posts, radio shows and videos for more information about mortgage lenders.
How Do I Pay My First Mortgage Payment?
How do I pay my first mortgage payment? After closing the sale on buying a home it’s time to start sending payments to your mortgage servicer. Buying a home is the most stressful event of modern life. Now that it’s done, you can breathe a sigh of relief, settle into homeownership and start paying off [...]
Should I Refinance My Home With HARP?
Should you refinance your home with HARP? Although the housing crisis and Great Recession is nearly 10 years old, we still receive questions from homeowners who don't qualify (or think they don't qualify) for a conventional refinance. While the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) has some specific qualifications, it may still help some borrowers who [...]
Interest Rates Rising: Federal Reserve Ups Fed Funds Rate 0.25%
"Good afternoon. Today, the Federal Open Market Committee decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate by 1/4 percentage point, bringing it to 3/4 to 1 percent. Our decision to make another gradual reduction in the amount of policy accommodation reflects the economy’s continued progress toward the employment and price stability objectives [...]
Mortgage Rates Trends 2017: Are Interest Rates Rising or Falling?
Are mortgage interest rates rising or falling in 2017? Home buyers and borrowers are wondering what the mortgage interest rates trend will be in 2017, so they can time their purchase or refinance. While trying to time mortgage market moves is dicey, the consensus from leading economists is that the outlook for interest rates won't [...]
Rising Interest Rates On The Horizon With Trump Presidency
Rising interest rates are on the horizon, according to Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen. And, it doesn't look at though Donald Trump's election will change the interest rate forecast. In Congressional testimony, Yellen said that the Federal Reserve plans an interest rate increase "relatively soon." But, mortgage interest rates are already rising sharply. According to [...]
Managing Mortgage Payments in Retirement
If you’re nearing retirement and still carrying a mortgage you’re probably worried about managing your mortgage payments in retirement. And, who could blame you? A new survey by the American Institute of CPAs found that retirees’ biggest concern is running out of money, and your monthly mortgage payment, which typically includes your real estate taxes [...]
Four Rules For a Home Run Refinance
Mortgage interest rates are rising. But it's not too late to refinance your mortgage and hit a home run while you do it. While interest rates aren't quite at rock bottom, it's still a great time to refinance. If you have the ability to refinance, do it. Even if you have already refinanced, if you can [...]
Streamline Loan Modification Update
I have spent quite a bit of time this week calling big mortgage lenders to chat about their streamline loan modification program. Here's what I learn...
An Update On Streamline Refinancing
On this Sunday's show, I talked about how streamline refinancings might be possible. Different lenders are considering this option, which basically al...