Although credit requirements for obtaining a mortgage are quite lax now compared to a decade ago, there are still plenty of potential buyers struggling to raise their credit scores enough for a traditional low-interest mortgage. A recent statement from the CDIA, or Consumer Data Industry Association, which is responsible for representing all three credit bureaus,… [Read More]
Federal Reserve Raises Rates for the Second Time in Three Months
Since the financial crisis of 2008, the Federal Reserve has been quite reserved when it comes to raising its benchmark interest rate. However, last week, the rate was raised once again, marking the second increase in three months. There are reasons for this, and while it’s not expected to have a tremendous impact on the… [Read More]
How to Get Your First Luxury Home Mortgage
If you’re interested in buying a luxury home, you’ll need to take a different approach than when you buy a traditional single-family home. Unless you’re paying for much of the purchase price in cash, chances are good you’ll need a jumbo loan. Here’s what you need to qualify for a luxury home mortgage – and… [Read More]
What’s Behind Rising Interest Rates?
As many experts predicted, the Federal Reserve raised its interest rates by 0.25% in December. These same experts believe that this will be one of many incremental increases to come throughout the course of 2017. Although rising interest rates worry many would-be buyers, it’s a great sign that the economy is strengthening, and there’s no… [Read More]
Refinancing Your Mortgage from a 15-Year to a 30-Year Loan
Taking out a mortgage to buy your first luxury home can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Although chances are good that you did the best you could to make the right choice given your financial situation at the time, things often can and do change. Last week, we discussed the benefits of… [Read More]