Mortgage NewsApril 9, 2020How to request mortgage forbearance under the CARES Act: Use this hardship letter templateUse this free hardship letter template to request mortgage forbearance from your loan servicer. This is the one step to get CARES Act mortgage relief.
Mortgage NewsApril 6, 2020Mortgage mayhem: Lenders pull gov’t loans, refuse to lock, and raise credit score minimumsFalling mortgage rates might not help borrowers this time . Lenders are pulling loan programs, refusing to lock rates, and raising credit score minimums.
Mortgage NewsApril 6, 2020Housing affordability increases, reaching highest point in three yearsThough the start of 2020 has had its challenges, it also has a new silver lining: increased housing affordability in many markets.
Real EstateApril 1, 2020Is it STILL a good time to buy a house?It's been a good time to buy a house since mid-2019, with low rates creating record affordability. But is now, amid coronavirus, still a good time to buy?
Mortgage NewsApril 1, 20202020 new construction features: Walk-in closets, energy-efficient lights & moreIf buying a new construction property is on your radar in 2020, you can expect a walk-in closet, low-E windows, and energy-efficient lighting.
Mortgage NewsMarch 31, 2020Jumbo, low-doc, alt-doc mortgage loans disappear overnightNon-QM mortgages (like jumbo loans and bank statement loans) disappeared from the market overnight. They could be gone for 2 weeks, a month, or more.
Mortgage NewsMarch 30, 2020You’re laid off due to COVID-19 — Will your mortgage be denied?Workplace shutdowns make it hard to verify your employment. Does that mean your mortgage application will be denied? Here's what you should know.
Economic NewsMarch 26, 2020Phase Three coronavirus stimulus bill to include stimulus checks and moreThe Phase Three coronavirus stimulus bill, currently in the works, will likely include large stimulus checks and other direct benefits for U.S. households.
Mortgage NewsMarch 25, 2020Single homeownership is on the rise — especially in these age groupsSingle and ready to buy a home? According to a new analysis, single homeownership is at its highest rate since at least 1900.
Mortgage StrategyMarch 24, 2020How to pause mortgage payments if you’re laid off due to COVID-19Mortgage forbearance can defer your loan payments for up to 12 months if you're laid off or under financial stress due to COVID-19. Here's how it works.
FICO & Credit ScoresMarch 23, 2020COVID-19 dubbed a “natural disaster” by U.S. credit agencies. Take steps now to protect your financesCOVID-19 has been labeled a "natural disaster" by credit agencies. Here's what the government is doing to help credit scores and how to protect yourself.
Mortgage NewsMarch 23, 2020Sellers are in luck: Home value appreciation takes a turnHome value growth is finally on the rise again. In fact, according to newly released data, home values are up nearly 4% from just one year ago.
Mortgage NewsMarch 19, 2020Lower interest rates: A worst-case scenario? The reality of quantitative easingTwo Fed rate cuts didn't drag mortgage rates down, but quantitative easing to combat COVID-19 might. Here's why we're NOT hoping for new record-low rates.
Mortgage RatesMarch 18, 2020The race to zero: How mortgage rates got left behindThe Fed cuts rates to zero, but mortgage rates didn't follow. Now it's up to lenders to decide when to lower rates again.
Mortgage NewsMarch 18, 2020New analysis: Low rates have given a big boost to housing affordabilityAccording to a new analysis, The recent drop in mortgage rates has caused a spike in overall housing affordability — especially in Dallas.
Mortgage NewsMarch 17, 2020Record-low mortgage rates skyrocket due to strange lending phenomenon. What now?Record-low mortgage rates came and went. Last week saw a return to 4% rates and increased closing times. Here's what borrowers can do to help their cause.
Mortgage NewsMarch 16, 2020A look at SARS data: What the coronavirus pandemic could mean for home prices and buying competitionWhile the coronavirus outbreak is certainly no good news, it appears there may be a silver lining to look forward to — at least for hopeful homebuyers.
Mortgage NewsMarch 11, 2020Millennials are refinancing in waves — especially older onesThanks to record-low mortgage rates, refinancing activity has jumped in recent weeks — especially with older-aged Millennials.
Mortgage NewsMarch 9, 2020Homebuyers and sellers: Look to this brokerage if you’re worried about coronavirus If worries of the coronavirus have you shying away from buying that dream house, one one brokerage has you covered.
Mortgage NewsMarch 5, 2020You probably already missed the ‘all-time low’ 3.29% mortgage rateYou may have heard that the lowest rates ever are here. But are they still available?