Mortgage Blog

Category: Mortgage (52 posts)

Mortgage Renewals in Early 2025 - Where Might Rates Land?

May 4, 2025 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

A friendly guide for American homeowners who are about to renegotiate one of the biggest contracts of their lives. Introduction - Why Everyone Is Talking About 2025 Refinances If your existing m ...

Tariffs and Their Impact on Interest Rates: What Homebuyers Need to Know

April 5, 2025 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

You might be surprised to learn that something like tariffs-basically taxes placed on imported goods-could affect your mortgage or home-buying plans. Tariffs can seem like distant economic policies, b ...

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement? Pros and Cons to Consider

March 21, 2025 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

As retirement approaches, many homeowners ponder whether paying off their mortgage early is a wise decision. While the idea of owning your home outright is certainly appealing, it's important to evalu ...

March 19, 2025 - Federal Reserve Maintains Interest Rates

March 20, 2025 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. The unemployment rate has stabilized at a low level in recent months, and labor market conditions remain solid ...

Understanding Down Payments for Your Mortgage

March 7, 2025 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Understanding Down Payments for Your Mortgage When purchasing a home, a significant challenge you may encounter is saving for a down payment. But what is a down payment, and how does it influence you ...

How will tariffs potentially affect Interest rates

February 26, 2025 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

As a mortgage professional, I recognize that our financial landscape often feels like a complex maze, especially when global events are involved. One topic that has recently generated significant disc ...

How Rising Interest Rates Impact Your Homebuying Power

February 5, 2025 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Have you noticed that mortgage rates have been rising recently? If so, you're not alone. Increasing interest rates can impact everything from the size of the loan you qualify for to the monthly pa ...

Jan 25-2025 - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement

January 29, 2025 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: Which Is Right for You?

January 21, 2025 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Hello! If you're on the journey to homeownership, one of the most significant decisions you'll have to make is choosing the right type of mortgage. It can seem overwhelming with all the numbers and ...

December 18, 2025 - US Federal Reserve Rate Cut

December 18, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

On December 18, 2024, the Federal Reserve announced a significant policy shift, lowering the federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage points to a range of 4.25% to 4.5%. This marks an ongoing effort to b ...

Nov 7-2024 - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement

November 7, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Since earlier in the year, labor market conditions have generally eased, a ...

Home Equity Loan vs Personal Loan - Choosing the Best Option

October 8, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

When borrowing money, many people weigh the options between a home equity loan and a personal loan. Each choice offers unique features, benefits, and potential drawbacks that can significantly impact ...

FHA Home Loans - 7 Things You Need To Know Before Applying

September 24, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

If you're considering purchasing a home but feel uncertain whether you'll qualify for a traditional loan, an FHA loan could be a great option. Here are seven key things you need to know before applyin ...

September 18, 2024 - Federal Reserve - Rates Dropping

September 18, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Job gains have slowed, and the unemployment rate has moved up but remains low. Inflation has made further prog ...

With Lower Interest Rates Coming, Is Now a Good Time to Refinance My Mortgage?

September 6, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

With whispers of lower interest rates on the horizon, many homeowners ask the million-dollar question: Is now a good time to refinance my mortgage? The short answer is: It very well could be! But be ...

What Lower Interest Rates Mean for New Homebuyers

August 23, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

If you're in the market to buy a new home, you've probably noticed that interest rates might soon be dropping. You might be wondering, "What does this mean for me?" The good news is that lower interes ...

Understanding Your Mortgage Payment - A Beginner's Guide

August 8, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Navigating the world of home financing can be overwhelming for first-time homebuyers. One of the most critical aspects to understand is your mortgage payment. Breaking down the main items of a mor ...

Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement

July 31, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Job gains have moderated, and the unemployment rate has moved up but remains low. Inflation has eased over the ...

7 Things to Know When You Are Looking to Purchase a Cottage or Vacation Home

July 8, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Purchasing a cottage or vacation home can be a dream come true, offering a serene retreat from everyday life. However, it's essential to approach this investment with careful planning and knowledge. H ...

How Interest Rates Affect Housing in the USA

June 19, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Suppose you've been watching the news or talking to friends about the housing market. In that case, you've probably heard about rising interest rates. But what does that actually mean for you? Let's b ...

June 12 - 2024 - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement

June 12, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Job gains have remained strong, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation has eased over the past ...

Does a Mortgage Refinance Require an Appraisal?

June 4, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

When considering refinancing your mortgage, many questions arise, and one of the most common is whether an appraisal is necessary. Understanding the role of an appraisal in the refinancing process c ...

Unlocking Financial Flexibility: The Benefits of a Cash-Out Refinance

May 23, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Unlocking Financial Flexibility: The Benefits of a Cash-Out Refinance When managing your finances, leveraging the equity in your home can be a powerful strategy. One popular method for doing this ...

Understanding FHA Loans: A Guide for Homebuyers

May 8, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

As a mortgage professional, I've guided many clients through obtaining a home loan. One of the most popular options for first-time homebuyers and those with less-than-perfect credit is available ...

May 1-2024 - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement

May 1, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage: Items to consider

April 24, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage can be a beneficial decision for homeowners. It can help you pay off your mortgage faster and save money on interest payments in the long run. However, there are se ...

Navigating Your First Home Purchase: A Step-by-Step Mortgage Guide

April 8, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Hey there, future homeowners! Embarking on the journey to buy your first home is like setting sail on an epic adventure. It's thrilling, a bit overwhelming, and packed with moments that'll have you ri ...

Rate Hold - March 20, 2024

March 20, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have remained strong, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation has eased over the past year ...

When Steady Interest Rates Meet Rising Home Sales

February 28, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

In the ever-evolving landscape of the American housing market, we find ourselves at a crossroads where interest rates are holding steady, yet home sales are on an upward trajectory. This scenario ...

Using Home Equity Loans to Pay Off High-Interest Debt: Should You Do It?

February 19, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Are you considering the leap to use a home equity loan to pay off high-interest debt? The allure is evident - with typically lower fixed interest rates than credit cards, these loans offer potential s ...

January 2024 Rate Update - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement

February 1, 2024 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have moderated since early last year but remain strong, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inf ...

December 2023 Rate Update - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement

December 13, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Recent indicators suggest that growth of economic activity has slowed from its strong pace in the third quarter. Job gains have moderated since earlier in the year but remain strong, and the unemp ...

Navigating the New Normal: How Remote Work is Reshaping the US Mortgage and Real Estate Landscape

December 3, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

In recent years, we've witnessed a seismic shift in our work lives, notably the rise of remote work catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This change isn't just about swapping office desks for dinin ...

Unlock Your Home’s Potential: Using Home Equity for Renovations

November 15, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

What is home equity? Imagine your home is a piggy bank, except instead of spare change, it's filled with the value you've built up over time. Home equity is the difference between your home's market ...

Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement - Nov 1, 2023

November 1, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Recent indicators suggest that economic activity expanded at a strong pace in the third quarter. Job gains have moderated since earlier in the year but remain strong, and the unemployment rate has rem ...

Mortgage Brokers vs. Direct Lenders: Why a Broker Might Be Your Best Choice

October 18, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Mortgage Brokers vs. Direct Lenders: Why a Broker Might Be Your Best Choice Hi there, prospective homeowner! Dive into any mortgage conversation, and you'll hear the terms "mortgage brokers" an ...

When Your Dream Home Catches Your Eye: Be Prepared to Seal the Deal

October 10, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

The thrill of finding your dream home is unmatched and can be very exciting. Once you stumble upon the perfect home within your budget, it's time to step up and make a proposition. But before you do, ...

A Guide To First-Time Home Buyer Programs, Loans And Grants

September 30, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Purchasing a home involves many considerations, and it's common for first-time buyers to have queries. You might be curious about tips for first-time homeowners, or how to secure assistance for down ...

Understanding Title Insurance Costs: A Beginners Guide

September 18, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Embarking on the journey of purchasing a new home is thrilling, yet the financial commitment can be daunting. It's imperative for prospective homeowners to take preventive steps to ensure their fina ...

Closing Costs: What Are They, And How Much Will You Pay?

August 23, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Understanding Closing Costs: What They Are and What You'll Pay When you buy a house, your down payment isn't the only money you'll need at the closing table. Closing costs are additional expenses, se ...

Navigating High-Interest Rates and Inflation: A Guide to Mortgage Management

August 5, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Introduction As your trusted mortgage professional, I understand that the current economic backdrop in the USA is posing challenges for many homeowners. With interest rates and inflation on the ris ...

Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement

July 27, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a moderate pace. Job gains have been robust in recent months, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation remains eleva ...

How To Calculate Home Equity: A Step-By-Step Guide

July 10, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

How to Calculate Your Home Equity Understanding Home Equity Home equity represents the portion of your home's value that you truly own as a homeowner. Determining Your Home Equity ...

June 14-2023 - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement

June 15, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a modest pace. Job gains have been robust in recent months, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation remain ...

Closing Costs: What Are They, And How Much Will You Pay?

June 14, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Closing Costs: What Are They, And How Much Will You Pay? Your down payment isn't all you need to bring to the closing table when you buy a home. Closing costs are expenses beyond the down payment, ...

How Much House Can I Afford?

June 10, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Introduction Hey there! Have you ever wondered how much house you can afford? Well, it's an important question to ask before making any big decisions. In this article, we're going to dive into a si ...

First-Time Home Buyer Budgeting: What You Need to Know

April 20, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

As a first-time home buyer, budgeting is an essential part of the home buying process. By carefully planning your finances and considering all of the costs associated with purchasing a home, you can e ...

Decisions Regarding Monetary Policy Implementation Issued March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

The Federal Reserve has made the following decisions to implement the monetary policy stance announced by the Federal Open Market Committee in its statement on March 22, 2023: • ...

Selling Your Home in the Winter: How You Can Make the Most of It

March 5, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Selling your home in the winter can be a challenging task, but it can also be an opportunity to stand out in a crowded market. With fewer houses on the market and motivated buyers who are eager to mov ...

New Home Sales Hit 10-Month High, Despite Some Regional Decline

February 27, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

New home sales edged a little further out of a lengthy slump in January, topping 600,000 units for the second straight month. The U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development ...

Weekly mortgage demand jumps 7% as interest rates drop to lowest level since September

February 27, 2023 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Mortgage interest rates fell for the third straight week, while mortgage demand also rose again. Total application volume increased 7% last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mo ...

Should You Spend the Full Mortgage Amount You're Approved For?

December 28, 2022 | Posted by: Ashley Hall

Before you start shopping for a new home, you'll need to know exactly how much house you can afford. Otherwise, you could end up in a home that is way out of your budget. What you qualify for may not ...

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Category: Mortgage (52 posts)

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