As lenders tighten mortgage guidelines for home buyers, minimum downpayment requirements are increasing. Several years ago, you could finance a home with nothing down. Today, most conventional mortgages require at least 5 - 10 percent. Incidentally, … [Continue reading]
Home Builder Confidence Highest Level In Nearly 8 Years
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported Thursday that its Housing Market Index rose three points to a reading of 59 for August. Confidence among builders is likely growing in connection with stronger housing markets and high demand … [Continue reading]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 19, 2013
Last week wasn't kind to stock market investors, but weekly jobless claims fell to an unexpected low of 320,000 new jobless claims filed, the lowest level in nearly six years. Here is a review of the major events of the week. Monday: The federal … [Continue reading]
Tips For Helping Your Kids Adjust To A New School
August means it's time to get your children ready for school once more. Picking out backpacks, going clothes shopping and finding all the right school supplies can be hectic enough. However, when you've moved and your children have to start all over … [Continue reading]
These Overlooked Issues Can Become Deal-Killers For Your Mortgage Application
A mortgage loan approval is never final until it's funded. And that means after you've signed the final paperwork and the bank has wired funds to escrow. Mortgages are made up of many moving parts, any of which might "go wrong" while your home loan … [Continue reading]