Tips for Lowering Your Mortgage Payment

Your total mortgage payment consists of the principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance and mortgage insurance (if applicable). If you’re considering buying or refinancing your home, there are some ways that you may be able to lower your total mortgage payment. [Read more…]

True Horror Story: Trapped by the 3% Mortgage Rate

If you’re a homeowner wanting to buy your next home, you might be feeling reluctance to trade your existing interest rate for a current mortgage rate. It’s easy to understand when mortgage rates are double from what they were a few years ago. Historically speaking, mortgage rates are actually closer to what would be considered more of an average range than the Fed manipulated rates of years past.

I may have some good news for you. No, it’s not a trick…this can actually be a treat! [Read more…]

Are You a Co-Signer on a Student Loan?

When Congress resolved the latest debt ceiling with the passing of The Financial Responsibility Act of 2023, both parties agreed to stop the forbearance on student loans payments. Federally backed student loan payments have been paused for the past three years due to the pandemic. Payments on student loans are set to resume following this September and many are not going to be prepared for this. [Read more…]

The Fed’s Announcement Yesterday and how it impacts Credit Cards

Yesterday the Fed (FOMC) wrapped up their two day meeting deciding to leave the Fed Funds rate unchanged.  How does this impact you?

[Read more…]

Not so good karma for your credit?

I just received an email from a popular credit reporting service suggesting that I open new accounts.

Carma

[Read more…]

FHA revises guidelines for calculating student loans

mortgageporter_student_loansTonight HUD announced that they are backing off how they have been treating student loan debts for people who are trying to qualify for a mortgage.

From HUD’s announcement:

“…FHA believes that its approach provides the appropriate balance between expanding access to credit and ensuring that the borrower is able to maintain successful, long-term homeownership.

[Read more…]

Fannie Mae no longer requires revolving debts to be closed

MortgageThis week, Fannie Mae issued new underwriting guidelines for conforming loans approved through DU (Fannie Mae’s automated underwriting system). One of the new guidelines that is catching a lot of attention is that Fannie Mae will no longer require that revolving debts that are paid off in order to reduce a borrowers debt to income ratios and help them qualify, to also be closed.  The new guidelines will allow a revolving debts that are paid down to zero balance to no longer be factored for qualifying purposes.

If I can help you with your purchase or refi mortgage needs for your home located anywhere in Washington state, please contact me.

 

Don’t let these things HAUNT your Preapproval

mortgageporter skeletonI encourage anyone who is considering buying a home to start the preapproval process as soon as possible. Regardless of if you’re not planning on buying for a year or you think your credit, income and assets are prefect – you never know what underwriters may find lurking in your application.

[Read more…]