Last week I had fun creating a spoof where I’m consoling a drunk racoon, Rocky. Rocky has the blues because he decided to chase a low rate with an online lender and now his home purchase transaction is on a rocky road. All joking aside, I actually have saved several purchases where clients who first opted for an online lender with a slightly lower rate discovered that the loan officer and their lender could not close their transaction. It’s easy to promise a low mortgage rate but that low rate doesn’t matter at all if your transaction doesn’t close. [Read more…]
Working with a Local Lender vs. an Online Lender for your Mortgage
December 12, 2025 by Leave a Comment
How to Shop for Homeowners Insurance as a Home Buyer
August 27, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make and protecting that investment with the right homeowner’s insurance (also referred to as hazard insurance) is just as important as finding the right mortgage. Many homebuyers wait until the last minute to shop for coverage, but taking the time to compare policies early in the process can save you money and stress. Here are some tips to help you shop smart for homeowners’ insurance: [Read more…]
What are Seller Buydowns?
November 14, 2022 by Leave a Comment
“Seller Buydown” seems to be a very trendy phrase these days since interest rates have moved higher. There are a couple different types of Seller Buydowns that help make homes more affordable for potential home buyers. [Read more…]
Rehab Mortgage Loans for Remodeling Your New or Existing Home
May 15, 2018 by Leave a Comment
UPDATE: Be sure to check out our up-to-date guide on Renovation Mortgages for your next home remodel!
Fannie Mae’s HomeStyle Renovation Mortgage allows for higher loan to value (low down payment). Loan amounts over 80% loan-to-value will have private mortgage insurance that will eventually drop off the mortgage. [Read more…]
Fannie Mae increases income limits for HomeReady
June 29, 2016 by 1 Comment
Fannie Mae will be increasing the income limits for HomeReady effective July 16, 2016 making it easier for more people to qualify for this mortgage program. [Read more…]
Freddie Mac Reports that Mortgage Rates continue to trend Lower
January 14, 2016 by 1 Comment
The Prime Mortgage Market Survey reports that last week, the 30 year fixed averaged 3.92 percent with an average 0.6 point. The week prior, the reported average was 3.97 percent. A drop in rate of 0.05%.
80 – 10 – 10’s now are back… at Mortgage Master Service Corporation!
December 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment
It’s back… the 80/10/10 mortgage program which allows home buyers to put just 10% down and avoid having private mortgage insurance via a second mortgage/home equity line of creedit. The second mortgage/home equity line of credit technically does not have to be at 10% with the first mortgage at 80% of the loan to value (sales price). Often times, the mortgages may be structured around conforming loan limits, as long as the total combined loan to value is 90%.
Protect your Preapproval Status over the Holidays
December 11, 2013 by 1 Comment
Tis the Season for holiday shopping. The aggressive sales push this year started BEFORE Thanksgiving with more mega-stores even remaining open on a day when employees should have had the day off (or at least had working on Thanksgiving as being “optional”).Cyber Monday is now cyber week…anyhow, my point is, stores are competing for your dollars. If you are considering buying a home or are currently pre-approved to buy a home, I thought I’d share some tips for you on how to make sure your “pre-approved” status is not jeopardized during the holiday season.
