What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 3rd, 2025

The PCE Index has aligned with expectations, and as the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation, it eases the sense of urgency for policy action. GDP data has also indicated continued economic growth, though this is tempered by future forecasts predicting a potential economic contraction. This outlook is further reflected in the Consumer Confidence report, which has shown a significant decline since the change in administration. Uncertainty is evident across lending and broader markets, affecting all aspects of the economy. PCE Index The Federal Reserve’s preferred PCE index rose by 0.3% last month, according to government data released on Friday.…
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How the Purchase and Refinance Mortgage Process Works

When it comes to home financing, purchasing and refinancing a mortgage share similarities but serve distinct purposes. Understanding how each process works can help you make informed decisions about homeownership and financial planning. The Purchase Mortgage Process Buying a home starts with assessing your budget. Before house hunting, it's crucial to determine how much you can afford by evaluating your income, expenses, and existing debts. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will give you a clear picture of your budget and strengthen your offer when you find the right home. Once you identify the perfect property, you make an offer, which…
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The Key Details About Home Appraisals That You Might Not Know

A home appraisal is a critical step in the buying, selling, or refinancing process, yet many people don’t fully understand how it works or what factors influence it. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or homeowner looking to refinance, here are some key details about home appraisals that you might not know. 1. Appraisals Are Different from Home Inspections Many people confuse appraisals with home inspections. While both assess the condition of a home, an appraisal determines the home's fair market value, whereas an inspection focuses on identifying potential issues or necessary repairs. Lenders require appraisals to ensure the loan amount…
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Creative Ways to Use Home Equity Loans for Investment

For homeowners looking to build wealth, a home equity loan can be a powerful financial tool. With the equity in your home, you can access funds at relatively low interest rates and put that money to work in smart, strategic ways. If you’re wondering how to leverage your home’s value for investment, here are some creative options to consider. 1. Real Estate Investments One of the most popular ways to use a home equity loan is to invest in additional real estate. Whether you're purchasing a rental property, flipping a home, or buying land for development, using your home’s equity…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 24th, 2025

The most impactful report released last week was the regular Consumer Sentiment reports, which have indicated the more recent concerns rising food costs have soured the view on the current state of the economy for the U.S. The talks between the Federal Reserve members have also slanted in a negative direction as they feel they still do not have a strong grip on inflation. With the Trump administration also shaking things up in the office with their views on Tariffs, the land lending and broader markets have seen a lot of turmoil and uncertainty about the future. There should be…
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How Do Mortgage Lenders Decide How Much You Can Borrow?

When buying a home, one of the most critical factors is determining how much you can borrow through a mortgage. Lenders evaluate multiple financial aspects to assess your borrowing capacity. Here’s what they consider: 1. Income and Debt-to-Income (DTI) RatioLenders assess your income to ensure you can afford monthly mortgage payments. A common guideline is that your total housing costs (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Additionally, your total debt-to-income (DTI) ratio—including credit cards, student loans, car loans, and other debts—typically should not exceed 43% for most conventional loans. A lower…
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