15 Apr 2024
By Tawnya King

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 15th, 2024

Financial Reports
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is showing higher than expected inflation, and the Producer Price Index (PPI) is showing lower than expected inflation. The two are in conflict with each other; however, the Consumer Price Index is still the far greater indicator for inflation as it directly impacts the cost of living for everyone, not just production assets.  Given the Federal Reserve’s recent speeches it would seem that there is very likely to be a delay in the rate cuts this upcoming quarter. They have stated numerous times they are driven largely by data and that data has proven that…
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12 Apr 2024
By Tawnya King

Find Something Wrong During a Home Inspection? How to Discuss Repairs or Defects with a Seller

Home Buyer Tips
When it comes to selling a home, it is a common belief that once the offer is accepted, there is nothing else to be negotiated. However, issues and obstacles that can arise during the home inspection can be a cause for discussion with the seller. Whether you're currently searching for houses or your offer has already been accepted and you're preparing for the next step, here are some tips in the event that the home inspection isn't up to par. Be Cautious About What You Say Without a doubt, anything that you discuss with the real estate agent regarding the…
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11 Apr 2024
By Tawnya King

Unlocking Home Equity With Home Equity Loans and HELOCs

Mortgage
Home equity loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) are two avenues through which homeowners can tap into this valuable asset. Understanding the differences between them is crucial for making informed financial decisions. We will review the intricacies of these financial products, exploring how they work and helping you determine which might be the better fit for your needs. What is Home Equity? Before we dive into the specifics of home equity loans and HELOCs, let's first grasp the concept of home equity. Put simply, home equity is the portion of your property that you truly own—the difference between…
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10 Apr 2024
By Tawnya King

Negotiating Repairs After a Home Inspection

Mortgage Tips
So, you’ve found your dream home, made an offer, and had the home inspection done. But wait—what happens next? For many homebuyers, negotiating repairs after a home inspection can be a daunting task. However, with the right approach and some negotiation skills, you can ensure that your new home is in tip-top shape without breaking the bank. 1. Understand the Inspection Report The first step in negotiating repairs is to thoroughly review the inspection report. Take note of any major issues that could affect the safety or structural integrity of the home. These are the items that should be your…
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09 Apr 2024
By Tawnya King

3 Considerations When Making A Down Payment

Mortgage
When considering the journey of purchasing a new home, one of the fundamental decisions you'll encounter revolves around determining the appropriate amount of money to allocate for your down payment. It's a decision-making process that involves weighing the benefits of opting for a larger down payment against the potential advantages of utilizing some of those funds to purchase "discount points," thereby reducing your interest rate. Each option carries its own set of merits and demerits, and the optimal choice for you hinges on a careful examination of your unique financial circumstances and objectives. Here's a more detailed exploration of the factors…
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08 Apr 2024
By Tawnya King

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 8th, 2024

Financial Reports
With the upcoming CPI and PPI reports this week, last week still had a number of important data points to consider. First, the non-farm payroll data, helping reveal the situation of pay versus inflation data giving an overall description of the state of the economy in the future.  Among that, the manufacturing data has shown to be contracting the past year, with the first signs of relief this month. Lastly, trade data has shown that the trade deficit has grown bigger than expected with Q1 coming to completion.  All of these are broader indicators of the state of the economy…
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04 Apr 2024
By Tawnya King

Choosing the Right Mortgage Term

Home Mortgages
You're about to start on an exciting journey toward homeownership. But before you dive headfirst into the world of real estate financing, there's an important decision you'll need to make which is choosing the right mortgage term. The mortgage term refers to the length of time you commit to a specific mortgage rate, lender, and conditions. It's a critical aspect of your mortgage because it determines how long you'll be making regular payments and the total amount of interest you'll pay over the life of the loan. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process of choosing the…
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