MortgageVine

Fed Lowers Forecasts   The big story this week was Wednesday's Fed meeting, and the Fed statement was well received by mortgage investors. Also positive for mortgage rates, the economic data released this week fell short of expectations. As a result, rates ended the week lower.   For several rea...

    Friday's stronger than expected Employment data was great news for the economy, but it was negative for mortgage rates. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week higher.   The Employment report revealed strength nearly across the board. Against a consensus forecast of 240K, the economy added...

Zip through this getting-ready-to-sell-your-house checklist first If you're thinking of selling your house, now is the time to get serious about the prep work. You don't need to feel anxious about it, though. Here's a getting-ready-to-sell checklist that'll take you through the most critical task...

How to Save Money Without Really Trying Some of us don't reach our savings goals because the measures we have to take are too drastic. But there are reasonable ways to tuck away a little cash.  Here a a few simple tips to help you save money to purchase your first home.  The best part? They don't...

Making the Switch to Renewable Energy Does winter - and the high energy costs that come with it - have you taking another look at your utility bill? Some consumers have decided solar or wind power is the way to go. But is stepping away from electric or gas power right for you? Solar upfront costs...

Take it from a huge Patriots fan and mortgage banker, deflated footballs aren't good, but deflation in mortgage rates is great! One of the biggest surprises coming into the new year is the substantial decline in mortgage rates.  We've been hovering in the 3.75% range for a few weeks now.  I think...

Coming into 2015 interest rates have declined by over .5%!  Also, The Federal Housing Administration announced that beginning on January 26 the monthly mortgage insurance (MIP) is being reduced from 1.35% of the loan amount annually, to .85%.  These two factors have increased  purchasing power by...

Home sales are up. According to the most recent Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors, the trend is looking good for a continuation. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, says the housing market this year has been a tale of two halves. “Sales activity in October reache...

Real estate professionals will tell you that all real estate is local.  This means, every market is different, even from one neighborhood to the next.  That being the case, it only serves you to buy local when retaining a Realtor or mortgage professional.  You will not only receive a higher level...

We've heard the line a million times from real estate and financial professionals; "Home ownership is the single largest investment that a person will make in their lifetime". If this is true, and it certainly is, then shouldn't the commitment be taken more seriously?  I've assisted hundreds of f...