If you are a first-time home buyer, you may not know that your mortgage payment consists of more than just the loan you’re approved for. This is especially important to understand, because these additional “pieces” raise the amount of money you’ll be paying out-of-pocket every month. Depending on the size of the home you are buying, this could be more …
Is it Always a Good Idea to Make a 20% Down Payment for a New Wilmington Home?
Buying a home is likely the biggest financial transaction of your lifetime. It takes most people years to prepare to buy their first home, and saving for the down payment is often the most difficult step. A conventional down payment is 20 percent of the value of the home. There are benefits to making a […]
Home Mortgage Rates by Decade (And How They Compare to Today)
Interest rates may be rising, but compared to past decades – they’re awesome! Financially, right now is a great time to buy if you’re in the position to do so. If you aren’t sure, text or give us a call at (910) 233-2840 and we’ll put you in touch with a reputable lender who can give you a good idea …
Things to Avoid after Applying for a Mortgage
The average home purchase takes about 45 days. That is just over a month. It doesn’t sound very long, does it? Except that a lot can happen in 45 days, including a car breaking down, a company bonus, and a shopping spree for the new home. All of these could cause issues for your mortgage application, which is why you …
How Much House Can You Afford in Wilmington?
Buying a home is an enormous financial commitment, so you should be certain that you’re prepared for your monthly payments. Before you start your home search, you should know exactly what you can spend so that you can narrow down your search and feel confident in your purchase. There are a number of considerations to […]
Should I Pay Off My Mortgage or Invest My Money?
If you have additional income after paying your mortgage and other bills, you may be concerned about what to do with it. The financial choices you make today will affect your future, so it’s important to choose thoughtfully when you have extra money. You could use the funds to make extra payments on your mortgage, […]
What Do You Need To Qualify For A Home Loan?
Buying a home is an exciting accomplishment, but it can be a lengthy process. The first step toward becoming a homeowner is getting approved for a mortgage. When you apply for a home loan, the lender will ask for a number of documents to prove that you’ll be able to make the payments. You should […]
The Positive Effects Of COVID-19 On Mortgage Rates
In just a few months, COVID-19 changed daily life for almost everyone in the world. High unemployment rates and closed businesses have led to financial uncertainty for many Americans, and even experts aren’t sure what the long-term effects of the pandemic will be. However, the coronavirus has had a positive impact on mortgage rates. Since […]
What is a Drive-By Appraisal?
After the offer on the home is accepted, an appraisal will be conducted by a third-party company. The appraisal gives a second opinion on the fair market value of the home. This assures the lender that they are making a sound decision lending their money to the buyer. As long as the buyer is getting financing for the home, there …
What Matters Most on a Credit Report
Is purchasing a home one of your goals? First things first, retrieve your credit report and assess if there’s anything you can do to improve it before securing financing. The better your credit report, the better interest rate and terms for your mortgage, which can save you thousands in the long run. If you want to improve your credit score, …