Should You Wait Until Interest Rates Drop to Buy a House?
Today’s mortgage interest rates are a good bit higher than those of a few years ago, and that’s keeping many buyers on the sidelines, waiting for a better rate. Should you wait until interest rates drop to buy a house? Experts generally say no. Here’s what you need to consider. No crystal ball of interest […]
Creative Mortgages in Times of High Interest Rates
Today’s higher interest rates are squeezing would-be home buyers. Less than three years ago, rates were below 4 percent. Now they are above seven, and monthly payments have soared. This has driven home sales down and generated fresh interest in creative financing programs. If you’re in the market for a home, consider these alternatives to […]
A Good Credit Score Helps Combat Higher Interest Rates
In its battle to tamp down inflation, the Federal Reserve has increased the interest rates banks charge each other, which ripples through other lending markets, including mortgages. Further increases are possible. Are you helpless in the face of these mortgage rate increases? Not necessarily if you maintain a good credit score. Here’s what you can […]
FAQs on Financing Your First Home
Getting your first home mortgage can be intimidating. Let’s eliminate fear of the unknown by answering some common questions. Q: Can I get a mortgage even though I have bad credit? Yes, though you’ll get better interest rates with a good credit rating. With conventional financing you can get a loan with a FICO credit […]
Mortgage Rates Are Still At Historic Lows
It’s true. Mortgage rates had risen slightly over the past several months, but is that reason enough to halt your search for a new home? Not likely, because mortgage rates have since dropped and are still at historic lows. It’s a Numbers Game Simply put, the lower your rate, the lower your house payment. Federal […]
When to Lock In — Or Float — a Mortgage Rate
When applying for a mortgage, one of the first decisions a buyer must make is whether to lock in an interest rate on a mortgage. It’s somewhat of a gamble, but can be less stressful by paying attention to financial trends. How the process works. While shopping for homes, it’s also wise to shop for […]