Housing starts near 5-year high in February for Pa real estate and mortgages
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
<span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none;"><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none;"></span></span>. <span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none;">Homebuilders were a lot busier in February than they were a year ago, starting construction on 27.7...

Proposed changes to HARP may allow 3 million more to refinance
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
A new bill will attempt to eliminate all upfront fees and appraisal costs for refinances, prohibit second-lien holders from unreasonably hindering refinances, and penalize mortgage insurers who refuse to transfer coverage to refinanced loans without due cause.. Today about 1.2 million homeowners have...

Getting a Pa mortgage for a condo
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
A condominium offers man advantages of home ownership with fewer of the hassles, unless you are talking about getting a mortgage for one.. Mortgages for condominiums have special rules that don't apply to other types of home loans. Some of these involve the different fees that must be paid for a condo...

Forbes says Fed unlikely to carry through on raising interest rates in 2017
Updated Jan. 23, 2017
The overall consensus of the upcoming 2017 Federal Reserve Board meetings is that interest rates will be rising in the near future. It's not all that surprising as interest rates have been at record lows for the last 6 to 7 years. What remains to be seen is what affect the Trump presidency will have on raising...

College students and their finances
Updated Jan. 23, 2017
So you've finally made it to college. Your parents have been harping on you forever about the importance of getting good grades so you can graduate and get a great job making a lot of money in a field you love..... so right now you have no worries. I mean, you have the worries of writing that research paper by Thursday...

Mortgages after Bankruptcy and Foreclosure
Updated Jan. 22, 2017
In a tough economy borrowers worry about foreclosure and bankruptcy, and the effects such issues can have on the ability to borrow. One big topic these days regarding FHA loans involves the required waiting period for new FHA home loans after filing bankruptcy or foreclosure.A good example of a frequently asked...

Top tips for getting a commercial loan
Updated Jan. 22, 2017
Getting a commercial loan isn't easy, but you can start the process off by reading thru these top tips. 1) Have a business plan, with forecasts, projections, financial records and statements.2) Put your own money down. You'll need a substantial deposit, at least 25%, sometime 30-35% depending on the...

Tips for first time homebuyers
Updated Jan. 22, 2017
Tips for First Time Home Buyers. Hire a buyer's agent to save you time and money. If you are considering buying a home, hire a buyer's agent. An agent will save you time in finding a home that meets your needs. They can send you listings to view the details and photos before actually setting foot out the door....

Should I use my 401k as a downpayment
Updated Jan. 22, 2017
Many people consider this option since they don't have money set aside in their savings account. By withdrawing money from your 401k you will have to pay early withdraw fees as well as taxes on the money you take out. On the other hand, it may be worth it if you found the right house.. As a first time homebuyer you can...

Beginning tips on mortgage preparation
Updated Jan. 23, 2017
Getting a mortgage loan, whether FHA, refinancing, or conventional can take a little doing, but here are a few tips to prepare for the process.. Get your FREE Quote Now!. 1) Gather all your financial information in one place. Current W-2's (or 1099's), at least last years tax returns, preferably the last...