How Lenders Set Interest Rate Pricing
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
Here is a short overview of how mortgage companies set daily pricing for the interest rates available for various loan programs, because there is so much disinformation that exists on the subject. Technically speaking, daily price changes for FHA/VA and conventional loans are generally pretty simple to...

HUD Property Condition Requirements for FHA Loans
Updated Oct. 24, 2014
There are still a lot of misconceptions about HUD's guidelines for properties, with the general perception that the guidelines are much stricter than they actually are currently. Here is a detailed but not exaustive overview of HUD requirements for a property in order to receive an acceptable appraisal...

New Pilot Announced by FHFA for REO Property Sales in Hardest-Hit Areas
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
The first pilot under Real Estate-Owned (REO) Initiative was announced Monday by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) that will allow more REO properties to be sold in the hardest-hit areas in the United States.These areas include: Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix and part of Florida.....

FHA To Raise Insurance Premiums April 1st
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will raise insurance premiums on home mortgages on April 1st, 2012 in the hopes to boost its Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund. Any home buyer looking to get a FHA mortgage should contact their loan officer immediately to avoid any price increase on their loans.. Premiums...

Mortgages Traded Higher Today 3-6-2012
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
Mortgages were trading higher after Moody's chimed in about Spain needing to make $25 Billion EURO in budget cuts and with China revising its expectations for slower growth. With a few weak US data points, the possibility of QE3 could be taking off again, Friday's Non-Farm Payroll report could be it.....

10 Ways To Successfully Prepare A Home For Selling
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
Go through your home and decide what you can throw away or put into storage. Pay extra attention to closets, bookcases, shelves and counters. Less clutter lets the buyer see the home, not your stuff.Buyers are very interested in the space your home can provide them, so organize accordingly. Bedroom closets should...

7 Credit Score Mistakes To Avoid
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
A bad credit score can affect many things you may want to do in your life. But what things do you do in your life that affects your credit score? Here are seven small mistakes you may be making that are hurting your credit report that you might not even know you're making.. 1. Opening Too Many Accounts . Whenever you...

Six Key Negotiation Traits Every Realtor Needs
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
Negotiations can be a tricky, but highly valuable talent to have. As a realtor, you need to make sure your negotiation skills are spot on! The following six traits will solidify your place as a super negotiator in the real estate industry!1. Know Your ValueIf you're going into a negotiation, make sure you know...

Fannie Mae Condominium Review Changes Coming
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
Fannie continues to offer its project eligibility review service (PERS)of condos, co-ops and PUD's for lenders who either are unwilling or uncomfortable in determining a project's eligibility on its own. In order to offset the increased volume and costs of offering this service Fannie has...

4 Necessary Spring Cleaning Projects For Your Home
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
Spring has sprung upon us! And with spring comes spring cleaning! Many home owners take advantage of the spring time to do some home improvements.. But whether you have big or small ambitions for sprucing up your home this spring, here are four easy spring cleaning projects you should do to your home before summer...

How To Avoid 5 Emotional Mistakes of Home Buyers
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
One of the hardest parts about being a home buyer is getting too emotionally involved. While you can't blame yourself (this is one of Life's Biggest Purchases!), here are a few things from Bankrate.com NOT to do when buying a home. Keep those emotions in check!. 1. Not Negotiating Realistically When...

The Unknown Freebies of Buying a Home
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
Buying a home can be a daunting and expensive process. At Guaranteed Rate, we try to ease your worries by making your home purchase transaction go as smoothly as possible. But other than taking advantage of our low rates, where else can you save when purchasing a home? Here are a few freebies you can (and should!)...

Can Pets Help You Sell A Home?
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
As a real estate agent, there are conventional rules you stick to when showcasing your client's home: tidy the home, make it brightly lit and remove any signs of animals. But could the family pet actually help you sell the home?Some real estate agents say that pets have become a huge asset for them when selling...

MCC - Mortgage Credit Certificates, A Blast From The Past
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
With all of the creative financing options of the past several years' one option that has been forgotten is the good old-fashioned Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC). In the early to mid 90's the MCC was a popular tool for many first time homebuyers. Here are answers to some common questions about the MCC...

Could You Snag a Dream Vacation Property Deal in 2012?
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
Buyers are returning to the US markets in large numbers, with second home sales increasing in 2011, the highest level we've seen since 2005, according to Reuters. What could be the cause of this sudden increase? Home buyer confidence, plus the fact that it's a very strong buyers market, with...

VA Loans - Advantages and Disadvantages
Updated Oct. 24, 2014
In 1944, the United State Congress launched the Veterans Affairs (VA) loan guarantee program, which authorized the US Department of Veterans' Affairs to guarantee home loans made to veterans by qualified lending institutions. VA loans enable eligible active-duty service members, veterans and their...

The Unbelievable Housing Trend Hitting America
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
Something crazy has happened to the housing market, something that most people never predicted they'd ever see. In many areas throughout the country, it's been reported that monthly mortgage payments are now less expensive than monthly rental payments on similar homes! Check out what's...

Stress-Free Refinancing in Four Steps
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
With rates staying so low, you may be considering to refinance your home loan. However, make sure you're aware of the top four refinancing mistakes so that you can avoid them!. 1. Refinancing When You Shouldn'tMaybe your neighbor told you about the amazing low rate they refinanced with, or the news...

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week : April 16, 2012
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
Mortgage markets improved last week as a global flight-to-quality continued. With Spain facing questions on its sovereign debt, investors continued to pare exposure to risky assets, sparking demand for the relative safety of U.S. government-backed mortgage-backed bonds.. As a result, conforming and FHA...

Four Simple Staging Solutions
Updated Oct. 9, 2013
When showcasing a home, you know to keep it super clean, clear of clutter and the landscaping top-notch. But what else can help the home stand out from the rest? Here are a few tips from Realtor.org:. 1. Show Off Your Counter SpaceOnly allow up to three appliances max on the kitchen counter tops. If there's a center...