18 Oct 2018
By Randy Courtney

U.S. Wage Increases Could Help Home Buyers

Mortgage
The struggle to achieve the American homeownership dream often feels like it happens in a vacuum. Everyday people work hard, save money and polish up their credit to get a low mortgage rate. But there are powerful forces at work that are far beyond each person's control. And until recently, the gap between American wage growth and rising home prices was widening. According to data coming out of the U.S. Department of Labor, unemployment recently hit a 49-year low and wages are enjoying the greatest uptick in nearly a decade. That is good news for prospective home buyers. American Wages…
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11 Oct 2018
By Randy Courtney

Best Things To Do Now To Get Your Finances Mortgage Ready

Mortgage
You probably already know that qualifying for a mortgage can be the biggest hurdle -- aside from actually finding that dream property -- along the path to home ownership. Rather than agonizing about it, however, there are some positive actions you can take in advance to help you realize your dream. Take A Close Look At Your Budget If you don't currently operate with a comprehensive household budget, get started now to analyze your income and monitor your spending habits. There's no better way to prepare for home ownership than by being realistic about how you spend your money. If…
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11 Sep 2018
By Randy Courtney

4 Things You Should Know About Conventional Mortgage Rates

Mortgage
Securing the best conventional mortgage rate possible can pose a challenge for even veteran property buyers. Your mortgage rate will be determined by a variety of factors that pertain to your unique financial portfolio as well as economic forces. While no one has full control over all of the things that influence the process, understanding the manageable aspects can improve your negotiation position when securing a conventional mortgage. Consider these four things that impact how conventional mortgage rates are determined. 1: Credit Is King A borrower's credit score has a tremendous impact on the final mortgage rate. The general rule…
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