If not done properly, applying for a mortgage can be stressful and time consuming, but with the right preparation the entire process can be seamless. Here are some crucial pieces of information that almost any lender will require before approving a mortgage. Tax Information From The Previous Two Years One of the most important documents a borrower will be asked for is their federal tax return along with a signed Form 4506-T, which will allow the lender to contact the IRS directly for their … [Read more...]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 21, 2015
Last week's economic releases included several reports related to housing. The Wells Fargo/ NAHB Housing Market Index achieved its highest reading in nearly 10 years. Housing Starts dipped in August and Building Permits issued in August exceeded July expectations. The week's big news was actually no news. The Fed's Federal Open Market Committee decided not to raise interest rates. Fed Chair Janet Yellen followed up on the FOMC statement with a press conference and said that the Fed is not yet … [Read more...]
NAHB: Builder Confidence Hits Highest Rate in 9 Years; Fed Doesn’t Raise Rates
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) / Wells Fargo Housing Market Index reported that home builder confidence rose by one point to a reading of 62 for September. This was the highest reading since November 2005, when the NAHB reported a reading of 68 for home builder confidence. Any reading above 50 indicates that more builders are confident about housing market conditions than those who are not. NAHB notes that builder confidence has been growing at a moderate pace since July 2014; … [Read more...]
First-Time Home Buyer? 3 Budgeting Tips to Help Make Your Mortgage Payments Easier
Buying a new home is an exciting time, but excitement can easily turn to stress if there isn't enough money to pay the monthly mortgage bill. The added expense can take some time to get used to, but there are ways to make the payments easier, especially in those first few months when money is the tightest. Prioritize The Mortgage Bill And Pay It Immediately This may seem like a counterintuitive tip for anybody looking for help making mortgage payments, but it is easily the best one and the one … [Read more...]