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The Federal Reserve just increased the Fed Funds rate .75%. What does that mean, and how does it impact the mortgage market? Here are three things to know about today’s news: 1. The Federal Reserve Influences Mortgage Rates, They Do Not Set Them Many have the misconception that the Federal Reserve’s actions have a direct […]

When buying a home and exploring mortgage options, you’re likely to encounter different agencies you may not be familiar with. What do these mortgage-related agencies do and why are they important? Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are two separate entities that purchase mortgages from banks. Fannie Mae is short for […]

It’s no secret that home prices are increasing nationwide. There is good news, however, the amount you can borrow is increasing, too! Every year Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac evaluate the conforming loan limit, which can differ from county to county. In 2021, for example, the maximum conforming loan amount in most counties increased from […]

If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage—commonly referred to as an ARM—you may be wondering when and if you should refinance to a fixed rate home loan. There are numerous factors you should consider when you think about refinancing, and even more to think about when it comes to making the switch from an ARM to […]

Money is a touchy subject in many households. Getting married will certainly affect you and your partner financially. Whether you decide to combine your finances or not, having open and honest conversations about money early on is crucial. Studies have shown that 1 out of 3 adults admit that money is the source of conflict […]

The August heat has rolled in, and autumn is waiting just around the corner. That said, there’s still plenty of time left to enjoy your summer in your yard and garden! 1. Bring on the Shade Rising temperatures and heat index in the month of August make shady spaces more important than ever. If you […]

What is an Extended Rate Lock? An extended rate lock is a mortgage loan option that allows home purchasers to “lock” in today’s interest rate and guard themselves from the added cost of rising rates before they settle on their new home. A lower interest rate translates into a lower monthly payment, making extended rate […]

Buying a home can be a daunting task but buying in a different state can bring a higher level of stress and more of the unknown. We have compiled a list of tips and tricks to help make your buying and moving processes as seamless as possible. Make Sure You Do Your Research on Real […]

What is an ARM Loan? When securing home financing, some borrowers wonder whether to choose a fixed-rate or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). An ARM is a home loan with an interest rate that adjusts over time to reflect market conditions. With hybrid ARMs, borrowers may access a below-market rate for a fixed term (normally 3-10 […]

Selling your home may be something you’ve been considering for a while or maybe an event has occurred that has prompted you to sell. Either way, listing your home is a big decision and if you’re wondering if now is a good time, take a look at these signs and decide for yourself. It’s a […]

Have you noticed an increase in your homeowner’s insurance premiums lately—maybe significantly? If so, you are not alone. There are a number of factors that impact how high or low insurance premiums are, and there are several currently at play which have contributed to a recent rise for many homeowners. What Drives the Increase in […]

The potential for appreciation is an important factor to consider when choosing a home to purchase. Appreciation is when the value of your home increases over time. There are many factors that contribute to home value appreciation; some of them are out of your control, but there are some that you can control or predict […]