17
Oct
By Fred Gruber
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Home Mortgage

3 Important Tips When Making a Down Payment for a Home

When it comes to purchasing a home, one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make is how much to put down as a down payment. Your down payment not only affects the amount you need to borrow but also plays a vital role in determining your mortgage interest rate and overall financial stability. Here are three crucial tips to keep in mind when making a down payment for a home:

Determine Your Budget and Financial Goals:
Before you start setting aside money for a down payment, you must understand your budget and financial goals. Assess your current financial situation, including your income, expenses, and existing debt. Consider factors such as your credit score, job stability, and long-term financial objectives.

Make sure your down payment doesn’t deplete your savings entirely, leaving you vulnerable to unexpected expenses or emergencies. Typically, a down payment of 20% is recommended, as it can help you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) and secure a more favorable mortgage rate. However, if you can’t afford a 20% down payment, don’t worry – there are other options available, such as FHA loans or VA loans, which require smaller down payments.

Research Mortgage Options:
When deciding on a down payment amount, it’s crucial to explore the various mortgage options available. Different types of mortgages have different down payment requirements. Here are a few examples:

  • Conventional Mortgage
  • FHA Loan
  • Non-QM Loan
  • VA Loan
  • USDA Loan

Research these options and discuss them with a mortgage professional to find the best fit for your financial situation and homeownership goals.

Plan for Closing Costs:
When budgeting for your down payment, don’t forget about closing costs. These are the additional expenses associated with finalizing the purchase of your home, such as appraisal fees, title insurance, and legal fees. On average, closing costs can range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price.

To avoid any last-minute financial stress, it’s wise to save some extra money specifically for closing costs. You can also negotiate with the seller to cover a portion of these costs as part of your purchase agreement.

Making a down payment for a home is a significant financial decision that requires careful consideration and planning. By determining your budget, researching mortgage options, and accounting for closing costs, you can navigate the homebuying process with confidence and secure the home of your dreams while maintaining your financial stability. Remember, homeownership is a long-term commitment, and making an informed down payment is a critical step in building a secure and comfortable future for you and your family.

16
Oct
By Fred Gruber
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Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 16, 2023

Last week’s economic report schedule included notable reports with the CPI & Core CPI in addition to PPI and Core PPI. Many markets are keeping a close eye on the inflation numbers for the U.S. as well as many other parts of the world to help guide their policies.

Other notable reports were MBA Mortgage Applications Index and the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Report (Prelim.)

Consumer Price Index
With current inflation data, the Federal Reserve has hinted that they are close to ending their rate-hiking cycle for the future. This reflects a greater optimism for a soft landing in many markets.

  • Cost of goods rose 0.9% in September after a 2% gain in the prior month.
  • The cost of services rose 0.3% last month, up slightly from 0.2% in August.
  • Energy prices rose 3.3% in September, down from a 10.3% gain in the previous month.
  • Wholesale food prices have moved up 0.9% after a 0.5% fall in the previous month

Product Price Index
Over the last year, the mainline PPI is up 2.2% in September, up from 2% in the prior month. This is the highest rate since April.

  • Core PPI has had an increase of 0.3% over the previous month.
  • PPI has had an increase of 0.5% over the previous month.

Key point: This is the second month in a row that goods prices have outpaced service costs.

Mortgage Applications Increased for the Month of October
MBA Mortgage Applications Increase, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, increased 0.6% percent compared to the previous month which had seen a -6.0% reduction.

University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Report
The University of Michigan reported that the preliminary index for Consumer Sentiment in October came in at 63, missing the consensus estimate of 67.4. The final reading of the index for September was 68.1. Expectations for the one-year inflation rate rose to 3.8% in October from 3.2% in September, marking its highest reading since May.

What’s Ahead
This week’s scheduled economic reports include readings on inflation, U.S. retail sales, and the preliminary monthly report on consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and initial jobless claims will also be released.

13
Oct
By Fred Gruber
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Mortgage

The LTV Ratio How Loan to Value Works and Why You Need to Understand This Ratio

Are you in the market for a new home? If you plan on using mortgage financing to buy your next home you’ve likely heard the phrase “loan-to-value” or the acronym “LTV” before. Let’s take a quick look at the loan-to-value ratio including why it’s important, how to calculate it, and how it can affect your mortgage.

What is the Loan-to-Value or LTV Ratio?
In short, the LTV ratio is a number that compares how much money you owe against your home with its resale value in the marketplace. A low LTV ratio indicates that you have far more equity in your home than you owe in mortgage payments; conversely, a high LTV ratio indicates that you owe almost as much as your home is worth.

Why is the LTV Ratio Important?
Your LTV ratio is important for a number of reasons. First, your mortgage lender will use this figure as part of their risk calculation when they assess your financial suitability for your mortgage. If you’re only putting 5 percent of the purchase price in as a down payment you’ll have an LTV ratio of 95 percent, which is a more risky loan than one with an LTV ratio of 30 percent and thus will almost certainly come with a higher interest rate.

While the LTV ratio might seem simple, this number can affect your mortgage in a variety of ways. Contact your local mortgage advisor today to learn more about the LTV ratio and to have your questions answered by an experienced professional.