29 Aug 2023
By Fred Gruber

What You Need to Know About Mortgage Rates This Week – August 28, 2023

Mortgage Rates ,
Understanding the dynamics of mortgage rates is crucial in assessing the affordability of a home. These rates aren't isolated figures; they pivot on a variety of economic and market stimuli, and they can exhibit volatility from one week to another. Let's delve into the current scenario of mortgage rates and what it signifies for potential and existing homeowners: Current data indicates that while mortgage rates are elevated, there's potential for stabilization or a dip later this year if inflation undergoes moderation.1. As of August 25, a 30-year fixed mortgage stood at 7.57%. This is a marginal reduction from the prior…
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08 Aug 2023
By Fred Gruber

Understanding the Distinction Between Mortgage Interest Rates and APR

Mortgage Rates , ,
When it comes to securing a mortgage, borrowers are often confronted with various terms and figures that may seem confusing at first glance. Two key components that play a significant role in determining the cost of a mortgage are the interest rate and the APR (Annual Percentage Rate). Though they are related, it is crucial to understand the difference between them to make informed decisions while comparing different loan offers. This article aims to shed light on the dissimilarities between the mortgage interest rate and the APR, helping borrowers navigate the mortgage landscape more confidently. Mortgage Interest Rate The mortgage…
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03 Sep 2021
By Fred Gruber

FICO Scores and Your Mortgage: How to Bump Your FICO Score to Secure a Better Mortgage Rate

Mortgage Rates , ,
Is your credit score holding you back from getting the best rate on your next mortgage? The good news is that there are actions that you can take to increase your credit score and improve the interest rate offered on your next home loan. Here are a few easy and effective tips to help you get your credit score to where you want it to be. Increase The Amount Of Credit Available To You The easiest way to increase your credit score is to increase your credit limit, as this reduces your utilization ratio. To do this, you can either…
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18 May 2021
By Fred Gruber

3 Reasons Why the Lowest Mortgage Interest Rate Isn’t Always Your Best Option

Mortgage Rates , ,
One of the more common methods that home loan applicants use to find the best loan program available is to compare interest rates, but choosing the lowest rate possible is not always the best option available. In fact, in some cases, it may be one of the least advantageous options when all factors are considered. With a closer look, home mortgage applicants may decide to review other factors in combination with the interest rate to make a more informed decision when applying for a new loan. The Closing Costs Impact The Rate It is important to note that lenders can…
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19 Feb 2021
By Fred Gruber

Variable-Rate VS. Fixed-Rate Mortgages – Which Is Better For Your Financial Situation?

Mortgage Rates , ,
When applying for a new home mortgage, many loan applicants initially consider applying for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage. This is perhaps the most common and traditional type of mortgage available. It allows you to enjoy the opportunity to pay for your home over the course of 30 years with equal payments every month. While this is one option, there are actually multiple choices available. For some applications, a variable rate mortgage may be more advantageous. If you are comparing the options between a fixed rate and a variable rate mortgage, you may consider a few points. A Lower Initial…
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18 Feb 2021
By Fred Gruber

Understanding The Key Factors That Affect Your Mortgage Interest Rate

Mortgage Rates , ,
When you initially start shopping for a home mortgage, you may be drawn to advertisements for ultra-low interest rates. These may be rates that seem too good to be true, and you may gladly contact the lender or mortgage company to complete your loan application. However, the unfortunate truth is that all too often, mortgage applicants are unpleasantly surprised and even disheartened to learn that they do not qualify for the advertised interest rate. By learning more about the factors that influence your interest rate, you may be able to structure you loan in a more advantageous way. Your Credit…
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13 Jan 2021
By Fred Gruber

How Low Can They Go: With Mortgage Interest Rates Low, Should You Refinance?

Mortgage Rates , ,
Do you have a mortgage? You've likely seen or heard a lot about mortgage refinancing as interest rates remained low in recent months. In today's blog post we'll explore the topic of mortgage refinancing, including when you should consider refinancing and how to take advantage of low interest rates. What is Mortgage Refinancing? In simple terms, refinancing refers to the practice of taking out a new mortgage and using the proceeds to pay off your old one in its entirety. You'll go through the full borrowing process with your chosen lender, including the credit check, financial history and employment history…
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01 May 2018
By Fred Gruber

5 Key Factors That Affect Your Mortgage Rate

Mortgage Rates , ,
Many first time home buyers often wonder what factors determine their mortgage rate. Is it their credit score? Is it the type of loan chosen? Is it the size of the loan? The truth is, there are many factors at play. Mortgage interest rates are not standardized across the board, so they vary from lender to lender and from borrower to borrower. Here are 5 common factors that determine or affect your mortgage interest rate: 1.    Default Risk Risk is a key consideration when determining mortgage interest rates. Banks and other lenders are in a risky business because there is…
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29 Jan 2018
By Fred Gruber

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 29, 2018

Mortgage Rates
Last week's economic news included releases on new and existing home sales along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims. Home Sales Fall Due to Slim Supply of Homes December sales of previously-owned homes dipped to an 18-year low with a reading of 5.57 million sales on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. Pre-owned home sales were expected to reach 5.73 million homes based on November's downwardly- revised reading of 5.78 million sales. December sales were 3.6 percent lower month-to-month, but were 1.10 percent higher year-over-year. Analysts credited the shortage of sales to tight inventories of homes for sale.…
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22 Jan 2018
By Fred Gruber

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 22, 2018

Mortgage Rates
Last week's economic news included readings on home builder confidence, housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released; the week wrapped with the University of Michigan's report on consumer sentiment. Home Builder Confidence Dips, Remains in Positive Territory According to the National Association of Home Builders, builder confidence dropped two points in January to 72, but high demand for homes continued to provide builders with positive outlooks on housing market conditions. While continued concerns over labor and lot shortages were cited, home builders surveyed for January's Housing Market Index said…
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