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Should You Consider an Adjustable Rate Mortgage For Your Home Purchase?

With mortgage rates finally looking like they may move upward a bit as the overall market improves the adjustable rate mortgage starts to come into play again. Better known as the ARM home loan, the adjustable rate mortgage can be a flexible, powerful tool, depending on how it is used. ARMs Can Help Save On Total Interest Expense When rates were higher years ago, the ARM was an alternative way to obtain financing for a home without paying as much in interest with every payment. This was ideal for folks who felt that a few years forward the regular market…
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Questions and Answers Regarding The Veterans Loan Program

Owning a home is important to military veterans just like the majority of other consumers.  The Veteran's Administration has provided an exceptional benefit for those who have served (or are currently serving) in any of the armed forces. And this VA Loan Program is helping thousands of service members achieve the goal of home ownership. There are a number of questions that come up regarding the fees and qualifications of the VA Loan Program.   What Are The Specific VA Fees? Many veterans and active military personnel like the fact that VA loans don't require private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI has…
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The Younger Mortgage Market: Move Over Millennials, Gen Z Is Moving Into Home Ownership

Although the majority of the Generation Z population make $25,000 or less per year, they really have embraced the American Dream of home ownership. According to a recent survey by Zillow, 97 percent of Gen Z renters asked were confident they will be homeowners in the future, whereas only 55 percent of Millennials were 82 percent of Gen Zers who were renting identified home ownership as the most important component of the American Dream -- more than Millennials, even though that group is presently the largest segment of homebuyers, according to data from the National Association of Realtors. So Who Exactly Are Generation Z? While…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 2nd, 2018

Last week's economic releases included readings from Case-Shiller, pending home sales, and consumer sentiment. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released.     Case-Schiller: Home Prices Continue to Rise According to Case-Shiller Home Price Index reports for January, U.S. home prices continued to rise at a rapid pace with the national home price index rising at a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 6.20 percent. Case-Shiller's 20-City Home Price Index rose by 6.40 percent year-over-year. Seattle, Washington held the top spot with year-over-year home price growth of 12.90 percent. Las Vegas, Nevada reported year-over-year home price growth of…
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7 Tips To Plan A Spring Yard ‘Tune-Up’ Before Listing A Home For Sale

The oft-repeated maxim that there is never a second chance to make a great first impression is especially true when it comes to real estate. Street appeal may focus on a dramatic approach to the front door, but prospective buyers will be especially "wowed" by an appealing back yard. Early spring is the perfect time to add some new plants, set out pots of blooming flowers and focus on one memorable feature. A little work now will pay big dividends later, in terms of buyer interest, increased showings, quick offers, and even a higher price. Here are 7 ideas that are…
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