Understanding Home Inspection Reports: Facts Buyers Must Know When buying a home, the inspection phase can feel like a whirlwind of new information. After you’ve agreed on a price with the seller, the home inspection report often provides insights you weren’t initially aware of. While valuable, these reports can sometimes lead to unnecessary worry. Here’s…
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If you’re looking to buy a house but want to avoid the income limits and red tape often associated with traditional down payment assistance programs, Security National Mortgage Company (SNMC) offers a solution. Their unique FHA program allows you to buy a home without the usual restrictions, making it easier to achieve homeownership. This program…
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Deciding between an FHA loan and a conventional loan for your home purchase is an important choice that depends on your financial situation and goals. Both loan options have distinct benefits and considerations, so let’s break down the key differences to help you make the best decision for your needs. A 5% down conventional loan…
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When you apply for a mortgage, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to lock in your interest rate or let it “float.” This choice can impact your monthly payment and your overall financial comfort, so let’s explore both options to help you decide. What Does It Mean to Lock Your…
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Divorce is already an emotional and challenging process, and figuring out how to handle property settlements can add another layer of stress. If you’re looking for a way to buy out your ex-spouse’s share of your home, a limited cash-out refinance under Fannie Mae guidelines could be the ideal solution. This approach simplifies the settlement…
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2025 Conforming Loan Limits: What It Means for Sonoma County Buyers and Sellers The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced an increase in the baseline conforming loan limit for single-family homes to $806,500 in 2025, a 5.2% rise from the 2024 limit of $766,550. In high-cost areas like Sonoma County, California, the conforming loan…
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If you’re considering buying a home or refinancing your current mortgage but have concerns about your credit score, there’s good news: you still have options. While a higher credit score certainly makes the process easier, lenders today offer flexible solutions for buyers and refinancers with credit scores that are less than perfect. Understanding how credit…
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When it comes to refinancing your mortgage, knowing your strike rate—the interest rate at which refinancing becomes worthwhile—can save you thousands. But how do you decide what your strike rate should be? And how do you determine whether the market is moving toward your goal? In this post, we’ll break down the concept of a…
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