Right now, millions of potential homebuyers are waiting. According to housing data, nearly 20–24% of homeowners already have mortgage rates above 5%—and many are keeping an eye out for refinancing opportunities. On the buying side, surveys show that first-time buyers believe they’ll only be comfortable jumping in once rates dip into the low 6% range…
Can You Use a Cash-Out Refinance to Pay Off Delinquent Property Taxes? If you’re behind on property taxes and looking for a way to catch up, you might be wondering: can you use a cash-out refinance to pay off those delinquent taxes? The short answer is yes—but only if you meet the specific requirements of…
If you’re a homebuyer using a VA loan to finance your property, there’s a unique requirement that can easily trip up your transaction: the VA loan clear pest report. Unlike conventional loans or even FHA loans in some cases, VA loans have strict pest inspection guidelines—and not understanding them can delay or even jeopardize your…
Can You Get a Mortgage Without a Job in Retirement? If you’re retired or nearing retirement, you might be wondering: Can I get a mortgage without a job? The answer is yes—you can. In fact, both FHA and conventional loans allow you to qualify using retirement income, including distributions from 401(k), IRA, pensions, or annuities.…
If you’re receiving child support and planning to buy a home, you might be wondering: Can I use this income to qualify for a mortgage? The answer is yes—with some important details. Both FHA and conventional loan programs (like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) allow child support income to be used, but there are clear…
If you’re a homebuyer—or a first-time homebuyer—making strong income and thinking about purchasing a home on your own without your significant other on the loan, I want to offer some perspective before you pull the trigger. It’s a common thought process:“I’ll buy the home in just my name, and that way my partner can still…
Should You Sell Your Home or Keep It as a Rental? When you’re thinking about buying a new home and you already have a mortgage on your current property, it’s a big financial and emotional decision. Maybe your current home has become too small, there’s a lot of road noise, or your growing family simply…
Here’s a Better Way to Think About It If the home just hit the market—say it’s been listed for less than 30 days—it’s still considered “fresh.” In that case, offering within 5% of the list price is a good rule of thumb if you want to be taken seriously and still have room to negotiate.…