As we hopefully start to climb out of the covid crisis, interest rates nudged up this week. Rates inched up as Freddie Mac reported that the average 30-year-fixed-rate mortgage was 2.97%. This is still well below the rate a year ago which was 3.45%. Analyists expect rates to continue to rise slightly throughout the year on an anticipated economic recovery, although rates are expected to remain very low by historic standards.
While rates remain near historic lows, the housing market continues to be red hot. Extremely low inventory is driving prices up. The National Association of Realtors reported existing home sales were up nearly 25% compared to last year and the median home price is up nearly 15% from a year ago. This may be a bigger impediment to home buyers than rates inching up.
We will continue to keep you up to date on market trends and use our web site pre-qualifier to see what you can afford and get a pre-qualification to assist your home shopping.

If you’re looking for a new house, many realtors will actually ask for a pre-approval in advance. And its good for you to know how much you can afford and if there are any issues, you will know in advanced instead of any last minute surprises!

1. Proof of Income
This is usually W-2 statements but also includes any other sources of income like bonuses or alimony.
2. Proof of Assets
This will include bank and investment account statements. If you are receiving a money from a relative or friend you may also need a gift letter from them.
3. Credit Score
Your credit score will be an important factor on the down payment and interest rate on the loan.
4. Employment Verification
Lenders may call your employer to verify employment, or if you are self-employed you may need to supply additional paperwork.
5. You Verification
You may need to supply a copy of your drivers license and social security number as well.

Now that you know the basics, check with us to get pre-approved and see how much you can get approved for!

If you’re looking for a new house, many realtors will actually ask for a pre-approval in advance. And its good for you to know how much you can afford and if there are any issues, you will know in advanced instead of any last minute surprises!

1. Proof of Income
This is usually W-2 statements but also includes any other sources of income like bonuses or alimony.
2. Proof of Assets
This will include bank and investment account statements. If you are receiving a money from a relative or friend you may also need a gift letter from them.
3. Credit Score
Your credit score will be an important factor on the down payment and interest rate on the loan.
4. Employment Verification
Lenders may call your employer to verify employment, or if you are self-employed you may need to supply additional paperwork.
5. You Verification
You may need to supply a copy of your drivers license and social security number as well.

Now that you know the basics, check with us to get pre-approved and see how much you can get approved for!

We are in the middle of winter and that means more time indoors and often in the kitchen. If you’re kitchen is the before part of a makeover show then here is our top ten list of things to consider before starting a renovation project.

1. Budget
Before getting started set a budget! (Can’t you say this before starting every project? 🙂
2. Lighting
Gone are the days of dark cramped kitchens, make sure there’s plenty of light and consider a mix of light sources.
3. Walkways
This one is especially important if you have or are planning on adding an island – make sure there’s enough room to move around without the kids getting in the way!
4. Countertops
This is a big one of course and with more options than ever. A great mid-range option is quartz which has the appeal of marble without the cost and upkeep worries.
5. Outlets
Make sure you plan enough outlets for appliances, gadgets and maybe the thing you are reading this on 🙂
6. Panel Ready
If you are doing a fancier reno, we love panel appliances. How clean does the paneled dishwasher look when it seamlessly blends in?
7. Ceiling
Don’t forget to look up! Make sure the ceiling isn’t neglected and having some great light fixtures can really make the kitchen pop!
8. Storage
This is another biggie – you want enough space to store all the goodies and gadgets! Don’t put appliances in corners and make sure doors don’t bang into each other too!
9. Flooring
Your grandparents linoleum floors are history – today there are a ton of awesome flooring choices.
10. Appliances
This one depends on your budget. The lux range looks great and is useful but be realistic too. It’s an investment, consider if you are going to stay in the house a long time and you’re a big chef are two key factors to consider!

Spring is traditionally the busiest home buying season but is it a good idea to close on a home during the winter?
According to a recent ATTOM Data Solutions seven year market study, it showed that buyers who closed on January 26 actually got some of the best deals, paying market value in a competitive market while buyers in June paid close to seven percent premium above market value! An example of this in actual numbers would have a $300,000 house costing almost $25,000 more in June than January!
Currently inventory is tight in most markets which applies upward pressure on pricing, and the spring buying season is likely to show this, however housing construction was up five percent last fall to help meet demand. Rates are also at record lows and if the economy rebounds their will be pressure on rates to rise.

As we start the new year, mortgage interest rates are actually going down. Freddie Mac reported the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was down to 2.77%, which is nearly a point below the average of 3.60% a year ago! The forecast is for rates to remain low with some possible rising later in the year.

We definitely recommend contacting us for a quick refinance analysis, we will give you a recommendation and tell you to how much you can save monthly, get cash out or both! And most of us can use all the extra spending money we can get nowadays. Call us or fill out our quick qualifier on our site and we will get back to you promptly with your options.

Thank you for visiting our blog! This is our first post but we will be adding many more. We are going to focus on posts that are informative about the process, industry news, community-focused and much more. So please, bookmark this blog, share it with your friends and check back soon as the best is yet to come!