Interest rates fluctuate and are impacted by economic data, inflationary pressure, the stock market, the federal reserve, geo-politics and other global events. Therefore, you may have questions as to whether now is a good time to lock in that rate. American Pacific Mortgage is here to answer those questions.
Our Blog Puts YOU in the Driver’s Seat
Helping customers like you achieve their financial goals is all we do, which is why we’re arming you with our expert insight, tips, and advice to help you get there.
Answers to Your Questions About Locking in an Interest Rate
Using Discount Points to Lower Your Interest Rate
Lenders offer discount points to buyers to lower the interest rate and make the mortgage more affordable. A discount point is like prepaying interest for a lower interest rate. One point usually translates into .125 to .25 percent less on your loan rate. Another consideration: discount points are typically tax deductible.
The Ins and Outs of a Credit Score
A credit score is more than just a financial “grade.” The rating represents something much more important, and could have a big impact on your wallet. Many first-time homebuyers are curious about improving credit scores, and how that will come into play when applying for a loan.
The Top 5 Home Buying Myths
Does it seem like all your friends are in the process of buying a home? You may be at the point in your life when all of your friends are transitioning into the homeownership realm. There will likely be no bigger or exciting purchase in your life than a new home. Maybe it’s your turn too?
4 Tips to Help Improve Your Credit Score Long-term
If you are ready to become a first-time home buyer, the initial step is to get pre-approved for a home loan. To do that, you will need to get a handle on your credit history and credit score. If your credit is challenged, you may want to consider methods of increasing your score so that you can begin the process of buying your first home.
Managing Your Spending When Buying a Home
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably crunched the numbers time and time again. Undoubtedly, you know a thing or two about the components of a mortgage payment, including the principal and interest you will pay. While it’s prudent to know about your monthly mortgage bill, there are other expenditures associated with homeownership that you’ll pay before and even during the life of your loan.
Three Things Buyers Can do to Help Assure Closing
Buying a home is a transaction with a lot of moving pieces. Both the buyer and seller have power to control some aspects, but a bump in the road can appear when you least expect.
Why Homeownership Can Be a Smart Decision
Why Homeownership Can Be a Smart Decision
It all comes back to the phrase “home is where the heart is.”
Owning a home is ingrained in the American spirit. It provides a sense of stability in that there is a place to call home that will always serve as a spot to unwind and to be with the ones you love.There is another aspect in play when it comes to why being a homeowner is a smart decision. Owning a home is a good financial decision that very often pays off over the long run.
Here are just a few reasons why homeownership can be a smart decision.
The Modern Guide to Home Buying
The Four Modern Guidelines of Home Buying
Buying a home can be an overwhelming process. But in the end, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences you and your family will ever have. Home ownership provides security, a source of pride, equity, a financial roadmap to the future and numerous other perks, both personal and financial.
What If I Need a Jumbo Loan
When you are looking to purchase a home in a highly desirable market, or you’ve outgrown your current home and need something a little larger to fit your family, you may need a Jumbo loan to get you there. Here’s some things you need to know about these larger loans, and what you’ll need to qualify for one.
Simplifying the Home Buying Process
The road to homeownership can sometimes feel like an epic journey, a monumental marathon, or even an intense sprint to the end. Whether you are a first-time buyer, or have traveled this road before, the home buying process may at times feel daunting, confusing, or perhaps even a bit intimidating. But the road to ownership can be actually be easier than you thought, if you follow a few simple steps.
Purchase a Home with 3% Down
What’s standing between you and your dream of owning a home? If you’re like many would-be homebuyers, the down payment may be seemingly one of the biggest hurdles that is keeping you from looking for your dream home today. The good news is you may not have to wait to save a substantial down payment in order to buy a home. There are 3% down payment mortgage options which can help qualified buyers purchase a home to ease that upfront investment.*
2016 Trends That Should Influence Your Home Search
Buying a house is a big decision and a process that takes the necessary research and dedication to finding the right home for you. To make sure you start off on the right foot, there are some trends you should be aware of to solidify yourself as an informed buyer.
Should Your First Home Be a Fixer-upper?
Should your first home be a fixer-upper?
Finding the right home for you and your family can be a tough endeavor. You want it to fit with what your vision of “home” should look like: An open floor plan with enough light and space for the kids to play. A modern kitchen with the right tile for your tastes.
Think You Can’t Afford to Buy a Home? You May Be Wrong
What’s stopping you from buying a home? If your lifestyle, financial goals, and plans for the future are all pointing you towards the road to homeownership, there may be one thing keeping you from starting that journey.
Affordability.
If you are one of the many would-be homebuyers who thinks affordability is keeping your dream out of reach, you may be surprised to discover how accessible homeownership actually can be.
Here’s the straight answer on what you need to buy a home, one surprising thing you don’t need, and the information you can’t afford to miss.
Qualifying for an FHA Loan
Which mortgage loan works for you? If you are a first-time buyer, you may want to consider an FHA loan. FHA loans are designed specifically to help first-time buyers achieve their goal of homeownership with benefits such as lower down payment requirements and more lenient qualifying guidelines compared to other loan options.The more lenient guidelines of an FHA loan make this loan program a useful tool for many first-time buyers.
Down Payment Assistance for First Time Home Buyers
Buying your first home is exciting, but can also feel overwhelming. As a buyer, you have many loan programs and options available to you. That’s why partnering with an experienced mortgage loan advisor is such an important part of buying your first home. A loan advisor can provide insights on the loan programs that can help you along the way, such as first time buyer programs.
How to Choose Between Buying and Renting Your Home
Is it time to say goodbye to the rental life? Investing in your own home, rather than renting, can be a big decision to make. Homeownership can be a gratifying investment in your own financial security and personal wealth. And if you are a renter, you’ve probably felt the sting of writing a check each month towards someone else’s financial investment.
For people interested in becoming first time homebuyers, determining when it’s truly better to buy than rent is an important first step.
TOP POSTS
Subscribe to our BlogSign up to stay up to date with the latest news, insights and more from American Pacific Mortgage!
RECENT POSTS