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NewRez now offers Freddie Mac’s revamped downpayment assistance program

Housing Wire

The program offers $3,000 or more in closing cost assistance if borrowers in select metropolitan areas meet a minimum 3% downpayment, complete a one-on-one homeownership counseling, and earn less than or equal to 140% of the area median income (AMI). The credit goes up to $2,500 if a borrower makes 50% or less of AMI.

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Should I pay off student loans before buying my first home?

Housing Wire

With these rates, it’s a bit easier to save a down payment , while still paying down debt. With these rates, it’s a bit easier to save a down payment , while still paying down debt. Meaning, you can take longer to pay down your debt (without accumulating a great deal of interest) than you would with credit card debt.

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First-time homebuyers made up a record share of agency purchase loans in 2023

Housing Wire

The market in which these folks purchased their first home was one of record house prices, ballooning down payments , rising rates and elevated debt-to-income ratios (DTIs). is more than 4 percentage points higher than for repeat buyers in recent months. Mortgage rates have averaged close to the 7% mark as of Feb.

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5 tips for finding the right mortgage lender for you

Housing Wire

To find a qualified lender, you need a good credit score and a good debt-to-income ratio, which is the percentage of a consumer’s monthly gross income that goes to paying down debt. Before you start searching for a lender, check your credit score and debt-to-income ratio. Buying a home?

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Positive signs abound for 2024 housing market: ICE

Housing Wire

Under such a scenario, more than half would be homeowners who financed in 2023, with less than 10% coming from 2022-vintage loans. of the median household income, the average payment is down from a 38-year high of more than 38% in October. Mortgage rates held at 6.71% as of Jan. million to 3.8 million to 3.8

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The mortgage industry is nervous about LLPA fee changes

Housing Wire

The Federal Housing Finance Agency this week made a series of significant changes to loan level pricing adjustment (LLPA) fees charged by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on conventional/conforming mortgages. “Furthermore, FHFA included new fees on borrowers with higher debt-to-income scores. But there are some losers, too.

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Tired of renting? 6 signs you’re ready to buy your first home

Housing Wire

Your Income Is Stable. Your Income Is Stable. How are your finances? A stable income means you’re more likely to be approved for a loan , than someone with an unstable income. Not to mention, if your finances are solid, you’ll be able to afford all those extra housing expenses. Not to mention, expensive.