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Opinion: why HELOC demand will surge

Housing Wire

Between February 2020 and January 2022, we witnessed something in the mortgage industry that we thought we’d never see — 30-year fixed-rate mortgages under 3.5%. These rates drew a record number of people refinancing their homes, with cash out refinances reaching $1.2 trillion in 2021.

Equity 395
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Opinion: Why HELOC demand will surge

Housing Wire

Between February 2020 and January 2022, we witnessed something in the mortgage industry that we thought we’d never see — 30-year fixed-rate mortgages under 3.5%. These rates drew a record number of people refinancing their homes, with cash-out refinances reaching $1.2 trillion in 2021.

Equity 383
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HELOCs are now “raging back”

Housing Wire

A combination of fast-rising home values and the fact that nearly two-thirds of borrowers with at least some home equity have mortgage rates below 4% — and would not benefit from refinancing — is helping to propel a resurgent market for home-equity lines of credit (HELOCs). billion in 2021 to $4.6

Equity 427
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ARMs race: adjustable-rate mortgages make a comeback

Housing Wire

In 2021, more than 90% of borrowers who closed a loan with fintech mortgage lender Neat Loans opted for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. The way ARMs work is lenders offer lower mortgage rates for the initial three, five, seven years. The mortgage industry is different from 14 years ago.

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Taking the leap: The benefits of buying vs. renting a home

Housing Wire

When you make a mortgage payment, part of that money goes toward the principal balance. The longer you live there and pay down the mortgage, the greater your stake in the property’s value. Should the property increase in value over time, then you, in turn, will have built up more equity.

Equity 406
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How Misunderstandings About Affordability Could Cost You

Keeping Current Matters

Renters pay a higher percentage of their income toward their rental payment than homeowners pay toward their mortgage. A mortgage payment is forced savings ; it goes toward building equity you will likely get back when you sell your home. Your mortgage payment remains relatively the same over time.

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Understanding Mortgage Terms for Home Buyers

Realty Biz

Buying a home is a significant decision, and understanding mortgage terms can make the process smoother. Here are some key terms and their definitions: Mortgage : A loan specifically used to purchase real estate. Principal : The amount of money you borrowed to buy the home. Over time, you'll pay down the principal and interest.