The Close

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

You’ll need to take many different costs into account and be prepared for unexpected expenses. When looking into your finances, consider the following factors: Closing costs: These are generally 2% to 5% of the property’s sales price and include lender fees, title insurance, property insurance, and property taxes.

Purchase and sale agreement

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 29, 2024

Calculate Potential Savings: Use a refinancing calculator to estimate savings and understand how long it would take to recoup any costs associated with refinancing (closing costs, etc.). For more information about these rates, visit Bankrate for detailed comparisons. Mortgage FAQ What influences current mortgage rates?

Mortgages

Toronto Realty Blog

DECEMBER 9, 2024

Now, at the risk of patting myself on the back here, I want to discuss three issues in real estate that I feel I was exceptionally early in identifying, only to have the late majority jump on the bandwagon much later: 1) Issues in the pre-construction industry. 2) Condo cancellations. Sadly, I know which outcome I would bet on.

Construction

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Top Mortgage Blogs From 2017 Best Mortgage & Home Financing Blogs From 2017 We’re back! Below you’re going to find some incredible recaps of home financing and mortgage blogs that have been published during 2017. The authors of these articles are some of the best writers in the mortgage and real estate industries.

Finance

Marco Santarelli

JULY 17, 2025

As someone who follows the real estate industry closely, I'm diving deep into what's happening in the Las Vegas housing market right now. This makes it more expensive to finance a home, pushing some potential buyers to the sidelines. To be honest, keeping up with housing trends can feel like watching a high-stakes poker game.

Marketing

The Mortgage Report

JULY 11, 2025

To gain insights and (hopefully) make matters easier, The Mortgage Reports spoke with industry experts to help guide borrowers in 2025’s third quarter. Buyers who have evaluated their finances, secured mortgage pre-approval, and understand local market trends are better positioned to act decisively when the right opportunity arises.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Marco Santarelli

MAY 31, 2025

It's vital for homeowners to analyze their specific situations and consider the overall costs associated with refinancing, including closing costs and lender fees. As mortgage rates have dipped, many homeowners can take advantage of the lower payments, especially if they secured a higher rate loan in previous years.

Mortgages

Redfin

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

Market conditions: Fluctuations in the construction industry due to material costs, labor availability, supply chain issues, and economic factors can impact building expenses. For instance, tariffs on imported goods have recently increased material costs, potentially adding $17,000 to $22,000 to the price of a new home.

Debt-to-income ratio

The Mortgage Report

JULY 1, 2025

With that price icing out many buyer candidates, sellers are more eager to negotiate lately, agreeing to lower down payments in order to close deals in a cooling market where there are now 34% more sellers than buyers. Buyers across the country are bringing smaller checks to the closing table,” he says. People are stretched thin.

Loans

Redfin

JUNE 9, 2025

Since your lender bases the loan amount on the appraised value, they’ll only finance 80% of $380,000—not the $400,000 you agreed to pay. Appraisal gaps can create financial strain for buyers, especially if they haven’t budgeted for this unexpected cost. Lenders won’t finance more than a home is worth.

Purchase and sale agreement

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

This process involves transferring the property to a buyer with available funds, eliminating the need for mortgage financing. On the positive side, there is no need for expensive repairs or renovations, and cash buyers often cover the closing costs, saving you money in the long run.

As-is

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 9, 2025

Based in Denver, he has over 25 years of experience in the real estate and finance industries. When a seller sees that you’ve already done the financial legwork and your lender has verified your income, credit, and assets, it builds confidence in your ability to close. But beyond finances, I think mindset matters.

FHA 203k rehab loan

AAOA

MARCH 24, 2025

Research potential locations and secure financing options. Consider partnering with a local real estate agent who knows your desired areas housing market, industry trends, and rental dynamics. Once you have your mortgage financing, you can make an offer on your future multifamily property!

Property Management

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

The deposit will then be used as part of the closing costs or down payment when the purchase successfully closes. Financing Even if you are preapproved for a mortgage when you make an offer, you could still have problems getting a loan from your lender when you need it. Why Do You Need to Pay a Deposit?

Earnest money deposit

Marco Santarelli

JULY 8, 2025

State-Level Regulations: Each state has its own set of rules governing the mortgage industry. These regulations can impact the cost of doing business for lenders and, in turn, influence the rates they offer. Understand the fees: There are often fees attached to a mortgage, such as origination fees, appraisal fees, and closing costs.

Mortgages

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

This certainly is due to the fact that selling a home isn’t a process that is practiced regularly by home owners and also that rules, regulations, and the industry change on a daily basis. A counter offer, even if it’s close to the list price, is better than letting a potential buyer walk! What are seller concessions?

Purchase and sale agreement

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 15, 2025

Education (lots of major universities), healthcare (world-renowned institutions like Cleveland Clinic), finance, logistics, and even burgeoning tech sectors are playing larger roles. This diversified base makes the economy more resilient to downturns in any single industry. Financing: How will you fund your purchase?

Investor

Marco Santarelli

MAY 24, 2025

Competition Among Lenders: While macroeconomic factors are primary drivers, the level of competition within the mortgage industry can also play a role in the rates offered to borrowers. It's more crucial than ever to get quotes from multiple lenders and compare not just the interest rate but also fees and closing costs.

Mortgages

BAM Media

MAY 15, 2025

With fewer bidding wars, todays buyers may find: Reconsidered offers from once-dismissive sellers More favorable termsincluding credits, repairs, or closing cost assistance An opening to get creative with financing or contingencies Corcorans advice? Dont just wait for an invitation. Make the first move.

Closing costs

Marco Santarelli

JULY 15, 2025

State-Specific Regulations: Each state has its own set of rules and regulations for the mortgage industry, affecting lender costs and, ultimately, rates. Understand the Fine Print: Pay attention to the fees and closing costs associated with the mortgage.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JULY 2, 2025

The mortgage industry is competitive, and different lenders can offer significantly different rates based on their individual business strategies and customer profiles. However, it's essential to evaluate costs against potential savings carefully. Lender Shopping : Approach multiple lenders for quotes.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 16, 2025

State Regulations: Each state has its own set of rules and regulations governing the mortgage industry. These rules can affect things like closing costs, lender fees, and even how quickly a lender can foreclose if something goes wrong. All of these factors play a role in figuring how lenders can offer loans.

Mortgages

Norada Real Estate

JULY 2, 2025

The mortgage industry is competitive, and different lenders can offer significantly different rates based on their individual business strategies and customer profiles. However, it's essential to evaluate costs against potential savings carefully. Lender Shopping : Approach multiple lenders for quotes.

Mortgages

Housing Wire

MARCH 10, 2025

In an industry dominated by private insurers, Iowa Title Guaranty (ITG) continues to operate as a state-run, not-for-profit title system that gives homebuyers a more affordable avenue for settlement services. If the broader industry could find ways to directly support homeownership beyond one-time grants, that would be meaningful.

Title

Marco Santarelli

FEBRUARY 23, 2025

Can you comfortably afford a down payment, closing costs, and ongoing mortgage payments, even if rates tick up slightly? As someone who's been in the real estate industry for a significant amount of time, I've learned that timing the market perfectly is nearly impossible. Get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 26, 2025

State-Specific Regulations: Each state has its own set of regulations governing the mortgage industry, which can impact lender costs and, ultimately, the rates they offer. Understand Your All-In Costs: Don't just focus on the interest rate. Consider all costs, including closing costs, lender fees, and any points you might pay.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

MAY 22, 2025

State Regulations: Each state has its own set of regulations governing the mortgage industry. These rules can affect lender costs and, subsequently, the rates they offer. Understand Points: Paying points (fees paid upfront) can lower your interest rate, but you need to calculate whether the upfront cost is worth the long-term savings.

Mortgages

Housing Wire

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

For more than two years, the title insurance industry has had to exist in what professionals have deemed a ”rather challenging” environment. Biden announced that the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) had approved measures to reduce closing costs, including a pilot to waive lender title requirements.

Title

Housing Wire

MAY 21, 2025

Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), made clear this week that credit-score pricing is firmly on his radar and changes are coming to the requirements for mortgages purchased by the government-sponsored enterprises ( GSEs ). That report itself accounts for a small portion of total mortgage closing costs.

Closing costs

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

There are down payments and closing costs to pay when buying a home, and spending your money on a large purchase could mean you don’t have enough to cover these costs. Final Thoughts When you need to apply to a lender to help you buy a home, you must be more careful with your finances to get approval.

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 5, 2025

The cost of raw materials (like lumber and steel, which can be affected by tariffs, indirectly contributing to housing costs, though this is a more complex link), labor shortages in the construction industry, and land development expenses all contribute to higher prices for new builds, which in turn can impact the prices of existing homes.

Mortgages

HomeLight

JULY 29, 2025

While the offer may be lower, these companies often close quickly and may even cover your closing costs. If a buyer asks for a price reduction after their own inspection, you’ll be in a better position to explain that those costs were already factored into the listing price. I prefer to get ahead of things.

As-is

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 11, 2025

State Regulations: Each state has its own set of regulations governing the mortgage industry. Look at the total cost of the mortgage, including origination fees, appraisal fees, and other closing costs. Average Loan Size: The size of the average mortgage loan can also play a role.

Mortgages

Housing Wire

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Health care information and caregiving marketplace website Care.com published an article that examines several practical ways that someone could choose to finance their long-term care (LTC) goals. The reverse mortgage industry has aimed in recent years to position itself as a potential avenue to fund LTC directly or pay for LTC insurance.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 6, 2025

The reason for this is that tariffs generally increases the cost of imports and can lead to retaliatory trade actions, impacting the economic well-being of different industries. Factor in All Costs: Don't just focus on the interest rate. Rate locks typically last for 30 to 60 days. A Personal Opinion : Don't rush the process.

Mortgages

Seattle Times Real Estate

JUNE 9, 2025

Source: Washington State Housing Finance Commission (Frank Mina / The Seattle Times) When Scott entered the real estate market two decades ago, “I saw that my community was in apartments. ” Attorneys for the housing finance commission director are seeking to have the case thrown out, arguing the group lacks standing to sue.

Loans

HomeLight

APRIL 11, 2025

No financing roadblocks: Cash offers mean you wont need to fret about a buyers mortgage potentially failing. Lower closing costs: Some Silver Spring companies may take care of closing costs , helping you save money. Guaranteed sale: You can rest assured that your Silver Spring home will sell without contingencies.

Inspection