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Finance of America now offers renovation loans

Housing Wire

announced today the launch of Finance of America Home Improvement , a new business division offering non-mortgage financing options, including renovation loans. Per a study from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, renovation financing is expected to increase 3.3% in 2021 to $433 billion.

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Busting VA mortgage loan myths

Housing Wire

Unfortunately, too many misconceptions persist among real estate and even mortgage industry professionals about the VA home loan, and those misconceptions have big (and negative) impacts. VA mortgage loans generally provide veterans and active-duty service members with more favorable terms than other loans on the market.

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VA makes major change to America’s most underutilized mortgage program

Housing Wire

The program provides direct loans to Native American veterans and veterans who are married to Native American non-veterans to help with the purchase, construction or renovation of a home on trust land. The program is separate from the broader VA loan program that is available to all veterans.

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RenoFi targets homeowners who don’t qualify for HELOCs

Housing Wire

Renovation financing startup RenoFi now offers a fixed-rate home renovation loan, which allows homeowners to borrow as much as 90% of their home’s after-renovation value — a move to target homeowners who don’t qualify for a home equity line of credit (HELOCs).

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Yes, Cash Buyers Pay Closing Costs, and Sometimes Even the Seller’s Fees

HomeLight

Closing costs are assumed to be part of doing business in real estate, but do cash buyers pay closing costs? Yes, you can expect charges for attorney hours, taxes, plus title and recording fees to still apply, though the use of cash can greatly reduce a buyer’s closing costs with the elimination of mortgage fees.

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Selling your home? Make sure you’re aware of hidden costs

Housing Wire

Here are four potentially unexpected costs you should be aware of: More for Real Estate Enthusiasts. 5 reasons to refinance your mortgage right now. Staging Costs. Home improvements and renovations are also important to buyers. A concession is when the seller agrees to pay part of a buyer’s closing costs.

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What is a 2-1 temporary rate buydown?

Housing Wire

As mortgage rates hit 7% and above, loan officers are seeing new borrowers increasingly interested in options that can help reduce their initial mortgage payments. Generally speaking, a buydown is a real estate financing technique that makes it easier for a borrower to qualify for a mortgage with a lower interest rate.