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Lenders: Looking to simplify closings? Work with an insurance agency

Housing Wire

HousingWire recently spoke to Tom Kriby, vice president of client development and partnerships at Westwood Insurance Agency, about how working with an insurance agency can simplify the closing process for their customers, even in times of interest rate uncertainty. HW: How does working with an insurance agency simplify the closing process?

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3 unique mortgage products to get today’s homebuyer qualified

Housing Wire

Tom Davis, chief sales officer, Deephaven Mortgage Today’s market means that more borrowers have higher debt-to-income ratios, limited access to credit and are looking for alternative ways to get qualified for a mortgage. This is because they don’t require employment or income documentation and close quickly.

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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). Mortgage rates have averaged close to the 7% mark as of Feb. is more than 4 percentage points higher than for repeat buyers in recent months.

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Flyhomes acquires Home Sale Assured

Housing Wire

Founded in 2022 by Eric Meadow, Home Sale Assured produces a “Guaranteed Backup” options contract, which enables existing homeowners to buy their next home before closing the sale of their current home. The consumer has 90 days to then close of the sale of their prior home. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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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.

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NewRez now offers Freddie Mac’s revamped downpayment assistance program

Housing Wire

Mortgage lender and servicer NewRez on Monday launched a special purpose credit program through Freddie Mac that will provide $3,000 or more in closing cost assistance to qualifying first-time homebuyers. “With BorrowSmart Access, we’re delivering on that mission by providing ways to reduce cost in the homebuying process.”

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

Housing Wire

Your Debt-To-Income Ratio Is High. How much of that money do you use to pay off debt? If a majority of your monthly income goes to debt, your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is too high and most lenders will only approve those with low DTI’s (around 43%). buying a home is expensive.