Housing Wire

OCTOBER 28, 2024

Fluctuating interest rates and a fast-changing market Last month, we saw the Federal Reserve deliver their long-awaited decision to lower interest rates with a 50 basis points cut, and 30-year mortgage rates reached as low as 6.08% according to ICE’s 30-year fixed conforming rate index.

Loan Officer

Housing Wire

JULY 14, 2025

Here’s why: Quality loans Today’s non-QM loans are a far cry from the risky products of the pre-2008 era. Data from Corelogic (now Cotality) showed that one for every 20 mortgage loans in 2024 was non-QM. For example, last month, I submitted a loan, and within 48 hours I got clear to close, and it funded within 96 hours.

Investor

Keeping Current Matters

JULY 14, 2025

Tip #1: Get Pre-Approved First Rocket Mortgage says this is one of the most common mistakes first-time buyers make. With your lender’s help, you’ll be able to get pre-approved for your home loan. Here are a few real-world tips based on that experience of helping other first-time buyers.

Pre-approval

Housing Wire

APRIL 4, 2025

An illustration of a mortgage executive losing a top-producing LO who wishes to become a 1099 LO. Doing so would close what he described as the 1099 loophole. The mortgage executive who called was initially excited because he feels like hes abiding by the rules of Dodd-Frank in classifying his LOs as W2 employees.

Pre-approval

Housing Wire

JUNE 9, 2025

Here are twelve mind-blowing ideas and prompts smart agents are using to close more deals with ChatGPT in 2025. It’s not perfect, but close. to neighborhood guides or buyer tips) and suggest one external link to a trusted resource (like a mortgage calculator). Sound familiar? Let’s start with the basics.

Branding

Housing Wire

APRIL 1, 2025

Under the terms of the merger which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies HomeStreet Bank will be merged with and into Mechanics Bank. The merger, which is expected to close in third-quarter 2025, creates a combined company with 168 branches and $23 billion in assets.

Banks

HomeLight

OCTOBER 28, 2024

The software will automatically load listings marked as “Closed” and indicate the selling price. This is directly connected to what you’ll walk away with after covering your mortgage balance and other obligations tied to your home, including selling costs. If the offer works for your situation, you can close in as little as 10 days.

Pre-approval

Windemere Selling

MARCH 3, 2025

Youll have time to ensure the facts are correct and be able to dispute mistakes before your mortgage lender checks your credit. Alert the credit bureaus if you see any mistakes, fix any problems you discover, and dont apply for any new credit until after your home loan closes. Pre-approval lets sellers know youre serious.

Pre-approval

Marco Santarelli

JANUARY 15, 2025

I think the fact that it is close to other major cities in the region is also a factor. What This Means for Buyers and Sellers If youre looking to buy in one of these hot markets, here are a few tips: Get Pre-Approved: In a competitive market, knowing your budget and having pre-approval for a mortgage is critical.

Marketing

Redfin

JULY 18, 2025

This Redfin Real Estate article outlines practical steps every buyer should follow, from budgeting and touring homes to inspections and closing. This isn’t just about what a lender will approve – it’s about what fits comfortably within your financial life. Monthly payments Think beyond the mortgage itself.

Pre-approval

Redfin

JULY 18, 2025

Key takeaways A short sale happens when a homeowner sells for less than they owe on the mortgage. For sellers , a short sale has to be approved in advance by the lender. A short sale happens when a homeowner sells their home for less than what is owed on the mortgage. The process has to be authorized by the mortgage lender.

Short sale

The Mortgage Report

JULY 28, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? You’ve Paid Off Your Mortgage: What Happens Next? How Much Home Can I Afford? Time to make a move?

FHA 203k rehab loan

Marco Santarelli

JULY 8, 2025

If you're like most people eyeing the housing market, you're probably glued to mortgage rate charts in 2025. The big question is: what have mortgage rates trends over the past year looked like? Mortgage Rates Chart and Trends Over the Past One Year: July 2025 What’s Been Happening? Let's dive in.

Fixed-rate mortgage

Marco Santarelli

MAY 27, 2025

If you're in the market for a home, you're probably glued to mortgage rates. On May 27, 2025, the states boasting the cheapest 30-year new purchase mortgage rates were New York, California, Washington, North Carolina, Texas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey, with rates ranging from 6.94% to 7.10%.

Mortgages

Windemere Buying

JUNE 23, 2025

9 – 7 Months Out Assess Your Finances Take a close look at your income, debt, and spending habits. Use this time to create a monthly budget that includes future mortgage payments, utilities, insurance, taxes, and home maintenance. The Time Has Come Closing On Your New Home You’ve made it!

Pre-approval

The Mortgage Report

JULY 14, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? Check options to remove a name from your mortgage. How Much Home Can I Afford?

FHA 203k rehab loan

Marco Santarelli

JANUARY 26, 2025

As we step into the week of January 27 to February 2, 2025, the mortgage rates are predicted to remain stable. Mortgage Predictions for Week of Jan. 2, 2025: Rates Expected to Hold Steady Key Takeaways Mortgage rates are projected to stay steady this upcoming week. Mortgage Predictions for Week of Jan. 27 – Feb.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 13, 2025

As of March 2025, mortgage rates remain near a 3-month low , hovering around 6.65% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, according to Freddie Mac. I've been watching the housing market closely for years, and I can tell you that timing is everything. Mortgage Rates Remain Near 3-Month Low: Should You Lock in Now?

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

MAY 3, 2025

Are you thinking about buying a home, or perhaps refinancing your current mortgage? The news you've been waiting for is here: mortgage rates are continuing their downward trend. As of May 1, 2025, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has dipped to 6.76% , a welcome change compared to the earlier part of the year. mortgage rates.

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 29, 2025

Looking for the best deal on a mortgage? Today, April 29, 2025, the states offering the lowest 30-year mortgage rates are New York, California, and Texas. And the mortgage rate you get can literally save you (or cost you) tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Its not just some random number.

Mortgages

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

Key Takeaways: Shopping mortgage rates, reviewing your credit report, and looking into first-time home buyer programs can improve your financial situation and increase your choices. Don’t skip critical steps like the home inspection or negotiating closing costs. For instance, on a $350,000 mortgage, a 3.5%

Pre-approval

The Living Room

MAY 2, 2025

Securing Financial Backing: Early engagement with a lender to understand your mortgage options and get pre-approved is crucial. Prospective buyers should account for closing costs, inspections, and the ongoing maintenance associated with homeownership.

Earnest money deposit

Marco Santarelli

JULY 8, 2025

Are you wondering about mortgage rate predictions for the next 30 days ? Expect mortgage rates to stay above 6.5% Mortgage Rate Predictions for the Next 30 Days: What to Expect Recent Trends: A Glimmer of Hope? As of July 3, 2025, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped to 6.67%. What's Driving Mortgage Rates?

Mortgages

HomeLight

DECEMBER 3, 2024

So you’re pre-approved for a mortgage, you’ve found the perfect house, and your agent has helped you write an irresistible offer … now what? The buyer’s agent is the expert working with you to help you find a home , write the offer , negotiate an agreement, and finalize your path to the closing table.

Pre-approval

HomeLight

OCTOBER 24, 2024

Many sellers don’t realize that even in a traditional sale, buyers can often close quickly, especially with financing pre-approvals. Mention that mortgage approvals today can be rapid, often closing within a month, and might result in significantly more money in their pocket.

Pre-approval

BAM Media

MARCH 10, 2025

billion all-stock deal, aiming to merge home search and mortgage services into a seamless digital experience. The deal, expected to close in Q2 or Q3 2025, will integrate Redfins 50 million monthly visitors with Rockets mortgage and title services to streamline homebuying. For now, Redfin will keep operating as usual.

Pre-approval

The Mortgage Report

JULY 4, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? Cash-out refinances can be costly due to high fees and restarting your mortgage.

Equity

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 23, 2025

If you're dreaming of buying a home or refinancing your current mortgage, you're probably wondering: when will mortgage rates go down? The short answer, based on current trends and expert predictions, is that a significant drop in mortgage rates in 2025 seems unlikely. while the 15-year fixed-rate mortgages are around 6%.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 22, 2024

Mortgage rates are a critical consideration for anyone looking to borrow money for a home. As of December 22, 2024, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has increased to 6.67% , marking its highest point since June 2024. Recommended Read: Mortgage Rates Trends December 21, 2024 Update What's Influencing Today's Mortgage Rates?

Mortgages

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 24, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? How Much Home Can I Afford? The average borrower now sits on $302,000 in equity. In 2025’s first quarter , U.S.

Equity

Marco Santarelli

AUGUST 5, 2025

Factor in closing costs, potential repairs, property taxes, and insurance when determining your budget. Get Pre-Approved: Before you start seriously looking, get pre-approved for a mortgage. Consider making an offer below the reduced price, especially if the home has been on the market for a while.

Marketing

The Living Room

JUNE 13, 2025

The Lender: Securing Your Mortgage Next is the lender, who plays a crucial role in securing the financing for your home. They will: Pre-Approval Process : Help determine how much you can borrow and identify suitable loan programs. Facilitating the Closing : Ensuring all paperwork is completed and funds are distributed correctly.

Pre-approval

Redfin

JULY 9, 2025

Between setting a budget, getting pre-approved, and closing the deal, getting everything squared away can make all the difference. You may have saved enough for your down payment, but make sure to also account for closing costs, taxes, insurance, and any other unforeseen expenses that may arise.

Pre-approval

The Mortgage Report

JULY 10, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? Can You Refinance a Home Equity Loan Without Refinancing Your Mortgage? How Much Home Can I Afford?

Equity

Redfin

JULY 2, 2025

Starting a new job doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting a mortgage, but it can raise some red flags for lenders. If you’re wondering Can I get a mortgage if I just started a new job?, Why lenders care about job history When you apply for a mortgage , lenders want to know you’ll be able to make your monthly payments.

Pre-approval

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

Step 1: Get pre-approved If you’re buying with a loan, include a pre-approval letter with your offer. A mortgage pre-approval can also reassure the letter that your financing is likely to be approved during closing. Is the seller looking for a fast or flexible closing date?

Pre-approval

Redfin

AUGUST 6, 2025

However, in most cases, once a seller has accepted your offer, the closing process typically takes 30 to 60 days – unless you made an all-cash offer. In this Redfin article, find out how long it takes to buy a house based on the three most common scenarios – a cash offer, a mortgage, and a short sale.

Pre-approval