Marco Santarelli

JUNE 23, 2025

Shorten Loan Term: Switching from a 30-year to a 15-year mortgage can save you a ton of money on interest, even if the interest rate is slightly higher. You'll build equity faster, too! Change Loan Type: Converting from an ARM to a fixed-rate mortgage provides stability and predictability in your monthly payments.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 17, 2025

Exploring Other Mortgage Options In addition to fixed-rate loans, various mortgage options cater to different financial situations and risk profiles. Specific rates were not highlighted this week, but they often parallel FHA loan offerings.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 25, 2025

Fixed Mortgages vs. Variable Rents: This is a big one that often gets overlooked. When you buy a home with a fixed-rate mortgage , your principal and interest payment stays pretty much the same for the life of the loan. That equity can be a powerful tool for your future financial security.

Equity

Marco Santarelli

MAY 4, 2025

What the Experts Are Saying About 2025 According to recent data (as of May 1, 2025) from Freddie Mac , 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are hovering around 6.83% while the 15-year fixed-rate mortgages are around 5.92%. This is more than double the sub-3% rates seen during the pandemic.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 28, 2025

Even a small reduction in your rate can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. Shortening your loan term: Switching from a 30-year to a 15-year mortgage can help you pay off your home faster and save on interest. A lower LTV (meaning you have more equity) typically qualifies you for better rates.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 17, 2025

Exploring Other Mortgage Options In addition to fixed-rate loans, various mortgage options cater to different financial situations and risk profiles. Specific rates were not highlighted this week, but they often parallel FHA loan offerings.

Mortgages

Housing Wire

MARCH 10, 2023

Stubborn inflation and high interest rates continue to wreak havoc on the mortgage-origination market, but there is one asset class in the housing market that is arguably flourishing in these hard times – home equity. Unlike fixed-rate, lump-sum second-lien home-equity loans — HELOCs normally carry variable interest rates.

Equity

Housing Wire

FEBRUARY 3, 2023

In 2020 and 2021, many homeowners refinanced, locking in historically low 30-year fixed rate mortgages. HELOCs have continued to set the stage as flexible, helpful products that provide quick access to financing for a multitude of uses including home renovations, debt consolidations or emergency purchases.

Renovation

Housing Wire

MAY 3, 2022

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. HELOCs offer flexibility.

Equity

Housing Wire

AUGUST 15, 2022

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

Housing Wire

JUNE 1, 2022

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. HELOCs offer flexibility.

Equity

Housing Wire

APRIL 14, 2022

.” The gulf between the average 30-year-fixed rate conforming mortgage and a 30-year jumbo, a product for wealthier borrowers, widened to 42 basis points, according to Black Knight ‘s Optimal Blue OBMMI pricing engine, which considers refinancings and additional data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).

Mortgages

Housing Wire

JANUARY 5, 2024

Homeowners : Depending on the type of mortgage they have and their financial goals, rising or falling interest rates will affect homeowners differently. Refinancing into a fixed-rate mortgage may provide stability and consistency, although homeowners should be prepared for tighter lending restrictions.

Fixed-rate mortgage

Housing Wire

APRIL 8, 2021

Should the property increase in value over time, then you, in turn, will have built up more equity. The equity built from owning a home can extend far beyond the homeowners themselves. Like the financial equity you may build when you own a home, you’re building emotional equity for yourself and your family.

Equity

Housing Wire

DECEMBER 30, 2022

“What tends to happen is, whenever there’s a lot of recession talk, that’s not when you generally see brands rolling out new products,” Shant Banosian , EVP at Guaranteed Rate and one of Scotsman Guide ‘s top LOs, said. . “I Instead, they’ll be seeking to renovate their homes.”. in 2023, peaking to 6.5%

Loans

Realty Biz

JULY 19, 2021

Reasons For Refinancing a Home Mortgage. How Mortgage Refinancing Can Help You. If you refinance your mortgage, you can reduce your monthly outgoings, change the loan terms, or use the equity you have to provide money when you need it. Everyone has different reasons for wanting to refinance a mortgage.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

AUGUST 3, 2024

For many, the allure of a fixed-rate mortgage lies in its predictability – consistent monthly payments and the comfort of knowing your interest rate won't fluctuate. However, life throws curveballs, and sometimes circumstances may force you to reconsider your mortgage strategy.

Fixed-rate mortgage

Point2Homes

AUGUST 28, 2020

A strong housing market can mean good things for the economy in general , since homebuyers also tend to spend money on appliances, renovations and furniture. Equity analysts believe the rebounding housing market could help the U.S. According to Freddie Mac, the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage recently reached 2.99%.

Fixed-rate mortgage

Realtor.com

AUGUST 28, 2020

A strong housing market can be a positive sign for the economy, as home purchases can lead to increased spending on furniture, appliances and renovations. Some equity analysts have pointed to a strengthening housing market as a reason for the U.S. Home builders have also expanded activity in response to the demand.

Marketing

Marco Santarelli

JULY 5, 2024

Mortgage Market Trends Another significant factor affecting the housing market is the mortgage industry. Here’s an overview of recent trends: Fixed-Rate Mortgages : These remain the most popular option, especially in high-rate environments, as they offer predictability in monthly payments.

Marketing

HomeLight

JUNE 21, 2023

There’s also the benefit of knowing exactly how much your house payment will be every month with no threat of it increasing over time if you got a fixed-rate mortgage. You can calculate equity by subtracting the amount you still owe from the current market value of your home. in 2019 compared to 2018. Rents are going up.

Equity

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 27, 2024

For aspiring homeowners, the question of mortgage rates looms large. In June, Freddie Mac reported a welcome dip in the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage (FRM) to 6.86%, the lowest level in nearly three months. Here, we delve into the predictions of experts and unpack the factors influencing these rates.

Mortgages

HomeLight

JULY 29, 2022

Building equity. Building equity , or increasing your home’s value minus the amount you owe on it, is something every homeowner strives for. Customization/renovation to meet needs later on. Owning a house over renting one gives you the freedom to make renovations to the property to improve its accessibility.

Purchase and sale agreement

Marco Santarelli

MAY 13, 2024

The introduction of mortgage products specifically designed for first-time buyers, such as down payment assistance programs or shared equity models, could help bridge the affordability gap. This trend is likely to continue, driving demand for eco-friendly homes and renovations.

Fixed-rate mortgage

Marco Santarelli

OCTOBER 17, 2024

Conforming Loans Rate : 30-Year Fixed at 6.16%, 20-Year Fixed at 5.99%. Refinancing your mortgage can be an effective tool for homeowners looking to reduce their monthly payments or tap into their home equity. However, the rising rates mean that current refinancing options come with additional costs.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

AUGUST 8, 2024

Here are some scenarios where refinancing could be beneficial: Homeowners with Existing Mortgages Above 6% : If you currently have a 30-year fixed rate mortgage at 7.5% , refinancing to a 30-year fixed rate at 6.56% can result in substantial monthly savings. Conclusion: The Right Move?

Mortgages

Windemere Selling

JUNE 13, 2022

“Cash-out refinancing” allows you to accept a mortgage for more than your principal balance and use the extra money at your discretion. Typically, homeowners will use such funds for large expenses, such as a major renovation or home improvement project. Assess your financial health and equity before you apply.

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

AUGUST 9, 2024

One of the most promising indicators is the rapid decline in mortgage rates. According to Freddie Mac, rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages plummeted below 6.5% in a recent week, marking the lowest point since May 2023.

Mortgages

Realtor.com

JANUARY 26, 2023

Your monthly payment is now fixed, you’re paying to yourself, and in the long run, you’re building equity,” she adds. And eventually, they might be higher than a monthly mortgage payment. But generally speaking, your payment has the potential to be much more stable, especially if you’ve got a fixed-rate mortgage.

Marketing

Marco Santarelli

JANUARY 15, 2025

Cons: Generally higher interest rates than shorter-term loans, translating to more interest paid over time. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Pros: Lower interest rates allow homeowners to save significantly on interest costs. Accelerated equity building means you own your home sooner.

VA loan

Marco Santarelli

FEBRUARY 26, 2025

Are you keeping a close eye on your Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) rates, wondering if you'll finally catch a break in 2025? The short answer is: it's looking promising that HELOC rates will likely go down in 2025, potentially by around 0.50%. The thing about HELOCs, though, is that most come with variable interest rates.

Debt-to-income ratio

Realty Biz

SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

Miami Homeowners’ Home Equity Continues Surging as Many Pay Lower Mortgage Payments. With interest rates still at record lows, many South Florida homeowners have refinanced their home loans. Home equity can be tapped for renovations, college loans and more. The average commitment rate across all of 2020 was 3.11%.

Sales

Realty Biz

MAY 20, 2021

At the beginning of 2021, median home prices were up 10% across most of the nation, the fastest rising pace since 2006, fueled by low mortgage rates and high demand. Mortgage rates are low … for now. Other families are opting to stay put instead of moving and are instead using their budget to renovate the home they have.

Marketing

Marco Santarelli

JANUARY 10, 2025

Lower Monthly Payments : If current rates are lower than those of your original loan, refinancing can reduce your monthly payments significantly. Access to Cash : Homeowners can also consider a cash-out refinance to access the equity in their homes.

Mortgages