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Understanding the Role of HUD in Regulating Mortgage Lending Practices

With various regulations and guidelines to follow, it's crucial to understand the role of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in this landscape. HUD plays a vital role in regulating mortgage lending practices to ensure fair and equitable access to housing. In this blog post, we'll delve into the functions of HUD and how they impact mortgage lending practices.
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How Divorce Affects Mortgage Responsibilities: What Changes, Who is Responsible, and More

Divorce is a challenging life event that can significantly impact various aspects of your financial life, including your mortgage responsibilities. When couples decide to part ways, the fate of the family home and the associated mortgage often becomes a complex issue that requires careful consideration.
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How Economic Trends Influence Mortgage Lending

As a consumer, understanding these economic trends can empower you to make informed decisions about your mortgage. Let's discuss some key economic factors that influence mortgage lending and what they mean for you.
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Can Closing Costs Be Included in Your Loan? Here’s What You Need to Know

When buying a home, many people are aware of the down payment but often overlook the additional costs that come with closing the deal. These expenses, known as closing costs, can sometimes catch buyers off guard. The good news is that, in certain circumstances, closing costs can be included in your loan.
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 24th, 2024

Currently, the Retail Sales Report is the sole report that has weight. With the passage of more optimistic inflation data reports, retail sales coming in slightly under expectations will have little to no bearing on the overall outlook. Given the last major reports indicating the economy's health and state of inflation, there is more optimism toward a potential rate cut this year. Lending partners have still been quick to continue cutting rates.
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How Long Does It Take to Refinance a House?

Refinancing your home can be a smart financial move, offering you the chance to secure a better interest rate, reduce monthly payments, or even tap into your home's equity. However, one of the most common questions homeowners have is: "How long does it take to refinance a house?" While the timeline can vary based on several factors, here's a general overview to help you understand the process.
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Home Mortgage Application: Understanding Proof of Income

Buying a new home is exciting, but it comes with a fair share of paperwork, especially when applying for a mortgage. One crucial component lenders will analyze is your proof of income. Let's take a look at what proof of income involves, document examples, and where to find them.
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A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

This historic day commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, and it's more relevant now than ever as we strive to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th each year, marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, bringing the news of freedom to the last remaining enslaved African Americans.
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Exploring 5 Types of Refinance Loans

Refinancing your mortgage can be a smart financial move, offering potential savings, access to cash, or improved loan terms. With various refinancing options available, it's essential to understand what each type entails to make an informed decision. Let's look into five popular types of refinance loans: Rate and Term Refinance, Cash-Out Refinance, Cash-In Refinance, Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), and Short Refinance.
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 17th, 2024

A welcome and unexpected data release for both the PPI and CPI shows inflation expectations coming in lower than expected. The positive news was somewhat mitigated by the hawkish FOMC rate decision that also took place during the same week. Still, there is more optimism given that the data releases in the past 30 days have shown signs of inflation coming under control. At the very least, it suggests that the Federal Reserve's policy to keep inflation under control has been effective. As a result, lending partners have quickly cut rates again after the meeting this week.
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Important Tips for Paying Off Your Mortgage Early and Saving on Interest

Are you dreaming of the day when you can declare yourself mortgage-free? Paying off your mortgage early not only liberates you from monthly payments but can also save you a significant amount in interest. While it may seem daunting, a few strategic moves can bring this goal within reach.
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What Is a Mortgage Loan Servicer?

Working through the mortgage process can be complex, and one significant yet often misunderstood aspect is the role of a mortgage loan servicer. You might be familiar with lenders, the entities that provide the funds for your home purchase, the servicer is the company you'll interact with most frequently over the life of your loan.
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Understanding Mortgage Recasting

When it comes to managing your mortgage, you might have heard of refinancing as a popular option to reduce monthly payments or pay off your loan faster.
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What to Expect When Working with a Mortgage Loan Processor

Buying a home is always an exciting journey, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to working through the mortgage process. One key player who will help to ensure your loan goes smoothly through this process is the Mortgage Loan Processor.
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 10th, 2024

With the CPI and PPI reports coming up this week, the previous week was light on reports of any significance. Most notable was the Non-Farm Payrolls which can have an outsized impact on inflation data reporting, as it's a useful barometer to compare the cost of goods to the payroll of the average consumer. Following that is the ISM Manufacturing Index which came in slightly under expectations. Lastly, the JOLTS Job Openings is a minor indicator, but useful for seeing the state of the job market.
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How to Budget for Your Home Maintenance and Repairs

Owning a home is a dream come true for many, but amidst the joy of owning a piece of property, many responsibilities can often catch homeowners off guard. While the initial purchase price and mortgage payments are the most obvious expenses, the lesser-known, yet significant costs associated with home maintenance and repairs can wreak havoc on your finances if not properly anticipated.
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Using a Mortgage to Benefit Your Financial Future

When it comes to building wealth and securing your financial future, a mortgage can be a powerful tool. While taking on debt might seem counterintuitive to achieving financial freedom, a mortgage, when managed wisely, can provide numerous benefits.
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Your Guide to Securing Your Dream Home at the Best Price

Are you ready to start the journey of acquiring your dream home? One of the most exhilarating yet daunting steps in this process is negotiating the deal. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, mastering the art of negotiation can make all the difference in securing your dream home at the best possible price.
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Understanding Joint Mortgages for Couples

Entering into a joint mortgage can be a significant milestone for couples, marking the beginning of their journey toward homeownership together. However, like any financial decision, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 3rd, 2024

The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation data, the PCE Index, was the highlight of this week. These were followed up loosely by trade balance, retail inventories, and GDP -- all of which are strong secondary indicators for current inflation.
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