11
Aug
By First Rate Financial Group
Mortgage

What To Do Before Interest Rates Rise

What To Do Before Interest Rates RiseMortgage rates are still low, but they are going up. This is creating a rush of people looking to buy homes before interest rates rise again. While it is difficult to predict when rates will go up again, it is hard for rates to go any lower. Homeowners and buyers need to act now before rates go up. What should homeowners do before rates rise?

Sell Now While Rates Are Low

Anyone who is thinking about selling their house should make every effort to do so now before rates go up again. Because there are so many people who are looking for houses, sellers can get top dollar for their homes, maximizing their profits. This is a great opportunity to move into a larger house to accommodate children, sell a home and downsize, or even sell and move somewhere else with work conditions changing. Interest rates will probably rise in the next few years, forcing buyers out of the market. This could make it harder for sellers to get top dollar for their homes in the future.

Refinance Now While Rates Are Low

In addition, now is a great time to refinance a current mortgage. Homeowners who have been in their homes for a few years might be able to refinance their loans to lower interest rates. This could allow homeowners to lower their monthly payments, pay their homes off sooner, or access equity in their homes to complete an expensive repair process or renovate a portion of their homes. Instead of having to move to a new home, homeowners might be able to upgrade their current living situations by accessing equity through a refinance. Even a small change in interest rates could have a significant impact on the monthly payment.

Act Now While Interest Rates Are Low

These are just a few of the moves homeowners need to make before interest rates rise again. Because interest rates are still low, there are many people looking to buy a home and many others looking to refinance. Even if interest rates rise slightly in the future, this can have a massive impact on the market. All homeowners and buyers need to take advantage low interest rates before they rise. This includes moving up, refinancing, and downsizing.

05
Aug
By First Rate Financial Group
Mortgage

The Process Of Buying A New Construction Home

The Process Of Buying A New Construction HomeBecause the housing market is so competitive right now, many buyers are looking at alternative options. Instead of looking for a resale home, some buyers are considering a new home. What is the process of taking out a loan on a new construction home? There are several factors buyers should consider.

Pricing On A New Construction Home

Many buyers are used to negotiating with sellers to get the best deal possible. On a new construction home, it is still possible to negotiate for a better price. Most homeowners are going to be negotiating for better items in the home than the purchase price. For example, it might be possible for buyers to negotiate for better counters, cabinets, floors, or appliances instead of asking for a discount on the price. It is also possible for buyers to negotiate for better options if they are the first or second people to move into the new community. Homes usually go up in price after the first homes in the community sell.

A New Home Is Often A Better Investment

Buying a new home is often a better investment than purchasing an older home. Newer homes tend to appreciate faster immediately after they are built. Many people like to buy a home that has had only one owner because items in the home are less likely to break. Therefore, homes with only one owner are often in higher demand, which can lead to higher property values on new homes.

Understand The Financing Process

Typically, prospecting homeowners need to put down a building deposit for the project to start. This is usually three percent of the projected sale price of the home; however, it can be higher or lower depending on the price of the home and the builders. In addition, homeowners need to be aware that they will need to secure financing when the building project nears its completion date. The lender might require a certain percentage down in order to finance the home.

Do Not Hesitate To Ask For Help

Buying a new home does have a few differences when compared to buying an existing home. Homeowners should reach out to professionals for help with this process to make sure they get the best deal possible.

04
Aug
By First Rate Financial Group
Mortgage

What To Know About Home Loans for Renovation Projects

What To Know About Home Loans for Renovation ProjectsWhen people are looking for a home, they are often looking for something that is move-in ready. While this might make the process easier, this can also make the home much more expensive. It is still possible to find a dream home even if the house requires a bit of renovation. This is also a great opportunity for homeowners to customize the home to meet their needs. What do potential homeowners need to know about taking out a mortgage to renovate a fixer-upper when compared to a conventional home loan? Take a look at some helpful information below.

When Buying A Fixer-Upper Is The Right Decision

There are several situations where buying a renovation project might seem like the logical decision. Remember that these projects are going to take time and money, so homeowners need to have both of these resources to complete the project. Of course, these projects are going to require a lot of construction skills, so it is important to either have the equipment and expertise or be willing to hire someone to do this. Furthermore, it is critical to look at the value of the property once the project is done. What type of return should homeowners expect after they finish the project? It should meet the needs of the homeowner while also providing a significant return.

Understanding The Financing Options

Homeowners are unlikely to have the cash to pay for all of these out of pocket, so it is important to take a look at a few financing options. An FHA 203k Mortgage is often a great option for those with a credit score of 580 or higher. These loans can cover a diverse array of construction projects.

There are also Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation Loans, which allow people to borrow up to 50 percent of the total value of the home for the project. Homeowners can also borrow against projected equity instead of having to wait to take out a traditional cash-out home refinance. This loan requires a credit score of 680 or higher and the renovation must be completed in less than 12 months.

These two loan options could be helpful for those who are looking to complete a home renovation project.