Category: Recent Changes

The new 2020 conforming loan limits enhances many borrower programs and even helps sellers! Here is a top list for how this increase helps Fannie, Freddie, and more programs.

When looking to buy, build, or refinance a home using a VA loan, a VA appraisal must be performed. Although, the exception is that an appraisal is not required on a VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (VA IRRRL). The purposes of this VA valuation report are to determine the value, condition, and safety of […]

It is flat out guaranteed that if you Google any property address or real estate topic, Zillow will show near the top of the results.  Arguably, Zillow.com has become the biggest name in real estate.  Actually, many buyers start their home shopping process here or other sites such as Realtor.com, Trulia, or Homes.com.  Over the […]

First Time Home Buyer Can Use New Tax Laws to Make a Home Purchase More Affordable There’s a lot of good numbers flying around these days about real estate!  Existing home sales, new home construction, and other confidence numbers continue to rise.  Actually a recent USA Today article stated, “homebuilder confidence hit the highest level in 18 years in […]

After the recent announcement of the conforming loan limits increase, FHA has now announced their own increase.  Housing prices have continued to climb which is a good thing to owners, but can be a struggle for home buyers.  As a buyer sits on the sidelines as a renter or living with family, prices are rising.  […]

Many real estate professionals, lenders, and tax payers fear that the proposed income tax plans could drastically affect the housing market in a negative way.  These fears include more Americans choosing to rent instead of own, interest rates going up, and owners losing a ton of equity.  That is enough to scare anyone!  Although the tax plans […]

Homebuyers received great news about the USDA Rural Development guaranteed loan program!  In 2017, USDA drastically reduced the  guarantee or funding fee they charge upfront on USDA loans, plus lowered the annual fee also.  So the great news is that the USDA guarantee fee 2018 (also often referred to as a USDA funding fee) will remain at […]

The VA appraisal process is different from other appraisal types.  A term that strikes fear is when the VA appraiser invokes the Tidewater Initiative.  Realtors, buyers, sellers, and lenders worry about the purchase falling apart.  But if everyone moves quickly enough, the Tidewater process could be a good thing. What is the Purpose of Tidewater Initiative Process […]

You know those furniture store signs “Out for your business”?  Well, Fannie Mae is out for your business!  This year there has been a consistent flow of updates coming from Fannie Mae.  Plus there are more coming!  Most of these include loosening of income, asset, and credit guidelines.  So this means more buyers should qualify […]

A recent USA Today article stated “Americans now have more than $1.4 trillion in unpaid education debt, according to the Federal Reserve”.  Average student loan debt for 2015 graduates in North Carolina is $25,645.  Plus many graduates have so much more.  It is not uncommon for a buyer to owe $50,000 – $100,000 or more.  […]

The biggest misconception among renters is that a large down payment is necessary to buy a home.  Then many will rent for an extended period thinking that a home purchase is unreachable.  A recent article by Citylab, “The down payment is too ‘daggum’ high” explained it well.  It explains how many renters cite lack of funds to cover […]

Spartanburg SC’s housing & job market offers so much to a wide range of buyers.  Whether you are a first time buyer, moving up, or retiring in this area, Spartanburg offers so much.  Our USDA loans Spartanburg SC offer very affordable, fixed payments with the luxury of 100% financing.  We love to help buyers in qualifying for this great no money down […]

Greenville SC’s housing & job market offers so much to a wide range of buyers.  Whether you are a first time buyer, moving up, or retiring in this area, Greenville offers so much.  One trip here and you will be captured by the beauty of the foothills location!  Our USDA loans Greenville SC offer very affordable, fixed payments with the […]

Yes, there is a great mortgage option to buy a home around Raleigh with no money down.  Our USDA loans Raleigh NC offer very affordable, fixed payments with the luxury of 100% financing.  Don’t think of USDA as just an option to buy a home in the country.  As you will see in the map below, […]

Student loan debt and payments play a large role in buyers qualifying for a mortgage loan.  With escalating costs of a college education, many graduates carry the heavy burden of debt.  Luckily there are many programs providing student loan payment relief.  But when it comes to mortgage qualification, the programs are often not recognized.  VA home […]

Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac will now offer bigger home loans effective January 1, 2017!  The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced the new maximum loan limits for the United States.  Conforming loan limits have not increased in 11 years because of the downturn and comeback of the real estate market.  We have been lulled […]

Streamlined Process for USDA Refinance USDA just got much better!  Rural Development loans have provided affordable payments with no down payment for years.  But now good just became awesome!!  Homeowners with a USDA mortgage have the perfect opportunity now to make their home even more affordable.  USDA has actually made two huge enhancements to this wonderful program which helps homeowners.  First […]

USDA Commitment Done Right! We love USDA loans!  Not only are buyers able to purchase with no money down, but it is flexible on credit.  On top of this, USDA just made homeownership more affordable effective 10/1/16!  This was accomplished by USDA drastically lowering the guarantee fee and the monthly mortgage insurance.  Now check out […]

Just Released South Carolina USDA Income Limits USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Home Loans are an excellent choice for not only first time buyers but move-up buyers too.  One of the biggest roadblocks to homeownership today is lack of down payment.  But USDA loans give buyers a great no down payment option.  Plus it offers a 30 year fixed […]

Just Released North Carolina USDA Income Limits USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Home Loans are an excellent choice for not only first time buyers but move-up buyers too.  One of the biggest roadblocks to homeownership today is lack of down payment.  But USDA loans give buyers a great no down payment option.  Plus it offers a 30 year fixed […]

Trended Data Credit Reports Explained As we like to say “Everyone is a number, so you might as well have a good one”.  Lenders have based decisions to approve or deny on your credit score number.  Even employment and insurance rates can be based on your credit score!  Now with Trended Data, a person’s credit reports […]