VA debt consolidation loans are a great tool for veterans, active military members, and certain spouses to obtain cash when there is equity in a home. For those struggling with high amounts of monthly debt, getting high interest debt under control can help with financial stability. Veterans Affairs debt consolidation loans are backed by the…
Author: Bill Lyons
How to Sell Your House
Having a stress-free home selling process is crucial for anyone wondering how to sell their home. Most people don’t want to invest too much time or money into the process and often choose to work with professionals to help them sell their homes. Unfortunately, selling a home is complicated, and there’s a lot the homeowner…
Inflation & Housing: How Does Inflation Affect House Prices?
Rising inflation means higher home prices, but it also means that you can purchase a home for cheaper now than in the near future. Whether you should purchase a home during rising inflation depends on factors such as your current spending power, savings, employment, income, and credit history. Is rising inflation a good or bad…
A Guide to NINA Loans
Investing in real estate can help you passively build wealth over time — whether you purchase a primary residence or an investment property. If you’re like most buyers, you need a mortgage loan to help you purchase a home, but there are so many options available that finding the right one can be challenging. Conventional…
2/1 Buydown Calculator
A 2/1 buydown mortgage is a type of mortgage that allows the borrower to reduce the amount of interest paid during the first two years of the mortgage. It’s similar to buying points that reduce the interest rates but typically lasts for a period of two years. You could potentially save a lot on interest and enjoy…
What Are VA Non-Allowable Fees & Who Pays Them?
Non-allowable fees help keep your VA loan closing costs low and can help you save money when taking out a mortgage. Keep reading to learn more about VA loan non-allowable fees, including what they are and who pays them. What Are VA Non-Allowable Fees? VA loan non-allowable fees describe certain closing costs that the lender…
What Is a VA ARM Loan?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) backs mortgage loans taken out by eligible service members and veterans who obtain financing through the VA home loan program. In doing so, eligible borrowers are able to take full advantage of a number of benefits, including no down payment, competitive interest rates, and lower VA loan closing…
A Guide for Military First-Time Home Buyers
For members of the U.S. military, there are programs available to assist with lowering the cost of homeownership. These programs, through the VA, provide reduced down payment requirements, lower interest rates, and other benefits for first-time home buyer military personnel. Although you may have previously owned a home, working for the first time through the…
Documents Needed for Mortgage Pre-Approval
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage makes it easier for you to buy a home because the seller knows that they can close more quickly. In order to get pre-approved, you need a set of documents to show a lender that you’re capable of fulfilling the terms of a mortgage. This gives you an advantage against…
VA Loan Requirements for Sellers: What You Need to Know
Are you a veteran or service member who used a VA loan to purchase your home? If so, you may be curious about how the VA mortgage will affect your home-selling process. Don’t worry, as it is not that much different from any other type of real estate transaction. To help answer all your questions…
Joint VA Loan: What It Is, Requirements, & How to Apply
For those who have served in the U.S. military, VA loans are a mortgage benefit that can help you get a home. Backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, these no-down-payment required loans offer generous terms that make them very attractive for first-time home buyers and individuals searching for new home financing. To be eligible for a joint VA purchase…
What Do Underwriters Look for on Tax Returns?
Do You Need to Provide Tax Returns When Applying for a Mortgage? Yes, to assess your financial situation and determine whether or not they should extend credit, most lenders will require one to two years of tax returns from potential borrowers. Keep in mind that there could be some additional questions you need to answer,…
How Long Does It Take to Get a VA Loan?
Are you considering purchasing your dream home with your first VA loan? If so, you may be wondering how long it takes to close on a house with a VA loan. With most lenders, you can expect your VA loan to close anywhere between 40 and 50 days. However, when you work with an experienced…
What Is a VA Statement of Service?
Eligible veterans, active duty service members, and surviving spouses may be eligible for a VA loan, with benefits like no down payment requirements, lower credit scores accepted, and less stringent lending criteria. VA loans are guaranteed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which reduces risk to lenders. In addition, since the VA guarantees…
VA Loan Debt-to-Income Ratio Guidelines
In the last several decades, VA loans have helped military members, veterans, and their families achieve their dreams of homeownership. VA loans are backed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs and offered by private lenders, allowing eligible borrowers to take advantage of benefits like no down payment and lower credit score requirements. Eligible veterans,…
VA Loan Occupancy Requirements
Obtaining a VA loan is a way for active duty service members, veterans, and their spouses to take advantage of numerous benefits unavailable through any other loan program. A VA loan provides the borrower with a loan without requiring a traditional down payment or private mortgage insurance. Additionally, there are few closing costs that come…
Can You Get a Mortgage Without a Job?
Yes, unemployed individuals or those without full-time jobs may still be eligible for a mortgage loan. However, qualifying for home loans is much more challenging if you don’t have a consistent source of income from a job. This is because lenders usually use pay stubs, W–2s, and tax returns to evaluate a borrower’s income. Many…
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Mortgage Underwriting Process
Applying for a mortgage can be confusing for a first-time home buyers, but once you’ve gone through it once, you’ll be an expert. There are several steps to getting financing for your dream home, but one of the most important is the mortgage underwriting process. The mortgage underwriting process determines your eligibility and dictates whether…
Stated Income Loans: Definition, Background, & Alternatives
Applying for a mortgage is a significant moment that means you’re ready to buy a house. Unfortunately, many home loans have strict lending criteria that prevent trustworthy borrowers from securing financing for a home or investment property. Over the years, the mortgage industry has evolved, creating more loan opportunities for borrowers of all types, including…
Non-Conforming Loans: What They Are and How They Work
When you’re ready to buy a house and learn about the mortgage process, you’ll come across mortgage terms that seem intimidating and confusing. Terms like “conforming” and “non-conforming loans” can make applying for a home loan even more confusing and daunting. However, knowing the difference between these types of loans can ensure you make the right decision for your…
Debunking Myths and Revealing Truths about VA Home Loans
Here are the myths and truths of VA Home Loans. We highly recommend reading this page to gain a comprehensive understanding of VA home loans. VA home loans are a great benefit for veterans, but there are many myths and misconceptions about them. In this blog post, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths…
Is Your Interest Rate Percentage Holding Your Equity Hostage?
Investing in homeownership has many advantages. Over time, home values increase, allowing you to sell your home for more than you paid and passively earn money. However, that’s not the only way being a homeowner can help you earn. The longer you live in a home and pay your mortgage, the more equity you build…
Understanding Your Mortgage Statements
If you have a mortgage, you’ll receive your statement every month with crucial information that tells you how much you owe. Unfortunately, most people set up automatic payments and forget about their mortgage statements, never even reading them. Unfortunately, ignoring the information on your mortgage statement can be a mistake. This piece of paper tells…
DSCR Loans for Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals: A Complete Guide
Why Use a DSCR Loan for Airbnb? DSCR loans are specially designed for rental properties, and eligibility is determined by a borrower’s debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) instead of personal income or job history. Instead of reviewing pay stubs, W-2s, and tax returns, lenders calculate DSCR to determine a borrower’s ability to repay the loan.…
How to Get a Loan Without a Job
Being unemployed can be stressful for the average person. Not having a job often means having little to no income, and you may require a loan to help you get through a difficult time and pay your bills. But can you get a loan without a job? There are several loans with no job requirements.…
What Happens If You Have a High Debt-to-Income Ratio? Solutions & Lending Options
When you apply for a mortgage loan, you must meet the lender’s criteria for approval. Your income, job history, debt, and other financial factors will play a role in eligibility, loan approval, and loan amount. You’re not disqualified from securing a home loan if you have debt. Instead, lenders compare your debt to your income…
Are VA Loans Assumable? A Guide to VA Loan Assumption
A VA loan, or a Veterans Affairs loan, is a loan that is guaranteed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs for those who have or are currently serving in the US military. In the past, VA loans were only available to those who had served in the military, making them non-assumable by any other…
The VA Loan Process Timeline
Veterans put their lives on the line to help us protect this country, and they deserve all of the assistance they can get when it comes to buying a house. Fortunately, they have access to an option called a VA loan. This is a loan that is backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which…
How Many Months of Bank Statement Do You Need to Qualify for a Mortgage?
When applying for a mortgage loan, your lender will ask for various documents to verify your employment and income. For traditional loans, they’ll likely ask for pay stubs, W2s, and tax returns. However, they might also ask you to provide a specific month’s worth of bank statements. Bank statements are documents that list all of…
VA Loan Requirements Explained: Who Qualifies for a VA Loan?
One of the most significant benefits of becoming a member of the military is being able to get a VA loan. The VA loan comes with flexible lending requirements that make it easier for active duty service members, veterans, and surviving spouses to secure financing for their dream homes. Can you use a VA loan…
Credit Repair for Veterans: VA Credit Help
According to a recent study, veterans are more likely to have credit issues than civilian borrowers. While your credit score may seem like just another financial number you have to worry about, it’s crucial for obtaining a loan or opening a credit card. Unfortunately, most of us will require various loans throughout our lives. The…
Letter of Explanation
If you are going through the process of applying for a mortgage, you understand that you might be asked for certain documentation. For example, your lender will ask for information about your financial situation, the various debts you carry, and where your income is coming from. To get a better financial picture, they might even…
VA ARM Loans: What Are They & How Do They Work?
VA loans allow eligible veterans, active duty service members, and surviving spouses to purchase or refinance a home with a zero percent down payment, competitive interest rates, and more flexible lending requirements. When you apply for a VA loan, you have two options: adjustable-rate vs. fixed-rate mortgages. Each has its pros and cons and is…
No-Income Verification Mortgage: Can You Get a Mortgage Without Tax Returns?
Purchasing a home is the most significant and fulfilling transaction most people will make in their lifetimes. But first, you have to qualify for a mortgage. And if you have unsteady income, non-traditional sources of income, less-than-perfect credit, job instability, or any potential problems verifying your income, it can seem all but impossible. Fortunately, no-income…
VA Loan Guaranty: What You Need to Know
A VA loan can help you secure financing for a primary residence with more flexibility. VA loan lenders typically have less stringent lending criteria, with lower credit scores and higher DTIs accepted and a zero percent down payment. VA loans are only available for eligible veterans, active duty service members, and surviving spouses. However, understanding…
VA Jumbo Loans Explained
Veterans, active-duty service members and surviving spouses may be eligible for VA jumbo loans, a combination of a VA loan and a jumbo loan that exceeds conventional loan limits. VA loans no longer have limits if you have full entitlement, so you won’t have to pay a down payment, and the Department of Veterans Affairs…
VA Loan for a Second Home: Everything You Need to Know
Eligible active duty service members, veterans, and surviving spouses can take advantage of the many benefits of the VA loan, including zero down payment, competitive VA loan rates, and more flexible lending criteria. VA loans have helped many people who wouldn’t normally qualify for a traditional home loan achieve their dreams of homeownership. However, while…
How Many Times Can You Use a VA Loan?
A VA loan can help you achieve your dream of homeownership with more flexible lending criteria. However, these loans are only available for eligible veterans, active duty service members, and surviving spouses. If you’ve used your VA loan before or are considering using your entitlement to purchase your first house, you might wonder, “How many times can…
How to Get a VA Loan After Bankruptcy
Buying a house after filing for bankruptcy can be difficult, but it’s still possible. Likewise, getting a VA loan after bankruptcy may be easier than other types of loans, but it’s still challenging. Your VA home loan eligibility after bankruptcy will typically depend on the type of bankruptcy, the reason for filing for bankruptcy, and…
VA Certificate of Eligibility: A Complete Guide
If you’re interested in applying for a VA loan, you’ll need your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This form is crucial for helping lenders determine your eligibility and remaining entitlement to ensure you not only qualify for a VA loan but can afford one with zero down payment required. VA home loans help eligible active duty…
Do VA Loans Require Earnest Money?
VA loans help eligible veterans, active duty service members, and surviving spouses secure financing for a primary residence. However, if you’re actively shopping for a house, you might have heard the term “earnest money.” Maybe it came up with your real estate agent, or sellers have asked for an earnest money deposit from interested buyers. …
Can You Buy a Foreclosure With a VA Loan?
Foreclosures often allow buyers to purchase a home under its current market value. Since lenders and banks don’t want to hold onto foreclosed properties, they’re typically motivated to sell, giving buyers more bargaining power. Of course, foreclosed homes may need repairs because they’re often sold as-is. However, it might be well worth it to save…
Proof of Funds Letter: What It Is & Why You Might Need One
When shopping for your dream home, sellers want to know you’re someone they can trust. Unfortunately, buyers often sign purchase agreements only for the sale to fall through due to a lack of funding. This happens when buyers agree to purchase a home only to discover that they don’t qualify for a loan or…
No Doc Loans
Traditional mortgages have stringent lending requirements. Lenders verify your income in several ways, including reviewing pay stubs and W-2s. But what happens if you don’t have those documents? Many borrowers are self-employed, retirees, and business owners who don’t get these documents because they’re not employees of a single company. Instead, they might run companies or…
Using a VA Loan for Investment Property
Investing in real estate is a great way to build wealth over time, and a VA loan may help you purchase investment property. If you’re a service member, veteran or surviving spouse, you may have heard you can only use your VA entitlement to purchase a primary residence. While the VA restricts what you can…
Bank Statement Loans for Self-Employed Homebuyers in San Diego
As a self-employed individual in San Diego, obtaining financing to buy real estate can be challenging. However, the growing community of entrepreneurs, business owners, gig-workers, and self-employed individuals in San Diego can access alternative financing options such as Bank Statement Loans to make their dream of homeownership a reality. KEY TAKEAWAYS Self-employed individuals face…
San Diego Real Estate Investing
Real estate investing can be a profitable and reliable way to build wealth over time, and San Diego is no exception to this rule. Over the past several decades, San Diego has seen a steady increase in home prices, making it an attractive market for real estate investors. According to Zillow, the median home value…
How to Get Approved For a Home Loan
Most people know that if they want to buy a house, they’ll need to take out a home loan. However, not everyone knows how to go about that. They don’t know how to get a mortgage or the necessary requirements for getting approved for the loan. Getting a home loan is fairly straightforward, but you’ll…
Retirement Mortgages: A Guide to Mortgage Loans for Seniors
What Is a Retirement Mortgage? A retirement mortgage is a home loan designed to work with non-traditional sources like Social Security, pensions, and retirement accounts. These loans recognize that retirees often have substantial assets and reliable income streams even without a regular paycheck. Traditional mortgages typically require proof of employment through W-2 forms and pay…
Can My Spouse Use My VA Loan Without Me?
You may qualify for the VA home loan if you’re a veteran, active duty service member, or surviving spouse. The VA loan offers members unique benefits that allow them more flexibility in the approval process. For example, VA borrowers can expect lower (or no) down payment requirements, credit score flexibility, and more competitive interest rates.…
VA Loan Closing Costs: What Are They & How Much Do They Cost?
If you’re an eligible veteran, active duty service member, or surviving spouse, you may qualify for a VA home loan backed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA loans offer many advantages compared to traditional loans. No down payment or mortgage insurance is required and you can capitalize on competitive interest rates, more…
A Guide to Getting a Mortgage When You’re Self-Employed
If you are self-employed, you may have heard that getting a mortgage is a bit different. A mortgage for self-employed professionals does have a few extra hurdles that you need to overcome, but there are plenty of self-employed mortgage loans available. If you are interested in learning more about self-employed loans, you may be wondering…
What Is a Bank Statement? What It Is, Why It’s Important, & How to Get One
If you are a first-time home buyer, it’s important to explore all your options when trying to secure funding for your dream house. There are several types of home loans to consider. However, if you’re self-employed or have 1099 income due to working as a contractor, things become a bit more complicated. Without a W-2…
DSCR Loan vs Conventional Loan
If you are a new or seasoned real estate investor, it can be difficult to qualify for traditional forms of financing, such as conventional loans for first-time buyers. Fortunately, investors can use alternative financing options if a potential investment doesn’t qualify for a conventional home loan. One such option is the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) loan,…
VA Funding Fee Guide: How Much Is the VA Funding Fee in 2026?
VA loans are available to active-duty members of the military and veterans. With a VA loan, you can secure a home loan with a relatively low interest rate without supplying a down payment or paying private mortgage insurance (PMI). While these benefits are certainly nice, there is a price attached to them. That is where…
What Is the Minimum Credit Score for VA Loans?
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs provides a valuable home loan benefit to current service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses. VA loans are often easier to secure because the approval criteria and lending qualifications tend to be less restrictive than other available types of mortgage loans. One of the most important things to…
The Benefits of VA Home Loans
VA home loans were created in the 1940s and have drastically changed over the last 70 years, becoming one of the most popular veteran benefits. The VA loan program was designed to support veterans and service members by easing economic challenges while boosting the economy through expanded homeownership opportunities. As time passed, VA loan benefits, loan…
Do You Need Pay Stubs to Buy a House? How To Prove Your Income
Lenders ask for a variety of documentation to ensure you qualify for a home loan, including job history, tax returns, pay stubs, and other types of proof of income. Tax returns help the lender determine your ability to repay based on information about last year’s income. Income verification for a mortgage is crucial because it…
How to Get a Loan When You’re Self-Employed
Being self-employed comes with its benefits and drawbacks. While you may be your own boss, you’re seen as a higher-risk borrower to lenders because your income is subject to change throughout the year. However, don’t count yourself out yet. While finding a loan as a self-employed individual may seem challenging, the most important thing is…
What Is a Good Debt Service Coverage Ratio?
Real estate investors seeking an investment property loan should consider their debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) to measure their cash flow and ability to pay debts. Lenders can use a borrower’s DSCR to determine their ability to repay the loan based on cash flow rather than income or job history. DSCR loans allow borrowers to invest…
Jumbo vs. Conventional Loans: What Are The Differences?
When buying a home, you have many options to choose from. Most people don’t know how many mortgage programs can help them save money and get the funding they need to purchase a property. However, since several types of home loans are available, it can be difficult to find the right one for you. Conventional…
First-Time Home Buyer Checklist: Everything You Need To Succeed
A home is a significant investment, but becoming a homeowner has many advantages. First, you’ll own your property, so as long as you continue to pay your mortgage, your home will increase in value over time. In addition, it gives you a permanent residence where you don’t have to worry about moving every few years…
Property Tax: What It Is And How It’s Calculated
Property taxes are paid to the government to ensure projects such as community services, schools, and fixing the roads. How much property tax you pay will depend on where you live and your home’s value. However, all homeowners pay property taxes, so it’s important to budget for more than your principal and interest when paying…
Home Affordability Calculator
Becoming a homeowner is a big step, and you must be financially prepared. Asking yourself, “How much house can I afford?” can help you determine whether you’ll qualify for a loan based on income, debt obligations, down payment, housing expenses, available funds, loan terms, and more. Use our home affordability calculator to help you determine…
DSCR Loan Calculator
Investing in rental properties is a great way to grow your wealth. With over 49.5 million rental housing units in the U.S., there’s tons of potential. Unfortunately, financing these investments can be challenging. Real estate investors can choose many different types of home loans to finance their property purchases. A DSCR loan allows investors to avoid high…
The Latest Home Price Appreciation Report: Why Real Estate is a Strong Investment in 2023
CoreLogic recently released its Home Price Appreciation Report, revealing that home prices in the US appreciated by 6.9% in 2022. This growth is expected to continue in 2023, with the company forecasting a 3% increase in home prices. While the media and neigh sayers think we are headed for a housing bubble or crash… it…
How Self-Employed Home Equity Loans Work
Can You Get a Home Equity Loan If You’re Self-Employed? For many self-employed individuals, there are several challenges that stand in the way of qualifying for a traditional home equity loan. The primary obstacle is that home equity loans typically require a borrower to provide proof of income in the form of tax returns. However,…
DSCR Loans in New York
A debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) loan is a type of commercial loan that is typically used for investment properties. For lending purposes, the DSCR is a financial ratio that compares a property’s gross rental income to its debt service (i.e. mortgage payments). The higher the DSCR, the more income the property generates relative to…
Conventional Loans for First-Time Home Buyers
A conventional loan for first-time home buyers is a traditional mortgage loan that meets the parameters set by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. Conventional loans require some percentage of down payment, depending on the mortgage you choose, and your credit score typically must be 620 or higher. In addition to credit score, conventional loans for…
Bank Statement Loans: Get a Mortgage as a Self-Employed First-Time Home Buyer
Bank statement loans for first-time buyers are a way to secure a mortgage using non-traditional means. When you have self-employed income that you are depositing into a bank account, you can obtain a mortgage through a bank statement loan. A bank statement loan can make it easier for business owners, contractors, and freelancers to provide…
FHA Loans for First-Time Home Buyers
FHA loans for first-time home buyers make it more affordable for aspiring homeowners to purchase a home. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) was established in 1934 as part of an effort to make homeownership more affordable for buyers that meet specific criteria. An FHA home loan for first-time home buyers is insured by the federal…
VA Loans for First-Time Home Buyers
Serving your country in the military can make you eligible for a VA loan, a home financing option that comes with a number of valuable benefits. That’s why we encourage both present and former service members to consider VA loans as they weigh their home financing options. VA loans for first-time buyers can potentially save…
Adjustable-rate vs. Fixed-rate Mortgages
If you are thinking about purchasing a new home, you might not be in a position to purchase a home with cash alone. Fortunately, you do not need to save up hundreds of thousands of dollars to qualify for a house. There are plenty of loan options available, but every buyer is in a different…
What Credit Score Is Needed For First-time Home Buyers In 2022?
Are you interested in purchasing a new home in the near future? You might be buying a home for the first time, which is why you need to think carefully about your credit score. It is one of the most important factors that will dictate whether you qualify for a home loan. Regardless of whether…
How To Get The Best Home Loans For Bad Credit
Having bad credit doesn’t always mean that you won’t be able to get a mortgage or home equity loan, although it does complicate your efforts. There are ways for you to get the funding you need to buy or borrow against the equity of your home even when your credit rating isn’t great. The following…
How To Get a VA Home Loan With Bad Credit
Wondering if you can get a VA home loan with bad credit? The answer is Yes. Active-duty service members and veterans who have a bumpy credit history usually find it easier than they expected to get approved for a VA home loan, even with bad credit. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs…
How Much is the Average Down Payment on a House?
If you are thinking about purchasing a house, there are a lot of steps you need to complete. One of the most important steps is to accumulate a down payment. A down payment is the amount of money that you have to put towards the principal value of the house at closing. Learn more about…
Types of Home Loans
If you are interested in purchasing a home, there is a good chance that you will have to take out a mortgage. Not a lot of people can purchase a home with cash, but thankfully there are multiple types of mortgage loans to choose from. It is important to think about the different types of…
HELOC vs Home Equity Loan Explained
A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) and a HELOAN (Home Equity Loan) are both secured by the equity in your home. The main difference between a HELOC and a HELOAN comes down to how you get and use the money. A HELOC loan is akin to a credit card in that it’s a line…
DSCR Formula and Calculation
“No tax returns needed! No income verification! Use your rental income to finance your investment properties!” Have you seen ads promising easy funding from DSCR loans? In truth, there is nothing magical about the DSCR (debt-service coverage ratio). But it’s an important measure of the financial stability of a real estate investment project and your…
How to Apply and Qualify for the First Time Home Buyer Grant
If you are interested in purchasing a house for the first time, you have probably realized that there are a lot of hoops that you have to jump through. Even though it can look like a significant challenge to purchase a house on your own for the first time, there are tools that you can…
Earnest Money
If you are interested in purchasing property, you may have to take out a loan. There are different types of loans available, including FHA loans, investment property loans, and even a VA home loan. At the same time, before you can purchase the house, you may be required to place an earnest money deposit. If…
Escrow Explained: What It Is & How It Works in a Mortgage
The escrow process is a legal process where funds are collected and held by a neutral third party who disburses those funds on behalf of two other parties. An escrow agent manages the escrow, ensuring everyone receives their funds when the agreed-upon conditions are met. An escrow on a mortgage is a common way to…
How to Get a Mortgage Loan as a Gig Worker
The gig economy has changed the way Americans work — perhaps forever. There are 57.3 million freelancers operating in the United States, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, by 2027, it’s anticipated that the majority of the American workforce will be freelance. While the gig economy offers flexibility and unlimited…
February Market and Company News!
Jobs report gives Fed green light for more rate hikes The Federal Reserve is almost certainly raising interest rates in March. The only question now is by how much. The strong January jobs report is the last piece of evidence the Fed needs to show that inflation pressures are not going away anytime soon. With…
Demographics are changing for Remote Workers- Including Income Taxes and Lifestyle changes
Where we live has been dictated by where we can find a good job. That truism has defined much of where Americans reside — clustered in and around lucrative job markets. Working remotely isn’t just another perk in a benefits package, it’s the opportunity to move freely and still continue the same career, ideally with…
Considering a Cash-Out? Now is a Great Time as Equity Skyrockets!
Record home price appreciation in the last few years has pushed tappable home equity to new heights! According to a report published by data vendor Black Knight this week, the third quarter of 2021 saw a nearly $250 billion dollar increase in tappable equity—a record. With record high tappable home equity, now is a great time to consider a…
Share of Homes Bought by Investors Keeps Growing as Single-Family Rents Soar
Real estate investors were responsible for 18.2% of the homes purchased in the U.S. during the third quarter of this year — a record-high share, according to Redfin. Investment Property Mortgage Home Loans are available to both new and experienced investors. This new all-time high was up from a revised share of 16.1% in second-quarter…
November News
High home prices could drop in November as mortgage rates increase, economist says Home prices are rising, though not at the same record pace as earlier this year. As a result, economists say both homebuyers and homeowners should expect substantial home value increases annually, but decreases month-over-month toward the end of 2021. “The typical home…
Build a Cash Flow Positive Real Estate Portfolio with One Simple Loan
Griffin Funding offers Investment Property Loans, or DSCR loans. A DSCR loan is a type of non-QM loan for new or seasoned real estate investors. With this particular program, no income or tax return verification is required. You can easily qualify based on the property’s cash flow. As a real estate investor, you can avoid…
Welcome To October!
HOME EQUITY HAS HIT A RECORD HIGH. As home prices continue their rapid rise, many Americans are sitting on a pile of equity in their homes. Homeowners with mortgages gained $2.9 trillion in equity in the second quarter of 2021, a 29.3% year-over-year increase, according to a new report by CoreLogic. This marks an average gain…
What is a better investment, Stocks or Real Estate?
Stock Market Example Invest $160,000 10% annual growth $504,287 at end of 12 years $342,974 at the end of 8 years $2,808,354 at end of 30 years Griffin Funding offers DSCR (debt service coverage ratio) loans at a ratio as low as .75 to allow you to qualify on the cash flow of the property…
Avoiding PMI Costs With a VA Loan
When looking into VA home loans as an option for purchasing or refinancing your home, one of the many questions on your mind might be “What are VA loan benefits?” More specifically, you may be asking yourself, “Do VA loans have PMI?”. During your home loan research, you may have taken note of how PMI,…
Why Jumbo Loans Are A Better Way to Purchase Your Luxury Home
What Is a Jumbo Loan? A Jumbo Loan is a type of home loan that allows borrowers to qualify for a larger loan that exceeds the conforming loan limits, which typically cut off at $510,400 for most counties. Put simply, a jumbo loan, also known as a jumbo mortgage, will offer high-end financing that traditional…
FHA vs VA Loans: Which Mortgage Option Is Right for You?
As a first-time buyer, you may be overwhelmed by your mortgage options. Which will offer the lowest down payment, the best terms overall, and help you minimize how much you spend on your mortgage over the life of the loan? To help you sort through the massive amount of information on home loans and learn…
VA Loans vs Conventional Loans
VA loans are special home loans available only to veterans and active duty service members. They’re popular among those in the military because they boast lower interest rates than conventional mortgages often offer, and sometimes come with the perk of no down payment and more flexible credit requirements. However, before you rush to get a…
VA Entitlement Explained: Basic & Bonus Loan Entitlements
There are many different aspects of VA loans that you should understand before entering into a loan agreement, one of which is VA entitlement. The VA entitlement is the amount of a home loan the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) will cover if you default on your loan. Essentially, this is the amount the lender…
How to Apply for Your First VA Loan
If you are a veteran looking to buy your first home, you may qualify for a VA Home loan. Most members of the regular military, veterans, reservists, and National Guard are eligible as well as surviving spouses of military members who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability. Are…
Backyard Design Ideas That Your Dogs Will Love
If you’re like most dog owners, you love the idea of watching your dogs play and run around in the backyard. You enjoy the freedom of opening the door and letting them roam and get out some energy. However, those positive feelings change pretty quickly the first time your dog digs up the garden. What…
What to Consider When Buying a House: 5 Homebuyer Concerns
When you’re shopping for a new home, it’s challenging to tell when a house is actually in good condition. Quick fixes and cosmetic band-aids can easily pull the wool over the eyes of unsuspecting home buyers. Before you know it, you’ve bought a house with underlying issues like mold or worse. No prospective homeowners want…