Home Buying Guides
Cracking the Code: The 5 C’s of Mortgages for First-Time Buyers in Metropolitan Detroit
Welcome back to our blog series, “Navigating the Path to Homeownership: A First-Time Buyer’s Guide to Qualifying for a Mortgage in Metropolitan Detroit.” In this installment, we’ll unravel the mystery behind the 5 C’s of mortgages – essential criteria that can significantly impact your home loan approval in this dynamic housing market. Credit Score (C1…
Read MoreDecoding Mortgage Jargon: 25 Must-Know Acronyms in the Home Financing World
Entering the realm of mortgages can often feel like deciphering a secret code. To help you navigate the intricacies of the home financing process, we’ve compiled a list of the 25 most common acronyms and mortgage jargon used in the mortgage industry. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, understanding these acronyms will…
Read MoreNavigating the Path to Homeownership: A First-Time Buyer’s Guide to Qualifying for a Mortgage in Metropolitan Detroit
In the heart of Metropolitan Detroit, the dream of homeownership beckons to first-time buyers. As you embark on this exciting journey as Detroit first-time home buyers, understanding the basics of qualifying for a mortgage is paramount. This multi-post guide will take you through key steps, terms, and considerations to ensure a smooth path to securing…
Read MoreInvesting in Multifamily Properties in Metropolitan Detroit: Are They Worth the Hype?
Many clients frequently inquire about various aspects of the mortgage industry and homeownership, including property investment. These discussions often revolve around the potential of real estate as an investment. While I typically express my belief that property ownership is a wise choice, there is a unique consideration when it comes to multifamily properties, particularly in…
Read MoreDetermining Your Borrowing Power in Metropolitan Detroit
When contemplating the purchase of a home in Metropolitan Detroit, one of the primary considerations should be assessing your borrowing power. In other words, how much house can you afford? This holds great importance for several reasons: it prevents you from exploring homes that are beyond your financial means, it ensures you’re not limiting/overextending…
Read MoreUnlocking Lower Mortgage Payments: The Power of Mortgage Recasting
When it comes to reducing your monthly mortgage payments, there’s no shortage of options. Refinancing, a popular choice, allows you to lower your interest rate, extend the mortgage term, or eliminate mortgage insurance. However, refinancing often involves fees and can be a complex process. Another common approach involves having your home’s taxes reassessed, which has…
Read MoreDetermining the Ideal Home Down Payment: A Common Dilemma
One of the most frequent questions I encounter during initial client consultations is a seemingly straightforward yet complex one: “How much should I put down on my house?” While a perfect world scenario might suggest a 20% down payment for a comfortable monthly payment, reality often presents a more nuanced situation. There are instances were…
Read MoreBridging the Gap Between Mortgages in Metropolitan Detroit: Guidelines and Strategies
If you’re considering buying a new primary residence and want to use the equity from your current home for the down payment but haven’t yet listed your current home for sale, you’re not alone. Many borrowers in Metropolitan Detroit find themselves in this situation, and there are guidelines and strategies to help bridge this gap.…
Read MoreIs a House Still a Sound Investment Amidst Surging Home Prices?
In recent years, the housing market has witnessed unprecedented home value appreciation. We’ve seen national appreciation rates of 12% in 2022 and 16% in 2021, preceded by several years of increasing prices, starting in 2012. However, starting in 2019, we started to really see the craziness, that continues in some instances today. Massive over bids,…
Read MoreWhat to Know When You Apply for a Mortgage
Paula Christine has seen many people make financial mistakes when buying a home. Just because you’ve been approved for a $350,000 mortgage doesn’t mean you can afford it! Our guest today is Marc Edelstein, mortgage broker with Ross Mortgage. We cover all things mortgage, including: First steps when applying for a mortgage What happens when property values are re-assessed…
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