May 2, 2023 | Home Mortgage
Are you in the process of selling your home? You probably want to buy a new one right now to ensure you have another house to move into, but what happens if you do not have the cash to buy a home right now? You might need to cash from your current home before you can purchase your next home, but can you really wait to sell your house before buying another one? A bridge loan can help you fix this issue.
What Is A Bridge Loan?
A bridge loan has been specifically designed to let you tap into the equity you have in your current home and use that equity to buy another house. Essentially, you will borrow against the equity in your home, giving you the cash you need to buy your next house. Then, when you sell your current house, you will use the cash from the sale to pay off the bridge loan. That way, you don’t have to worry about selling your current house before you can buy your next one.
How Does The Repayment Process Work?
Like any other loan, you will have to make regular payments on the bridge loan even before you sell your current house. On the other hand, you might not have to pay down any of the principle until your sell your first home. Generally, you need to pay back the loan in a few months, and there is typically a balloon payment at the end that you pay when you sell your house.
Is It Right For Me?
Generally, you should consider getting a bridge loan if you need more flexibility when buying a house. Keep in mind that the loan will come with a slightly higher interest rate when compared to a mortgage, but it could make it easier for you to buy your next home.
Consider Getting A Bridge Loan If You Are Buying A Selling A House
If you are looking for some additional flexibility during the buying process, a bridge loan could help you. You should think carefully about whether you can qualify for a bridge loan and whether it is right for you. Consider reaching out to an expert who can help you.
May 1, 2023 | Financial Reports
Last week’s economic reporting included readings on home prices, sales of new homes, and pending home sales. Monthly and year-over-year readings for inflation were published along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims.
February S&P Case-Shiller Housing Market Indices show slower home price growth
National home prices continued to rise in February, but at a slower pace according to S&P Case-Shiller home price indices. Month-to-month home prices rose by 0.40 percent in February and matched analysts’ expectations, but were lower than January’s reading of 2.50 percent home price growth.
S&P Case-Shiller’s 20-city home price index, which is frequently used by real estate professionals for tracking housing markets, rose by 0.10 percent month-to-month in February. This was the first time home prices rose in eight months.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, reported an increase of 0.50 percent in home prices for homes owned and sold by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.Properties owned and sold by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are subject to loan limits and underwriting rules used by the two agencies.
In related news, the National Association of Realtors® reported pending home sales fell by -5.20 percent in March compared to the expected reading of 0.50 percent growth and February’s reading of 0.80 percent in pending sales.
Mortgage Rates Mixed, Jobless Claims Fall
Freddie Mac reported mixed movement on mortgage rates as the average rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages rose by four basis points to 6.43 percent. Rates for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages fell by five basis points and averaged 5.71 percent.
Initial jobless claims fell to 230,000 claims compared to the expected reading of 246,000 claims and the previous week’s reading of 245,000 claims. Continuing jobless claims fell to 1.86 million filings from the prior week’s reading of 1.87 million ongoing claims.
The University of Michigan reported no change in consumer responses to its consumer sentiment survey for April. The index reading of 63.5 for March was unchanged in April and also matched analysts’ forecasts.
What’s Ahead
This week’s scheduled economic reporting includes readings on construction spending, the Federal Open Market Committee’s scheduled statement, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s post-meeting press conference. Readings on public and private-sector employment and national unemployment are also scheduled for release.
Apr 28, 2023 | Real Estate
One of the main reasons people Airbnb their homes is to earn extra income. By renting out their homes to guests, hosts can earn money that can be used to pay bills, save for a vacation, or invest in their future. The decision to Airbnb your home ultimately depends on your personal circumstances and preferences.
Here are some factors to consider that can help you make an informed decision:
Legal Requirements: Before you decide to list your home on Airbnb, make sure you are legally allowed to do so in your area. Check your local regulations, zoning laws, and HOA rules to ensure that short-term rentals are permitted. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in legal penalties and fines.
Financial Considerations: Renting out your home on Airbnb can be a great way to earn extra income, but it’s important to consider the financial costs and benefits. Consider the amount of time and money you will need to spend to get your home ready for guests, such as cleaning fees and repairs. Also, consider the opportunity cost of not using your home during the rental period.
Property Management: If you’re planning to rent out your home while you’re away, it’s important to have someone who can manage the property and handle any issues that arise with guests. This may require hiring a property manager or cleaning service, which will add to your costs.
Increased Wear and Tear: Renting out your home on Airbnb can result in increased wear and tear on your property, which may require more frequent repairs and maintenance. This can be especially true if you have multiple guests staying in your home on a regular basis.
Safety and Security: Airbnb offers various safety features and guidelines to protect hosts and guests, but there are still risks associated with hosting strangers in your home. Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage and take necessary safety precautions, such as locking up valuables and installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
If you feel comfortable with the above considerations and believe that renting out your home on Airbnb is a good fit for you, then it could be a worthwhile decision. However, if you have any reservations or concerns, it may be best to explore other options for earning extra income.
Apr 27, 2023 | Mortgage, Real Estate
A mechanic’s lien is a legal claim placed on a property by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier who has provided labor, materials, or equipment to improve the property. The lien serves as security for the payment of the debt owed to the party who provided the services or materials.
Mechanic’s liens are typically used in the construction industry, where contractors and subcontractors may perform work on a property and then have difficulty obtaining payment from the property owner. The lien provides the contractor with a legal means to collect payment for their work by placing a hold on the property until the debt is satisfied.
How a Mechanic Lien is Placed
To initiate a mechanic’s lien, the contractor or supplier must follow a specific set of procedures, which can vary depending on the jurisdiction. Generally, these procedures involve filing a notice of claim with the appropriate government office, notifying the property owner of the claim, and giving the owner an opportunity to dispute the claim.
If the claim is not disputed, the lien will remain on the property until the debt is paid. If the debt is not paid, the lien can be enforced through legal means, such as a foreclosure sale.
Reasons a Mechanic Lien Would be Placed
There are several reasons why a mechanic’s lien may be placed on a property:
- Non-payment: The most common reason for placing a mechanic’s lien is non-payment. A contractor, subcontractor, or supplier may place a lien on the property if they have not been paid for their work, materials, or services.
- Breach of contract: If a property owner breaches a contract by failing to pay for work that has been completed, a contractor or supplier may place a lien on the property.
- Unpaid taxes or fees: Mechanic’s liens may also be placed on a property if the property owner has not paid property taxes, assessments, or other fees associated with the property.
- Fraudulent or deceptive practices: In some cases, a mechanic’s lien may be placed on a property if the property owner engaged in fraudulent or deceptive practices, such as misrepresenting their financial position or misrepresenting the scope of the work that was required.
- Dispute over work performed: Occasionally, a dispute may arise between a property owner and a contractor or supplier over the work that was performed. In such cases, a mechanic’s lien may be placed on the property as a way to resolve the dispute and secure payment for the work that was completed.
It is important to note that the laws surrounding mechanic’s liens can vary from state to state, and the specific reasons for placing a lien may also differ depending on the jurisdiction.
Mechanics’ liens can be complicated, and the laws surrounding them can vary from state to state. Therefore, it is recommended that contractors and property owners consult with an attorney who is familiar with the relevant laws in their jurisdiction.
Apr 26, 2023 | Real Estate
When you go through the process of applying for a mortgage, you need to make sure you understand all of the terms on the page. Two of the most common numbers you will come across include the mortgage rate and the APR. Many people associate both of these numbers with interest rates, but you will probably notice that they are not quite the same. What are the differences between these two numbers, and how are they going to impact your mortgage loan?
The Mortgage Interest Rate
The first number you are probably going to look at is the mortgage interest rate. This reflects the additional money that you will be charged over the life of the mortgage. For example, if you take out a loan for approximately $250,000 that has an interest rate of 5 percent, you will end up paying not only the principal but also an interest component of approximately $233,000 over the life of the loan. Keep in mind that an interest rate can be fixed or variable, so make sure you read the application carefully.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
The other number that you might see is your APR. This calculation is a bit more complex because it considers all facets of your application, not just the interest rate on the mortgage. Your APR is going to include other values as well, such as private mortgage insurance premiums, discount points, closing costs, and other closing expenses. This number might be a bit harder for people to understand, but it will also give you a more accurate picture of the total cost of your mortgage.
Ask Questions Before You Sign Your Contract
Because there are so many moving parts involved when you apply for a mortgage, you need to take the time to ask questions before you sign on the dotted line. You will be focused on your primary interest rate, as it will play a major role in the total cost of your loan as well as your monthly payment; however, you need to have an accurate picture of the other fees associated with your home loan as well. Reach out to an expert who can help you find the right mortgage to meet your needs.
