Home Loan Success Requires Becoming a Flexible Buyer
Thursday, 01 October 2020
by Stephanie Weeks
My husband and I were on one side of the desk, and the builder was on the other. We were buying our first house together. I said, “We need the payment to be $500 a month because we’re paying $400 now and I know we can afford $500. I don’t mean $520 or $550. I
- Published in buying a home, Home Purchase, Mortgage, Purchasing a home
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Should I Pay Mortgage Points?
Wednesday, 18 July 2018
by Stephanie Weeks
If you are buying a home or refinancing, you have probably heard about “mortgage points.” This form of pre-paid interest can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your loan but in many circumstances is not worth the upfront cost. How do you know whether to pay points or not? Here’s a quick
- Published in Advice, buying a home, Checking rates, Closing, home loan, home loan, home mortgage, Home Ownership, Home Purchase, Lender, loan, long-term goals, mortgage, mortgage payment
Why the New Construction Market is Gaining Strength
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
by Stephanie Weeks
In the years following the local housing rush which followed Hurricane Katrina, many home builders have lived through a dramatic slowdown in St. Tammany new construction market. Some experts attribute this to the rapid influx of post-Katrina new residents, and others to the general slowdown in the housing market which has affected the rest of
Common mistakes to avoid when buying a home.
Sunday, 21 October 2012
by Stephanie Weeks
We’ve all seen the commercial where a man gets so frustrated that he eventually gets himself beat up and left in a roadside ditch. Those of us in the mortgage industry can relate as we’ve seen these types of borrowers before who make every mistake there is, and wind up so frustrated that by
- Published in buying a home, Home Purchase, Housing
Don’t Let Buying a Home Make You End Up in a Roadside Ditch
Thursday, 18 October 2012
by Stephanie Weeks
We’ve all seen the commercial for the dish where a man gets so frustrated with cable that his anger gets the better of him. One thing leads to another, and through a series of mistakes he winds up in a roadside ditch! Unfortunately, we’ve seen people trying to buy a home have a similar experience.
- Published in buying a home, Home Purchase, Housing
10 Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Lender
Thursday, 29 March 2012
by Stephanie Weeks
Are you applying for a mortgage? Make sure you come prepared to ask the right questions, as the more you know, the better decisions you can make. Here are the top ten questions to ask your mortgage lender – jot them down or program them into your smartphone today. Question #1: What is the interest
- Published in Advice, buying a home, home mortgage, Home Purchase, Purchasing a home, Tips
Why Choosing the Right Title Company Is Important
Thursday, 14 April 2011
by Stephanie Weeks
Buying a new home can be a great experience, but it can also be quite daunting. In addition to choosing the right lender (link to home page), you also need to choose the right title company. The title company, or closing agent, will officiate the closing of your loan and make sure the loan documents,
- Published in Advice, Closing, Home Purchase, Mortgage, Tips