Tag Archives: First Time Homebuyers

The ABCs of ARMs: How Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Work

Part of Homebuying 101

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have surged in popularity, reaching their highest numbers since the Great Recession. Recent volatility in the housing market has made ARMs an attractive option for borrowers seeking low initial interest rates. While better regulated than they once…

Great Reads
Next Up!
Get HomeReady: An Affordable Mortgage Program You Might Have Missed

It’s not easy being a homebuyer in today’s market. If low inventory and high home prices weren’t enough, once record-low mortgage rates have risen to levels not seen since 2008. It’s enough to inspire anyone to consider all sorts of...

Contingent vs. Pending: What’s the Difference?

Part of Homebuying 101

While strolling through your neighborhood (or scrolling through online listings), you might see signs on homes that read “pending” or “contingent.” When a home you’ve been eyeing finds itself in either status, you may wonder if it’s now too late…

Great Reads
Next Up!
Get HomeReady: An Affordable Mortgage Program You Might Have Missed

It’s not easy being a homebuyer in today’s market. If low inventory and high home prices weren’t enough, once record-low mortgage rates have risen to levels not seen since 2008. It’s enough to inspire anyone to consider all sorts of...

What is Mortgage Insurance and How Does it Work?

Part of Homebuying 101

When shopping for your mortgage, you may already know some of the one-time costs involved, such as down payment and closing costs. But there are also some recurring costs — like mortgage insurance — that you should get familiar with,…

Great Reads
Next Up!
Get HomeReady: An Affordable Mortgage Program You Might Have Missed

It’s not easy being a homebuyer in today’s market. If low inventory and high home prices weren’t enough, once record-low mortgage rates have risen to levels not seen since 2008. It’s enough to inspire anyone to consider all sorts of...

The Morty Report: Welcome Aboard

Part of our Series: The Morty Report

March 25, 2022. I’ll share my take on what’s happening in homebuying. My goal is to cut through the noise and share takeaways to help you to make informed decisions.

Great Reads
Next Up!
The Morty Report Makes Sense of a Wild Week

Mortgage rates change quickly – and last week was no exception. Read what happened with the market, along with key takeaways from Wednesday’s Fed meeting and what it could mean for you in the long run.

A Homebuyer’s Guide to Decoding Mortgage Acronyms

Part of Homebuying 101

The first time you buy a home, you’ll probably run across a fair number of mortgage-industry terms that you haven’t encountered before. If you find yourself stumbling a bit on terms you don’t know or acronyms you don’t understand, you’re…

Great Reads
Next Up!
Get HomeReady: An Affordable Mortgage Program You Might Have Missed

It’s not easy being a homebuyer in today’s market. If low inventory and high home prices weren’t enough, once record-low mortgage rates have risen to levels not seen since 2008. It’s enough to inspire anyone to consider all sorts of...

These Paint Colors Can Add Thousands to a Home’s Pricetag

Part of Home Improvement

Hoping to add a few dollars to the selling price of your current home? Then it might be time to break out the rollers, brushes, and painter’s tape. According to a recent study by the folks at Zillow, painting your…

Great Reads
Next Up!
7 Common Home Decorating Mistakes New Homeowners Can Make

DecorAid shares tips on what to buy now, and what to add later. You’ve saved. You’ve methodically shopped around. Now you’re ready to move into the right home for your needs. But one question remains: how do you begin decorating...

Your Final Walkthrough: What to Look For and When to Put on the Brakes

Part of Homebuying 101

You’re almost there, future homeowner! You’ve made a successful offer and sorted out your financing. Your future home appraised well, and it cleared a title search. Now, it’s time for your final walkthrough: one last look around before you officially…

Great Reads
Next Up!
Get HomeReady: An Affordable Mortgage Program You Might Have Missed

It’s not easy being a homebuyer in today’s market. If low inventory and high home prices weren’t enough, once record-low mortgage rates have risen to levels not seen since 2008. It’s enough to inspire anyone to consider all sorts of...

4 Pieces of Advice First-Time Homebuyers Should Definitely Ignore

Part of Homebuying 101

Letting folks know that you’re looking to buy your first home can open a floodgate of unsolicited advice from friends and loved-ones.  Your Aunt and Uncle bought their home during the Reagan administration, but are now suddenly experts on real…

Great Reads
Next Up!
Get HomeReady: An Affordable Mortgage Program You Might Have Missed

It’s not easy being a homebuyer in today’s market. If low inventory and high home prices weren’t enough, once record-low mortgage rates have risen to levels not seen since 2008. It’s enough to inspire anyone to consider all sorts of...

3 Tips For Finding a Home You’ll Love

Part of Homebuying 101

Buying a house can be a great investment in your future financial well-being.  But unlike other financial investments, a house isn’t just a line-item on a balance sheet. When it comes to buying a home, the choice you make will…

Great Reads
Next Up!
Get HomeReady: An Affordable Mortgage Program You Might Have Missed

It’s not easy being a homebuyer in today’s market. If low inventory and high home prices weren’t enough, once record-low mortgage rates have risen to levels not seen since 2008. It’s enough to inspire anyone to consider all sorts of...