Hot Housing Market Tips for Homebuyers Recently, I was interviewed about Austin’s hot housing market by Sarah Wheeler, Editor in Chief of Housing Wire. We talked specifically about what homebuyers need to know in a like we see in Austin and surrounding areas. Here are some tips from that interview. Prepare your finances. A hot housing […]
Fixer-Upper or Move-In Ready? When deciding to buy a home, many people will ask should I buy a fixer-upper or a move-in ready home? There are a few factors one needs to consider when making this decision. Move-In Ready Homes If you have been following the Austin housing market, you may not be surprised to […]
Austin Holiday Events 2020 Style: In-Person and Virtual There is no shortage of Austin Holiday Events. This time of the year is always a favorite because Austin really loves a good celebration. However, we are aware things will look a little differently as we work as a community to maintain our health and safety for […]
Discount Points on Jumbo Mortgages are Hot Again. Here’s Why. This month, The Wall Street Journal published an article discussing the discount points on jumbo mortgages during the COVID-19 pandemic. As you may know, a jumbo mortgage is a loan designed to finance high-value properties that exceed the maximum conforming loan limit set by the […]
Adverse Market Fee – A Surprising GSE Directive It was a typical Wednesday after dinner two weeks ago when I got a notice about the unexpected news: Government sponsored enterprises (GSE), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced a directive known as the Adverse Market Fee. This directive will impose a 0.50% fee on all refinances. […]
We Are Here for You Since my last blog, the Covid-19 situation has hit the fan. It’s an unprecedented time with a lot of unknowns for the future. It’s difficult to not get caught up in the fear. As a homeowner, you may be wondering how this will all play out. Having been in this […]
Historically Low Interest Rates Now Is a Good Time for House Hunting House hunting these days? You will be happy to know that 30-year fixed rate at one of lowest historical levels. The key driver is a healthy economy with low unemployment, stable growth with low risk of inflation. Consequently, homebuyers will have access to […]
The Federal Reserve Announces Rate Decrease In late July, the Federal Reserve announced a rate decrease. Many customers wanted to know how that affected their mortgage interest rates. What is “The Federal Reserve”? Not the exact definition: The Federal Reserve is our central bank. As a matter of fact, there are several Federal Reserve banks, […]
Hot Housing Market Tips
/in Mortgage Tips, Uncategorized /by Anitra RichardsonHot Housing Market Tips for Homebuyers Recently, I was interviewed about Austin’s hot housing market by Sarah Wheeler, Editor in Chief of Housing Wire. We talked specifically about what homebuyers need to know in a like we see in Austin and surrounding areas. Here are some tips from that interview. Prepare your finances. A hot housing […]
Buy a Fixer-Upper or Move-In Ready?
/in Mortgage Tips, Uncategorized /by Anitra RichardsonFixer-Upper or Move-In Ready? When deciding to buy a home, many people will ask should I buy a fixer-upper or a move-in ready home? There are a few factors one needs to consider when making this decision. Move-In Ready Homes If you have been following the Austin housing market, you may not be surprised to […]
Austin Holiday Events 2020
/in Austin Life /by Anitra RichardsonAustin Holiday Events 2020 Style: In-Person and Virtual There is no shortage of Austin Holiday Events. This time of the year is always a favorite because Austin really loves a good celebration. However, we are aware things will look a little differently as we work as a community to maintain our health and safety for […]
House Hunting: Good Luck!
/in Mortgage Tips /by Anitra RichardsonIn the News | The Wall Street Journal
/in Mortgage Tips /by Joel RichardsonDiscount Points on Jumbo Mortgages are Hot Again. Here’s Why. This month, The Wall Street Journal published an article discussing the discount points on jumbo mortgages during the COVID-19 pandemic. As you may know, a jumbo mortgage is a loan designed to finance high-value properties that exceed the maximum conforming loan limit set by the […]
Adverse Market Fee FAQ
/0 Comments/in Mortgage Tips /by Joel RichardsonAdverse Market Fee – A Surprising GSE Directive It was a typical Wednesday after dinner two weeks ago when I got a notice about the unexpected news: Government sponsored enterprises (GSE), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced a directive known as the Adverse Market Fee. This directive will impose a 0.50% fee on all refinances. […]
During Covid-19, We Are Here for You
/0 Comments/in Mortgage Tips /by Joel RichardsonWe Are Here for You Since my last blog, the Covid-19 situation has hit the fan. It’s an unprecedented time with a lot of unknowns for the future. It’s difficult to not get caught up in the fear. As a homeowner, you may be wondering how this will all play out. Having been in this […]
Happy 2020!
/0 Comments/in Austin Mortgage Updates, Homeowner Tips /by Joel Richardson30 Year Fixed Rate at Historical Lows
/0 Comments/in Home Loans /by Joel RichardsonHistorically Low Interest Rates Now Is a Good Time for House Hunting House hunting these days? You will be happy to know that 30-year fixed rate at one of lowest historical levels. The key driver is a healthy economy with low unemployment, stable growth with low risk of inflation. Consequently, homebuyers will have access to […]
The Federal Reserve and Interest Rates
/0 Comments/in Mortgage Tips /by Joel RichardsonThe Federal Reserve Announces Rate Decrease In late July, the Federal Reserve announced a rate decrease. Many customers wanted to know how that affected their mortgage interest rates. What is “The Federal Reserve”? Not the exact definition: The Federal Reserve is our central bank. As a matter of fact, there are several Federal Reserve banks, […]