Interest Rates and Annual Percentage Rates? Home loan officers, mortgage brokers, lenders, and banks discuss two rates when a borrower does research on the mortgage rates. The two terms are: Interest Rates and Annual Percentage Rates (APR). Often, many people will often use the terms interchangeably. However, they are not the same thing. Not surprisingly, […]
Top 1% Mortgage Originators List
/0 Comments/in Austin Mortgage Updates /by Joel RichardsonTop 1% Mortgage Originator Recognition Mortgage Executive Magazine recently announced their 2018 list of The Nations Top 1% Mortgage Originators list and I made the list for the 3rd consecutive year! I feel honored to be a 2018 Top Mortgage Originator. Analysts compose a list and evaluates thousands of mortgage originators across the United States. […]
“Top Mortgage Professional” in Austin Monthly
/0 Comments/in Austin Mortgage Updates /by Joel RichardsonVoted Top Austin Monthly’s Top Mortgage Professional I am a “Top Mortgage Professional” in Austin Monthly’s Peer-to-Peer Survey! Obviously, my team and I appreciate the nomination and the votes of confidence. In a very demanding profession, it’s a pleasure to be able to do what I love to do every day: help make it easy for […]
FHA Loan Limit Increases Some Texas Areas
/0 Comments/in Home Loans, Homeowner Tips /by Joel RichardsonSome Texas Counties Benefit from FHA Loan Limit Increases HUD just announced FHA loan limit increases in our area of Texas. FHA home loan programs typically help first-time homebuyers, seniors, or others with limits on what they can afford. FHA home loans offer: A low 3.5% down payment Flexible income and credit requirements Low closing […]
Home Equity: What You Need to Know
/0 Comments/in Mortgage Tips /by Joel RichardsonHome Equity: What Is It and How to Use It? What is Home Equity? With the recent spike in real estate values, I often have customers ask about their home equity and how to use it. First, what is home equity? It is the difference between the current market value of your home and the […]
Managing Rental Property Overseas
/0 Comments/in Mortgage Tips /by Joel RichardsonManaging International Rental Properties Ever wonder if managing international rental properties for you? It’s Maybe you have wanderlust and have become smitten with a villa in the Provence, or a chalet in the Swiss Alps. Suddenly, you find yourself browsing the real estate listing and fantasizing about a vacation home. Then you scratch your head […]
What Are Interest Rates and Annual Percentage Rates?
/0 Comments/in Home Loans, Mortgage Tips /by Joel RichardsonInterest Rates and Annual Percentage Rates? Home loan officers, mortgage brokers, lenders, and banks discuss two rates when a borrower does research on the mortgage rates. The two terms are: Interest Rates and Annual Percentage Rates (APR). Often, many people will often use the terms interchangeably. However, they are not the same thing. Not surprisingly, […]
Texas Jumbo Loans
/0 Comments/in Austin Mortgage Updates /by Joel RichardsonJumbo Loans in Texas Everything is bigger in Texas. That’s right! Not only is Texas known for its big and bold personality, but that extends to the world of real estate too. Specifically, we mean Texas jumbo loans. The Housing Market in Austin If you are looking to buy a high-value property in Texas, especially […]
VA Loans in Texas
/0 Comments/in Home Loans, Mortgage Tips /by Joel RichardsonIs a VA Loan Right for You? As a trusted provider of VA loans in Texas, we understand the importance of providing a home loan that empowers active-duty members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses as homeowners. What Are the Benefits Some benefits of VA loans in Texas include no downpayment, no mortgage insurance, and more […]
Navigating a Hot Housing Market
/0 Comments/in Austin Life /by Joel RichardsonHow to Navigate a Hot Housing Market According to a recent article about the 20 hottest housing markets on Realtor.com, Austin ranks among the top 20 for hottest and fastest-selling housing markets. It’s no wonder how often I hear friends, colleagues, and strangers lament how hard it is to find a home. My Personal Tips Though […]
Home Renovation: Know When to Say “When”
/0 Comments/in Home Improvement /by Joel RichardsonHome Renovation: Market Value We work with many clients who want to refinance (or who have already refinanced) their homes. Frequently, clients cite all the updating they have done as proof of their home’s increased value. However, an appraisal will reveal that this isn’t always the case. How to Avoid Too Much Home Renovation Here is […]