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As the temperature in many areas of the country starts to cool down, you might think that the housing market will do the same. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Here are 4 reasons you should consider buying your dream home this winter instead of waiting for spring! 1. Prices Will Continue to Rise CoreLogic’s   latest   Home Price Index   reports that home prices have appreciated by 6.3% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 5.2% over the next year. The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. Waiting no longer makes sense. 2. Mortgage Interest Rates are Projected to Increase Your monthly housing cost is as much related to the price you pay for your home as it is to the mortgage interest rate you secure. Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market   Survey   shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage are currently at 4.08%. The   Mortgage Bankers Associa

New rules have taken effect that will change your home buying experience! The Know Before You Owe mortgage initiative is designed to empower consumers with the information they need to make informed mortgage choices. It includes the implementation of the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rule, which is often referred to as “TRID.”  Mortgages are complex and confusing. This new rule primarily does two things: It simplifies and consolidates some of the required loan disclosures, and It changes the timing of some activities in the mortgage process. If you are a buyer and would like to better understand the complicated process of applying for a mortgage, click here for a helpful step-by-step guide that includes information on the mortgage process and the new  regulatory changes.  This booklet is a toolkit that can help you make better choices along your path to owning a home.

Qualifying for a FHA loan just got easier! Most lenders have required a 640 minimum FICO score for FHA purchases and refinance transactions. Effective TODAY, the minimum credit score for FHA Fixed Rate loans has been lowered to 620. Another good reason for buyers to get off the fence!!! Click here for more real estate news and advice. For more mortgage and finance information, visit my website's mortgage center .

Interest rates are at all-time lows, there are lots of houses to choose from and prices are incredibley low. It is so tempting to buy right now. But is the timing right for you? As a first-time home buyer, there is a lot to consider when making the decision to rent or buy a home. Potential buyers should ask themselves several key questions before making this important decision: 1. What will monthly costs be and can I afford the payments? Keeping mortgage payments under 30 percent of your monthly income is a good rule of thumb. If you can't keep mortgage payments below that, you may be better off renting for awhile. 2. What other debt do I have? Total rent or mortgage payments plus credit obligations should not exceed 35 to 40 percent of monthly income. 3. What is my credit score? Can I qualify for a good interest rate? A high credit score indicates strong creditworthiness, and that qualifies you for better interest rates on a mortgage. Maxing out on your credit lines and paying bil

Rural Development has received additional Guaranteed Single-Family Housing Loan funds in the amount of $2.5 billion. They are able to begin to issue Conditional Commitments on loans subject to the availability of funds as follows: The guarantee fee for purchase transactions will be 3.5 percent The guarantee fee for refinance transactions will be 2.25 percent If have any buyers who have been waiting for it to come back, it's time to start shopping again!!! Click here for more detailed information.