Author Archives: HSMadmin

Breaking Down the Ins and Outs of Loan Disclosures

As always, our goal is to provide tips for successfully navigating the mortgage process and to educate our readers on mortgage rates, the factors impacting them, and how to evaluate loan options.  “Help!  I’m in Missouri and looking for my first home loan.  I haven’t found a house yet but am planning to make an […]

Minimum Down Payment for a First-Time Home Loan

If you are a first-time homebuyer, you may be struggling to save for the purchase of your home. Between a down payment, closing costs and homeowners insurance, saving for a home purchase can feel overwhelming. However, buying your first home can become more affordable when you understand what your minimum down payment can be. In […]

va vs conventional loan requirements

VA Loan vs. Conventional Loan: What’s the Difference?

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to purchase a vacation home, buying a house is an exciting time. However, it can be a bit confusing when it comes to the financial aspect. As a prospective homebuyer, you’ll notice there are many loan options available, and two types of mortgages to consider are Department of […]

The Mortgage Landscape After the Recent Banking Scares

As always, our goal is to inform and educate our readers on mortgage rates, the factors impacting them, and provide tips for successfully navigating the mortgage process. Rates have risen considerably from the historic lows seen during the pandemic.  Has that rise impacted mortgage applications? Indeed, it has!  Black Knight, “an award-winning software, data and […]

A driveway and lawn lead up to a beautiful light colored brick house with two garages on the side.

Escrows and Rates in Today’s Current Housing Market

As always, our goal is to inform and educate our readers on mortgage rates, the factors impacting them, and provide tips for successfully navigating the mortgage process. Escrow Accounts for Mortgages “I’m getting ready to buy my first house, and the loan officer wants to know whether I will ‘escrow’ my taxes and insurance.  What […]

new homebuyer

Mortgage Trends Going into 2023

As always, our goal is to inform and educate our readers on mortgage rates, the factors impacting them, and provide tips for successfully navigating the mortgage process. Mortgage Rates I heard that rates have dropped compared with December. How has 2023 been for mortgages so far? We saw 10-year treasury yields (the easiest proxy for […]

The front of a beautiful light colored brick house with a large, white front porch and green lawn.

Summary of Recent Changes in the Housing Loan Market Including CPI Changes

As always, our goal is to inform and educate our readers on mortgage rates, the factors impacting them, and provide tips for navigating the mortgage process. Recent Changes in Mortgage Rates Are There Any Recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) data Changes? Indeed, there is!  November’s CPI data, released Dec 13th, 2022, showed inflation was slightly […]

The front of a beautiful house with a brick walkway, flowers out front, and warm light coming from all the windows.

What You Need to Know About Home Loans in the Current Market

As always, our goal is to inform you on mortgage rates, the factors influencing them, and provide tips for navigating the loan process. We recently analyzed the current market rates, including what has influenced rates and trends from the past 10 years. We summarized that interest rates had risen to levels last seen in the […]

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An In-Depth Review of Mortgage Rate Trends & What Impacts the Economics of Interest Rates

Our goal is to inform and educate you on the data and events influencing mortgages, rates’ outlook, and tips for navigating the loan process. 2022 has seen an unprecedented rise in interest rates. Ten-year Treasury yields (which mortgage rates typically follow) were near 1.7% in October of 2021. Where are they now? Over 4.1%, per […]

happy couple refinancing

Is Refinancing a Home Loan Worth It?

There are many factors to consider when determining whether refinancing a mortgage is worth it, such as interest rate fluctuations, your home value, your credit score and when you are planning to move. In many circumstances, refinancing can save money on total interest over the life of your loan or on your monthly mortgage payment. […]