Category: Education

Maintaining a low debt-to-income ratio is crucial when applying for a mortgage due to its significant impact on your financial health and loan approval chances. The debt-to-income ratio is a measure of the percentage of your monthly income that goes toward paying off debts, including credit card balances, student loans, car loans, and your proposed mortgage payment. Lenders carefully consider this ratio as it provides an indicator of your ability to manage additional debt responsibly. By keeping your debt-to-income ratio low, you demonstrate financial stability and a higher capacity to handle mortgage payments. This lower ratio not only increases the likelihood of mortgage approval but also allows you to secure more favorable loan terms and interest rates. Overall, maintaining a healthy debt-to-income ratio is essential for a smooth mortgage application process and a solid foundation for your future homeownership journey.

Homeseed is now offering a Buy Before You Sell program for current homeowners who are looking to purchase a new residence. One of the main advantages is that it can provide flexibility and alleviate some of the stress homeowners face when purchasing a new home. The program allows homebuyers to move quickly on the purchase of the new home rather than worrying about selling their current residence. Additionally, it strengthens their offer on a new property as they are not contingent on the sale of their current home. This can be especially advantageous in a competitive real estate market, where buyers may face multiple offers on a property. Furthermore, this loan program can provide buyers with a bridge loan to help cover the down payment on the new purchase or to make repairs to the departing residence.

Homeowners in the United States have seen a record-high increase in home equity. According to MBS Highway, 76% of homeowners have at least $100,000 of equity in their homes while the median priced home has gained an average of $190,000 in appreciation in the last 10 years. This further emphasizes the immense value and wealth that homeownership provides for an individual. Homeowners can also take advantage of this equity by using it for a variety of purposes, such as home improvements, debt consolidation, or funding other financial investments.

Two popular options for accessing home equity are home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and cash-out refinances. HELOCs allow homeowners to borrow against their home equity as needed, similar to a credit card. They often come with variable interest rates and typically have a lower upfront cost than a cash-out refinance. On the other hand, a cash-out refinance replaces the homeowner’s existing mortgage with a new, larger loan. The homeowner receives the difference between the old and new loans in cash, which can be used for any purpose. Cash-out refinances usually come with a lower fixed interest rate and a higher upfront cost than a HELOC. While both options can provide access to the home’s equity, your unique situation will determine which product is best for you. Contact us today to learn more!

HOW DOES A HIGHER CREDIT SCORE HELP HOMEBUYERS?

A credit score is one of the critical factors that lenders consider when determining whether to approve a mortgage application. The score reflects a borrower’s creditworthiness and financial history, which indicates the likelihood of paying back the loan on time. A high credit score is an indicator of a responsible borrower and shows that the borrower has a history of making timely payments on their debts. A low credit score can make it challenging to obtain a mortgage, or the borrower may receive higher interest rates and less favorable loan terms.

Furthermore, a high credit score not only makes it easier to obtain a mortgage but can also help borrowers secure a more affordable mortgage loan. Lenders offer lower interest rates and better terms to borrowers with higher credit scores, which can result in significant savings over the life of the loan. Even a small difference in interest rates can add up to thousands of dollars in savings over the long term. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a high credit score by consistently paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, and avoiding taking on new credit until after the mortgage has been secured. Check out the flyer below for more tips on maintaining and keeping your credit score high!