Home Values Are Rising Despite Media Claims – In today’s real estate market, there’s a lot of noise from the media suggesting that home prices are falling. Headlines scream about declining average and median home prices, painting a picture of a cooling market. But as a 40-year veteran in the mortgage industry, I can […]
Understanding the Loan Estimate (a mortgage fees disclosure): The Loan Estimate is a standardized three-page form mandated by the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rule, issued by lenders to consumers applying for most closed-end consumer mortgages, including those for single-family residential properties. Its primary purpose is to provide a clear, concise summary of the key loan […]
Not a Myth: Why “Date the Rate, Marry the House” Is Your Ticket to Homeownership Success! Hold onto your hats, folks – there’s a fiery debate raging in the real estate and finance world, challenging the beloved adage, “date the rate, marry the house”! This catchy phrase urges homebuyers to snag a mortgage rate that […]
A Journey Through History: Mortgage Rates from 1995 to 2025. Want to know the real story behind mortgage rates? Let’s take a thrilling trip back in time and explore the historical data that shapes our “date the rate, marry the house ORIGINAL BLOG” strategy today! The numbers from 1995 to 2025 reveal a wild ride […]
What Drives Wild Swings in Mortgage Rates? [Topic 1] Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Their Job Numbers. Every month, headlines are made when the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases the latest Nonfarm Payroll (NFP) report. These figures are viewed as a vital gauge of U.S. economic strength, influencing everything from mortgage rates to […]
🏗️ Tariff Uncertainty Shakes Up Builders, Retailers, and the Fed: What It Means for You If you’ve been wondering what’s happening with the economy lately, you’re not alone. Between new tariffs, shifts in consumer spending, and rising questions about interest rates, there’s a lot to unpack. Here’s a quick update on what’s happening behind the […]
FHA, USDA,, and VA, require your Spouse’s Credit – Even If They’re Not on the Loan When applying for a home loan, many borrowers are surprised to learn that even if their spouse isn’t applying for the mortgage, their credit report still needs to be reviewed. This is especially true for FHA loans and some […]
What Information You Need to Get a Home Loan: The 7-Step Mortgage Readiness Guide Are you thinking about buying a home, but unsure what documents or steps are involved in the mortgage process? Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving up, or refinancing, getting your paperwork in order early can save you stress, money, and time. […]
Self-Employed Home Loans: Smarter Solutions for Entrepreneurs and Investors If you’re self-employed, you already know what it means to bet on yourself. But when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage, traditional lending guidelines don’t always fit the way you run your business or build wealth. At First Capital Mortgage Inc., we specialize in helping […]
Embarking on the journey to homeownership is an exciting milestone. However, navigating the mortgage process can often feel overwhelming. As a seasoned mortgage broker with decades of experience, I aim to demystify this process and provide clarity for prospective homebuyers. 📋 Step 1: Assessing Your Financial Health Before diving into home listings, it’s crucial to […]