Have clients with mortgage questions? Share our new infographic! It gives a very simple overview of the mortgage process from start to finish and—if your buyers want to dive deeper—a link to get our Mortgage Quick-reference Guide. Knowing what they’ll need to have on hand when they apply and throughout the processing of their loan may help your clients stay on track for a smooth closing.
Buying a home presents a few extra challenges for active-duty servicemen and women, but it also offers some unique advantages—the opportunity to build equity while using a tax-free Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), for example. Armed with a little information, your military client’s experience doesn’t have to be much different from the average homebuyer’s. Here’s what you can do to help: Find out how far from base your clients would like to live. For some military families, the distance from base isn’t just a…
Mortgage rates are making headlines again. With Freddie Mac reporting the highest 30-year fixed rate average in four years and further hikes possible in the next few months, buyers on the fence may be feeling some urgency to make a move. During Richmond American’s Time to Lock Event, house hunters have two ways to keep ahead of rising rates: For a limited time, Richmond American’s affiliate, HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, is offering an extended rate lock for up to 350 days—with a one-time option to re-lock…
Did you know that 2018 VA loan limits for 100% financing will increase across thousands of counties? For military buyers, that could mean their borrowing power will get a boost—potentially by thousands of dollars! Learn more about this popular loan option on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ website, then check out the new limits in your area. If there’s a bump, that could be the motivation your military clients need to get moving in Q1. Need a copy of our free Military Homebuyer Guide?…
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s 2018 loan limits may put more buying power in your clients’ hands! The base loan limits increased by 6.8%, setting the new limit at $453,100 in most parts of the country, with up to a maximum of $679,650 in high-cost areas. In many of the counties where we build, that means a change of $29,000, $43,500 or even $74,750! Keep in mind that some counties—such as Anne Arundel and Baltimore in Maryland, Salt Lake and Tooele in Utah, and Prince…
It’s 2017, and that means many Americans who were hardest hit by the Great Recession have had time to reestablish their credit and may be thinking about owning a home again. These boomerang buyers—former homeowners looking to reenter the market after having been sidelined by foreclosure or bankruptcy—can be a great demographic for expanding your client base. Oftentimes credit-impacted buyers feel adrift navigating their way back to homeownership, and an agent with the right expertise can prove invaluable. To position yourself for success, check out…
When you think of USDA home loans, farmhouses and fields probably spring to mind, not modern new homes in up-and-coming residential communities. But, you might be surprised to find USDA-eligible neighborhoods in—or right on the edge of—your sales turf. If you sell in one of those areas, your buyers may be able to take advantage of this government-guaranteed mortgage option with no down payment and relaxed credit requirements (compared to conventional loans). Here are just a few of the places we build homes that may…
Having a college education is very valuable. Unfortunately, the price tag often reflects this, and navigating post-graduation financial waters can be tricky. That being said, student loan debt shouldn’t be a barrier to homeownership. There are ways to balance the responsibility of paying off student loans and still enjoy homeownership. Here are a few concerns these buyers may have about buying a home, and some ways you can address them. “I can’t save up for a down payment while making student loan payments.” Saving for…
During our January homebuyer event, we’re highlighting many of the reasons buying a new home is a great way to start the new year! Here’s the scoop for our friends in real estate: Loan limits have increased. Your clients may have more buying power than they realize if they received mortgage preapproval before the 2017 loan limit changes kicked in. The difference could be several thousand dollars, depending on your location, so it’s in their best interest to check. FHA and conventional mortgage loan…
If your clients will apply for a mortgage in the coming year, their credit health should be priority #1. After all, a homebuyer’s credit score can affect their desired price point, what types of loans they can qualify for, their lender options, buying timeline and other factors that can ultimately make or break a sale. But wait, you’re not a loan officer or financial advisor. How could you possibly help? Share our free guide! During December’s Credit Check-up event, homebuyers can download 8 Credit Score…
