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Curtailment on FHA, VA, and Conventional Loans: What Borrowers Need to Know

Mortgage curtailment, making extra principal payments, is a powerful strategy to save on interest and pay off your home faster. This method works for every borrower, regardless of loan type, including FHA, VA, and Conventional loans, as none have prepayment penalties. Curtailment builds equity, shortens your loan term, and for conventional loans, can even help […]

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Fixed vs. Interest-Only Mortgages: Which Costs More in Compound Terms?

An interest-only mortgage, while offering lower initial payments, costs more over time because compound interest costs you more over time is evident: the principal balance remains unchanged during the interest-only period, allowing interest to accrue on the full loan amount for longer. Conversely, a fixed-rate mortgage consistently reduces principal, causing interest to compound on a

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How Long Should You Stay in a Home Before Choosing an ARM?

When deciding between an ARM or fixed-rate based on your timeframe, an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) is often advantageous if you plan to move or refinance before its initial fixed-rate period (typically 5, 7, or 10 years) ends. ARMs offer lower initial payments but carry the risk of higher costs if held beyond this period, as

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When to Refinance Your ARM: Timing Based on Rate Index Trends

When to Refinance Your ARM: Timing Based on Rate Index Trends” helps homeowners and investors identify the ideal time to refinance an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) by tracking rate index movements like CMT and SOFR. rising CMT rates could signal it’s time to refinance The guide outlines key triggers—such as rising indexes, expiring fixed periods, and

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BAH Rates for Married vs. Single Service Members: What’s Changed in 2025?

Are you a service member unsure if your marital status affects your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)? Or perhaps you’re a real estate agent helping military buyers or an investor evaluating rental opportunities near military installations? Understanding 2025 BAH rates is more important than ever. In 2025, several updates to BAH have come into effect,

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ARM vs. Fixed-Rate Mortgage: Which Is Right for You in Today’s Market?

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) offer lower initial rates, then adjust periodically based on a financial index, influencing how adjustable-rate mortgages respond to CMT rate changes. Fixed-rate mortgages provide stable payments. ARMs suit short-term homeowners or those anticipating refinancing, while fixed-rates are ideal for long-term predictability. The choice depends on individual risk tolerance, market outlook, and how

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Why AVMs Struggle with Unique or Renovated Properties

AVMs (Automated Valuation Models) often undervalue unique or renovated homes because they rely on public records and comparable sales, missing custom features and recent upgrades. Since AVMs don’t account for home upgrades like remodeled kitchens or finished basements unless officially recorded, their estimates can be significantly off. For more accurate pricing, buyers and sellers should

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Refinancing with a Better LTV: When It Makes Financial Sense

Refinancing when your Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio improves, particularly below 80%, makes financial sense. how Refinancing can improve your LTV by demonstrating greater equity, leading to benefits like lower interest rates, elimination of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), and access to cash-out options. This strategic move helps reduce monthly payments and saves significant money over the loan’s

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How to Qualify for a Blanket Mortgage: Requirements and Pro Tips for Real Estate Investors

A blanket mortgage allows real estate investors to finance multiple properties under one loan, simplifying payments and reducing closing costs. Key to qualifying are blanket mortgage requirements and structure, including a minimum of two income-generating properties, a 70-80% Loan-to-Value (LTV), a strong credit score (680-700+), and a Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) of 1.25+. Lenders

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What Happens If You Skip Title Insurance? Risks First-Time Homebuyers Should Know

Skipping title insurance, especially for first-time homebuyers, risks significant financial and legal issues. This one-time payment helps protect your legal ownership rights against hidden defects from the property’s past, such as unpaid taxes, unknown heirs, or fraudulent documents. Without it, you could face substantial out-of-pocket costs for resolving disputes or even lose your home, making

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