24 Apr 2020
By noelkelman

How Does A Home Appraisal Work?

Mortgage, ,
Whether you're a buyer or a seller, a home appraisal is a critical component of the home selling process. An appraisal is also required in situations where a home is gifted to a family member, so it's important to have a clear understanding of what it entails.  What Is A Home Appraisal? A home appraisal is an unbiased estimate of a home's fair market value conducted by a professional appraiser. All 50 states require that appraisers be licensed and/or certified and demonstrate knowledge of the specified area. The purpose of a home appraisal is to determine whether the home's asking…
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23 Apr 2020
By noelkelman

Staying Social While Distancing

Mortgage, ,
For many months, the COVID-19 (Corona-virus) pandemic appeared to be a problem that only existed in foreign lands. Now, this virus has arrived on the shores of the United States and has disrupted jobs, hospitals, and lives. People are being asked to practice social distancing measures to curtail the spread of the virus while some parts of the country are being asked to stay home entirely. The good news is that there are still ways for people to remain social while being safe.  Get Outside Safely One of the first tips that people need to remember is that they are…
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21 Apr 2020
By noelkelman

How Do Mortgage Points Cut Your Interest Costs?

Mortgage, ,
Those who are involved in the real estate industry likely know that mortgage rates are at an all-time low. At the same time, nobody wants to pay more for a house than they have to. Some of the most important factors that dictate how much someone is going to pay for a house include points and interest rates. While interest rates are incredibly low, there is a way to make them lower. This comes in the form of points. This is additional money that is paid upfront to get a better deal over the life of the loan. Even though…
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15 Apr 2020
By noelkelman

Mortgage Relief Refinance Programs For 2020

Mortgage, ,
There are lots of people out there who are searching for options for mortgage relief. A quick search will reveal options for programs such as FMERR and HARP; however, many of the articles regarding these programs are a bit outdated. This makes them misleading. Sometimes, people might think they can apply for these programs when, in reality, they cannot. These programs have expired. Fortunately, there is another option for HIRO. What Is HIRO? HIRO is the mortgage relief refinance program for 2020. Run by Fannie Mae, this program does have some similarities to its ancestors (HARP and FMERR); however, it…
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10 Apr 2020
By noelkelman

Creative Ways To Keep Your Family Sane During The COVID-19 Crisis

Mortgage, ,
It can be a tremendous challenge to suddenly be stuck at home during the COVID-19 crisis. For those who are in an area of the country where there is a "shelter in place" order, this can feel very much like house arrest. If there are children stuck at home as well, this could be enough to make the entire family go stir crazy. It can be hard to come up with ways to have fun when there is a lot of fear and anxiety in the air; however, here are a few great ways that families can have fun, grow…
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09 Apr 2020
By noelkelman

How To Be Sure Your Home Is Sanitized During Quarantine

Mortgage, ,
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever for everyone to make sure they act in the best interests of their local communities and the world as a whole. This means that everyone should follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), practice social distancing measures, and obey all orders to shelter in place. When families are stuck at home, it is important to ensure the house is sanitized. This will prevent the spread of this dangerous virus. There are a few measures that everyone should take to make sure their home is as…
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07 Apr 2020
By noelkelman

COVID-19 Relief Programs For Homeowners

Mortgage, ,
Federal housing agencies and government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak with multiple relief programs for homeowners experiencing hardship due to illness and job loss. 60-Days Forbearance on Home Mortgages Owned or Backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac Many U.S. home loans are owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Homeowners can determine if your loan is connected with Fannie Mae here.here. Please check here to check if your mortgage is affiliated with Freddie Mac. CARES Act Provide Relief for Eligible Homeowners The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act…
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03 Apr 2020
By noelkelman

The Department Of Veterans Affairs Is Allowing Drive-by Appraisals Because Of COVID-19

Mortgage, ,
The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has impacted every industry across the country. Many people are being asked to shelter in place and everyone has been asked to practice social distancing to try to curtail the spread of this deadly virus. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has asked both Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to make some changes in the manner they conduct property appraisals and employment verification. Shortly after the move by the FHFA, The Veteran's Administration (VA) and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) followed suit by relaxing property appraisal requirements. Due to the unusual circumstances that are facing the country…
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