All Blog Entries

New England Reverse Presents: Myths & Misconceptions of Reverse Mortgages

Dec 2 2022

Desirae Mathias

Myth #1: I changed the title to my property to my children’s names and I have a Life Estate, so I’m not able to obtain a Reverse Mortgage. FACT: As long as the... »
Read More of the post New England Reverse Presents: Myths & Misconceptions of Reverse Mortgages

How to Bridge the Gap Between Selling and Buying – The Duvall Group

Oct 26 2022

anneglitwak

OCTOBER 2022    HOW TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN SELLING AND BUYING  Can you buy before you sell? There are many ways to bridge the gap between selling your home and buying a new one. We... »
Read More of the post How to Bridge the Gap Between Selling and Buying – The Duvall Group

The Mission of Changing Homeownership

Oct 24 2022

Homebridge

  At Homebridge, our vision is to make the dream of homeownership a reality for every customer, every day. One way we live that vision is by providing greater access to homebuyer education. By... »
Read More of the post The Mission of Changing Homeownership

Why Rate Isn’t Everything

Sep 1 2022

Michael

      If you’re in the market to purchase a home and concerned that rising interest rates could price you out of the home you’re looking at, then this article is for you. First, you... »
Read More of the post Why Rate Isn’t Everything

Why the Market Won’t Crash

Aug 19 2022

Michael

No Crash Zone. A Current Outlook on the Housing Market. By: Michael Pennington   Are you concerned that the housing market will crash like it did in 2008? That the cost of homes has skyrocketed so... »
Read More of the post Why the Market Won’t Crash

Are 3D Printed Homes The Answer to Our Housing Issues? – The Duvall Group

Aug 15 2022

anneglitwak

AUGUST 2022    ARE 3D PRINTED HOMES THE ANSWER TO OUR HOUSING ISSUES? A recent collaboration between Habitat for Humanity and Alquist has created the world’s first owner-occupied 3D printed home. While it might be hard... »
Read More of the post Are 3D Printed Homes The Answer to Our Housing Issues? – The Duvall Group

FHA Loans: What Are The Benefits And Features

Aug 8 2022

Homebridge

FHA loans offer a 3.5% down payment requirement as well as lenient Debt-to-Income ratios (DTI) and credit requirements. They are ideal for low-to-moderate income earners, and people buying a home with less-than-perfect credit. Backed... »
Read More of the post FHA Loans: What Are The Benefits And Features

Kitchen renovations: 3 upgrades that will improve the look and function of your kitchen

Aug 1 2022

Leesa

To improve your kitchen, consider adding a nook, redoing the floor or adding an appliance garage. These three projects don’t require much effort, but they can positively impact how you live and, most... »
Read More of the post Kitchen renovations: 3 upgrades that will improve the look and function of your kitchen

HELOCs Are On The Rise

Jul 29 2022

Homebridge

So Is There a Home Equity Boom On The Horizon? As the volume of refinances fall with the rise of mortgage rates, homeowners are setting their sights on home... »
Read More of the post HELOCs Are On The Rise

Inflation Forces The Fed’s Hand – The Duvall Group

Jul 15 2022

anneglitwak

JULY 2022    INFLATION FORCES THE FED’S HAND The Federal Reserve hiked its Fed Funds rate by 75 basis points in June, due in large part to the hotter-than-expected Consumer Price Index reading reported on June... »
Read More of the post Inflation Forces The Fed’s Hand – The Duvall Group

Helping 1099 Contract Employees Buy A Home

Jul 11 2022

Homebridge

There are definite benefits to being a freelance worker or independent contractor. You’re able to set your own schedule, and you can spend only a few hours at different jobs to get a... »
Read More of the post Helping 1099 Contract Employees Buy A Home

The Fed Increase: For Better Or Worse?

Jul 8 2022

Homebridge

Why Interest Rates Increase To Combat High Inflation Inflation rates are at a forty year high and consumers across the country are feeling the impact. From the higher cost of gas to higher prices... »
Read More of the post The Fed Increase: For Better Or Worse?

Enhance Your Curb Appeal and Renovate the Front of Your Home!

Jun 27 2022

Leesa

The front of your home is the first thing a buyer looks for when considering a purchase. If you don’t plan on selling, that same area will be the first thing you see... »
Read More of the post Enhance Your Curb Appeal and Renovate the Front of Your Home!

What Determines Your Mortgage Interest Rate?

Jun 23 2022

Homebridge

Current mortgage interest rates are always a hot topic for homebuyers or those who are curious about the affordability of homeownership. Knowing the general market rate can be helpful when budgeting for an... »
Read More of the post What Determines Your Mortgage Interest Rate?

Why Work With A Mortgage Team?

May 31 2022

Michael

  Whether you are a Real Estate Agent or a borrower, not having the right mortgage lender could put the kibosh on your deal. If you want the right product mix, lowest rate and... »
Read More of the post Why Work With A Mortgage Team?

Higher Home Equity – The Duvall Group

May 26 2022

anneglitwak

MAY 2022    HIGHER HOME EQUITY If you think the hot real estate market is just for sellers, think again. For homeowners, the equity in your home has grown substantially over the past year. According to... »
Read More of the post Higher Home Equity – The Duvall Group

D&I Chief Featured in Scotsman Guide

May 13 2022

Homebridge

Homebridge’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion officer, Brian “Woody” White, recently wrote an editorial for Scotsman Guide. In honor of April being Diversity Month, Woody’s article tackles the growing purchase power of people of... »
Read More of the post D&I Chief Featured in Scotsman Guide

Non-Qualified Mortgage: Bank Statements

May 12 2022

Homebridge

You may have found your dream home, but it might remain a dream without approved financing. Bank statement loans, as the name implies, use bank statements to determine your income. They are a... »
Read More of the post Non-Qualified Mortgage: Bank Statements

3 Bedroom Upgrades You Can Make With a Fannie Mae Homestyle Loan®

May 3 2022

Leesa

  Home improvement projects can make or break the look and feel of your bedroom and in turn, your entire home. Take a look at the three project ideas below and see how our... »
Read More of the post 3 Bedroom Upgrades You Can Make With a Fannie Mae Homestyle Loan®

Benefits of Pre-Approval: Get the Upper Hand

Apr 27 2022

Homebridge

The supply of houses on the market has fallen from an average of 1.6 million units monthly in 2018 and 2019 to just over 1 million in 2021 – and the monthly figures... »
Read More of the post Benefits of Pre-Approval: Get the Upper Hand

Homebridge is Leading the Mortgage Industry in D&I Transparency

Apr 20 2022

Homebridge

Homebridge Is Leading The Mortgage Industry In D&I Transparency Homebridge has recently launched “Our Community” in an effort to increase transparency in our various D&I activities. This online hub will exist on the Homebridge... »
Read More of the post Homebridge is Leading the Mortgage Industry in D&I Transparency

Three Backyard Renovations to Help You Enjoy the Spring!

Apr 19 2022

Homebridge

As the weather changes, many homeowners are ready to not only get some spring cleaning done but to upgrade their home and make the most of spring this year and every other year.... »
Read More of the post Three Backyard Renovations to Help You Enjoy the Spring!

Historically Low Interest Rates – The Duvall Group

Apr 15 2022

anneglitwak

APRIL 2022    HISTORICALLY LOW INTEREST RATES Real estate agents and title agents recently surveyed by First America see the housing market as fairly resilient to rising rates and predict it will remain so even when... »
Read More of the post Historically Low Interest Rates – The Duvall Group

4 Stops Along the Road to First Time Homebuying

Mar 31 2022

Homebridge

Your first time buying a home will be exciting, offering a window into the setting of your future. At Homebridge, we delight in the opportunity to help first-time homebuyers because we are reminded... »
Read More of the post 4 Stops Along the Road to First Time Homebuying

10 Ways to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

Mar 29 2022

Homebridge

In honor of Earth Day, consider these 10 ideas for implementing energy-efficient improvements throughout your home. Not only will these strategies benefit the environment by reducing your carbon footprint, but they will help... »
Read More of the post 10 Ways to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

Pre-Qualification or Pre-Approval – The Duvall Group

Mar 1 2022

anneglitwak

MARCH 2022    Pre-Qualification or Pre-Approval Many buyers shop for a home with a Pre-Qualification or Pre-Approval, thinking these will give them an advantage in the buying process. That may be true, but an Underwritten Pre-Approval... »
Read More of the post Pre-Qualification or Pre-Approval – The Duvall Group

RENOVATION LOANS: WHAT CAN THEY BE USED FOR?

Feb 7 2022

Homebridge

Renovation loans: what can they be used for? A renovation loan is an excellent option for homeowners who want to change up their living space with a few improvements, whether big or small. It... »
Read More of the post RENOVATION LOANS: WHAT CAN THEY BE USED FOR?

A Rare Opportunity for Homeowners May Disappear – The Duvall Group

Feb 1 2022

anneglitwak

FEBRUARY 2022    A Rare Opportunity for Homeowners May Disappear A nationwide trend has seen home values skyrocket over the last two years. At the same time, interest rates have been trending in the opposite direction,... »
Read More of the post A Rare Opportunity for Homeowners May Disappear – The Duvall Group

USING GIFT FUNDS TO BUY A HOME

Feb 1 2022

Homebridge

USING GIFT FUNDS TO BUY A HOME For many homebuyers, gift funds are a needed boost to help them cover the necessary down payment on their dream home. Although it’s common practice to receive... »
Read More of the post USING GIFT FUNDS TO BUY A HOME

CA HOMEOWNERS: INCREASE WEALTH AND COMFORT WITH AN ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT

Jan 19 2022

Homebridge

  Ca Homeowners: Increase Wealth And Comfort With An Accessory Dwelling Unit Recent state laws have made the creation of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) more straightforward than ever before. Homebridge is dedicated to helping... »
Read More of the post CA HOMEOWNERS: INCREASE WEALTH AND COMFORT WITH AN ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT

2022 VA LOAN LIMITS HAVE INCREASED

Jan 19 2022

Homebridge

  2022 VA Loan Limits have increased The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) increased 2022 loan limits for potential VA homebuyers across the country! This means that active and retired military service members and their... »
Read More of the post 2022 VA LOAN LIMITS HAVE INCREASED

MORE PURCHASE POWER FOR HOMEBUYERS WITH NEW CONFORMING LOAN LIMITS

Jan 19 2022

Homebridge

  More Purchase Power For Homebuyers With New Conforming Loan Limits   New increases on conforming loan limits mean that you can expect to afford more for less when you begin shopping for a home. That’s... »
Read More of the post MORE PURCHASE POWER FOR HOMEBUYERS WITH NEW CONFORMING LOAN LIMITS

How Does a Cash Out Refinance Work?

Jan 18 2022

Homebridge

  How Does a Cash Out Refinance Work? Your home is a place of comfort and happiness – but it’s also an investment. In fact, homeownership is one of the primary ways Americans have built... »
Read More of the post How Does a Cash Out Refinance Work?

New Conforming Loan Limits – The Duvall Group

Jan 1 2022

anneglitwak

JANUARY 2022   New Conforming Loan Limits The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently announced 2022 conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FHLMC) loans. Limits increased for single-family homes from $548,250 to... »
Read More of the post New Conforming Loan Limits – The Duvall Group

Do You See the Market?

Nov 18 2021

Anthony Grasst

Do You See the Market? Understanding your buyers’ financing preferences can give you a distinct advantage in changing market conditions. Although the demand for new construction homes is growing, builders are right to spend time... »
Read More of the post Do You See the Market?

The Honeymoon is Over! The Rise and Fall of Homebuyers’ Pandemic-Based Empathy

Oct 18 2021

Bob Mirman

Bob Mirman points out that there have been dramatic pandemic-induced changes in homebuyers’ attitudes during the past 18-months. Homebuyers who were – just last year – incredibly understanding, patient, and forgiving have become... »
Read More of the post The Honeymoon is Over! The Rise and Fall of Homebuyers’ Pandemic-Based Empathy

MBA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Requests Homebridge’s Brian “Woody” White

Oct 14 2021

Homebridge

The Mortgage Bankers Association's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Brings In Homebridge's Brian "Woody" White We are pleased to announce that our Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Brian "Woody" White, has been asked... »
Read More of the post MBA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Requests Homebridge’s Brian “Woody” White

Homebridge’s Diversity & Inclusion Advisory and Support Council

Sep 15 2021

Homebridge

Homebridge’s Diversity & Inclusion Advisory and Support Council In our continuing efforts to create a more equitable workplace, Homebridge established its Diversity & Inclusion Advisory and Support Council. This group will have two primary roles.... »
Read More of the post Homebridge’s Diversity & Inclusion Advisory and Support Council

Housing Affordability Factors: It’s Not Just About Price!

Sep 10 2021

Anthony Grasst

Housing Affordability Factors: It’s Not Just About Price! In a previous article, we discussed what we mean when we talk about housing affordability. We saw that affordability is a bit more complex than just... »
Read More of the post Housing Affordability Factors: It’s Not Just About Price!

Housing Affordability: What It Really Means

Aug 19 2021

Anthony Grasst

Housing Affordability: What It Really Means In the last few years, the housing market has experienced an extreme surge in growth. Listings have flown off the market faster than buyers can get their hands... »
Read More of the post Housing Affordability: What It Really Means