"I’m on my way, I’m on my way home sweet home"- Home Sweet Home, Motley Crue
Last Tuesday, many politicians went "home" after the midterm election results and the day ended with a split... »
Read More of the post Home Loan Rates
For the second year in a row, the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) endorsement summary report has Homebridge ranked as the #1 203(k) renovation lender of the year. Setting the standard,... »
Read More of the post Homebridge Ranks No. 1 in 203(k) for 2018, According to HUD
“Workin’ 9 to 5, What a way to make a livin’.” (Dolly Parton) This past week showed more and more people working 9 to 5 and home loan rates didn’t like it.
First the... »
Read More of the post Jobs and Wages Better Than Expected
“The key to making money in stocks is not getting scared out of them.” (Peter Lynch) Folks didn't receive that memo this past week as the threat of rising rates and some not-so-rosy... »
Read More of the post Rough Week for Stocks
10 things not to do while getting home financing
Transfer money between accounts unless receiving complete documentation from your bank itemizing all transfers.
Make unnecessary checking or savings account transactions, such as withdrawals... »
Read More of the post 10 Things Not To Do While Getting Home Financing
“Now did you read the news today? They say that danger’s gone away.” (Genesis) Our Federal Reserve has a dual mandate: to maintain price stability (inflation) and maximize employment. They also have a... »
Read More of the post Mixed Messges from the Fed
12 ways to prep for high winds and high water
Here’s how to prep for the hurricanes, Nor’easters and flooding that plague many parts of the country.
Remove dead tree limbs.
Secure patio furniture, trash barrels,... »
Read More of the post 12 Ways To Prep For High Winds And High Water
7 key steps if your home suffers a major loss
Immediately file a claim with your insurance company. For flooding, contact the National Flood Insurance Program(NFIP). If you don’t have coverage, check DisasterAssistance.gov and FloodSmart.gov for possible assistance.
Document pre-loss and... »
Read More of the post 7 key steps if your home suffers a major loss
8 keys to success in business—and in life!
Start the day early. Get things done without interruption. Respond to emails. Do your to-do list, beginning with what you need to accomplish the first two or three... »
Read More of the post 8 keys to success in business—and in life!
3 tips to keep hackers out of your smart devices
There are smart speakers, thermostats, appliances, security systems and virtual assistants (Amazon Alexa, Google Home). What makes them “smart” is the Internet—where hackers are.
Using... »
Read More of the post 3 tips to keep hackers out of your smart devices
10 home improvements to boost your home’s resale price
Doorways and decks. First impressions count. New doors, entries and decks score with buyers.
Polish the landscape. Prune bushes and trees, mulch beds, cut the grass.
... »
Read More of the post 10 home improvements to boost your home’s resale price
The Key to Establishing Good Habits
We all have habits that we wish we could build into our day-to-day lives. Whether you want to establish a habit of healthy exercise, excellent productivity at work,... »
Read More of the post The Key to Establishing Good Habits
Caring for Your Lawn All Year Round
A beautiful lawn can showcase a beautiful home — but a messy lawn can make the whole place look less appealing. Do you know how to keep... »
Read More of the post Caring for Your Lawn All Year Round
With home buyers, building trust is key.
In a super competitive industry, you can't just be good at your job — you need something extra to make sure you're closing deals and staying ahead... »
Read More of the post With home buyers, building trust is key.
How to start your day on the right foot.
Getting off on the wrong foot can derail your whole day. That's why it's so important to start your morning off right for a productive... »
Read More of the post How to start your day on the right foot.
Is your website effective?
Is your website working for you, or is it dead weight? A business website has to have certain features, capabilities, and information in order to be effective. And of course,... »
Read More of the post Is your website effective?
You know that listing photos are essential to selling a home. That's why it's crucial to do them right! Great listing photos can make potential buyers fall in love before they even set... »
Read More of the post Don’t be cheap with listing photos.
Whether you call it a living room, a family room, a den, or something else altogether, this space is meant for relaxing, socializing, and spending time with friends and family. Of course, that... »
Read More of the post Get A Living Room You Love To Live In!
When the economy is UP like it is right now it is even more important to stabilize the housing market. This means stabilizing rates. Housing and unemployment are doing VERY well so a... »
Read More of the post Why are mortgage rates up a little? (Very Little)
How my FICO score is calculated?
The FICO score is calculated from several different pieces of credit data in your credit report. This data is grouped into five categories as outlined below. The percentages... »
Read More of the post What is my FICO score?
I know you are excited to see homes or have to get out there because you have an urgent timeline for your move. But don’t get sidelined by being unprepared. Here are ten... »
Read More of the post 10 Reasons To Get Pre-Approved Before You Shop
THE TAX BENEFITS OF BEING A HOMEOWNER
When purchasing or selling a home, one should consider the many tax benefits. Buying a home is usually the biggest investments a person will ever make. Due... »
Read More of the post But BAH Is Not Taxed, Can I Still Write All This Off On My Taxes???
“Inflation is when you pay fifteen dollars for a ten-dollar haircut you used to get for five dollars when you had hair.” (Sam Ewing) When following the direction of interest rates, one only... »
Read More of the post Good News on Inflation
Looking for a baby gift that keeps on giving? Gift of College, an online registry for 529 plans and student loan accounts, lets you contribute to a child’s college education with gift cards for... »
Read More of the post Give the Gift of College
“Well, I’m going down...down, down, down, down, down.” (Jeff Beck) The big news of the week — Bond prices went down, down, down, resulting in a sharp rise in interest rates to levels... »
Read More of the post Bond Prices Drop While Interest Rates Rise
“I've got to admit it's getting better. A little better all the time.” (The Beatles) Sales of new homes increased from July to August, with the available inventory of homes also a welcome... »
Read More of the post Uptick in New Home Sales
"Don't rain on my parade." Barbra Streisand. Housing Starts were on the move higher in August, but the news on future construction was a bit of a damper.
August Housing Starts rose 9.2 percent from... »
Read More of the post Mixed News on New Construction
"Rainy days seem to wind up sunny, long as you got a little spending money." Jimmy Buffett. Retail Sales were on the damp side in August, rising at their smallest level since February.
Retail... »
Read More of the post Consumer Spending Disappoints
"There's no thrill like throwing a touchdown pass." Joe Montana. The labor sector scored in August with solid numbers on job and wage growth.
U.S. employers hired 201,000 new workers in August, above the... »
Read More of the post Growth in Jobs and Wages
Wi-Fi can be slow for many reasons. Here are some tips for checking your Wi-Fi device or placing it properly to ensure the best signal.
Restart your router occasionally. Much like rebooting a mobile device,... »
Read More of the post Speed Up Your Wi-Fi
As interest rates increase and the housing market slows down, wouldn't it be great if a home buyer could just take over a current low rate mortgage on a home? Of course, and... »
Read More of the post Are VA Loans Assumable? YES, and the Buyer doesn’t even have to be VA Eligible!
Did you know?
The first “labor day” assembly in America was held September 5, 1882, when roughly 10,000 working people marched in New York City to urge labor law reforms. Labor Day became a... »
Read More of the post Happy Labor Day
"Can you hear me now?" (Paul Marcarelli) July home sales figures spoke loud and clear regarding the impact low inventory is having on potential buyers.
Existing home sales decreased 0.7 percent to a seasonally... »
Read More of the post Low Inventory Impacts Sales
The Chapman VA Loan Team at HomeBridge Financial now features the VA Renovation Loan
What is a HomeBridge VA Renovation Loan?
As the #1 renovation lender in the U.S., HomeBridge Financial... »
Read More of the post VA Renovation Home Loan: How to Include a $35,000 Remodel into a VA Home Loan
"I'm on my way. I'm on my way. Home sweet home." (Motley Crue) July brought some mixed news for homebuyers around the country who've been looking to find their way to new homes... »
Read More of the post Housing Starts and Building Permits Move Up
"Home. Home on the range. Where the deer and the antelope play." (Bing Crosby) A discouraging word was heard by many potential homebuyers, as home prices continue to rise across much of the... »
Read More of the post Home Prices Continue to Climb
"What a feeling." (Irene Cara) Job growth eased in July, but a closer look at the report shows that job seekers shouldn't be too alarmed.
Non-farm payrolls rose by 157,000 new jobs in July,... »
Read More of the post Solid Job Numbers
Did you know:
The month of August was named for Julius Caesar’s grandnephew, Augustus, who defeated Marc Antony and Cleopatra to become emperor of Rome. As a result, the Roman Senate decided that he... »
Read More of the post Summer Fun Facts
"Sing with me, sing for the year, sing for the laughter, sing for the tear." (Aerosmith) Home sales declined from May to June. The ongoing inventory shortages across much of the country may... »
Read More of the post Economic Growth Surges
