We have all seen the unprecedented movements in the housing market over the last 7 years. There were estimated depreciations of 20% nationally in 2007 and 18% in 2008, with continuing depreciation for several more years. Then, in 2012, we saw home prices go up as much as 23% in some areas, with similar growth […]

Now that tax day has come and gone, and we have seen the dust settle on our tax returns, it is time to consider how our most recent tax filing will impact our ability to qualify for a mortgage. As strange as it sounds, your ability to qualify for a mortgage could have changed drastically […]

As we discussed on Tuesday, homes which need repairs can often be a great way to get into the house of your dreams in your preferred neighborhood. It can be amazing how far a little work on a house can go as far as the home’s value, and thus what a good deal you can […]

When looking for a new home, it can be tempting to look for a “fixer upper.” These houses are usually offered at a steep discount, allow buyers to get into the neighborhood they want, and can offer some unique customization options. Aside from a custom built new home, these can be the best way to […]

Conventional wisdom dictates that the spring is a seller’s market. Houses show nicely in the spring. The holiday season has passed, tax time is over, and prospective buyers are ready to start shopping. And because we all hype the spring up as the time to buy a house, people come out in droves to buy […]

Many of my clients who are first time homebuyers, or who are coming back to the housing market after a (usually unwanted) hiatus, are curious as to when it makes sense to drop the rental and buy something. There are a number of things to consider as you make this leap, and as the short […]

As a follow up to my post on Tuesday which was about the difference between fixed and adjustable interest rates, I think it is important to cover how we calculate monthly mortgage payments. This will really show what the difference between an adjustable rate and fixed rate mortgage payment will be, while also helping to […]

When comparing mortgages, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is whether you want to go with a fixed or adjustable rate mortgage. There can be benefits to each type based upon what you are looking for in a mortgage. One will provide lower monthly payments and more flexibility, while the […]

A Good Faith Estimate is one of the most important loan documents you will receive in the entire loan process. Unfortunately, most borrowers either never look at it or can’t understand it, and simply throw it away. More than a few times early in my career, I ran into problems where, the day before closing, […]

When considering purchasing a new home, it is important to look beyond the aesthetics of the house. Sure, an old, charming Victorian might knock your socks off, but are the utility bills associated with that house in a cold Detroit winter as charming? Similarly, you need to consider whether or not a cozy cottage makes […]