Understanding the Fair Housing Act
In 1968, Lyndon B. Johnson passed the Fair Housing Act. This was the landmark law that made it illegal to discriminate in housing transactions. The law was expanded again in 1975 and again in 1988 to become the law that it is today. The Act prohibits any mortgage lending agent, realtor, real estate agent, property […]
What is Rate and Term Refinancing?
Exploring a refinance because you want to lower your monthly mortgage payment? A rate-and-term refinance is one of the most reliable methods for meeting this important financial goal. During the rate-and-term refinancing process, you’ll pay off your old mortgage by taking out a new mortgage, one with a lower interest rate, a longer term, or […]
What is a Cash-Out Refinance?
A cash out refinance allows you to take advantage of your home equity by receiving a lump sum payment when you close on the new loan. You’ll create a new mortgage for an amount larger than the amount currently owed, and then you get paid the difference. Cash-out refinances can be an excellent way to […]
How to Choose a Refinancing Lender
You should give at least as much thought and care to choosing a refinancing lender as you did to choosing your first mortgage lender. You’ll be with that lender for a long time still, and you want to know that you’re enjoying the best rates and terms that you can. Here are a few tips […]
What Are the Benefits of Refinancing to a Shorter Loan Term?
30 years is a long time to be in debt (as is 20 years if you opted for a 20-year loan term), and let’s face it. Your home loan is likely to be the biggest debt you’re dealing with right now. So while refinancing to a shorter-term loan might increase your payment, it might be […]
The Role of Appraisals in Home Buying
You’ve selected a home you love. You’ve put in the offer. Now, your lender wants you to get an appraisal done. What is the role of the appraisal, and how will it impact your home purchase? Here’s everything you need to know. What is the primary purpose of an appraisal? The purpose of the appraisal […]
When Should You Refinance Your Mortgage?
Refinancing your mortgage may be intimidating, but it can often place you into a better financial position. The trick is to know how and when to apply for a refinance. In general, there are five situations where a refinance might be a good idea. When your interest rate is higher than the current average. High […]
How to Back Out of a Home Purchase
Life happens—even when you’re trying to buy a new home. The long lead-up time between making an offer on a home and closing on a home offers a lot of room for life to start happening, and for things to go wrong. Sometimes, it’s 100% necessary to back out of a home purchase. Yet a […]
Specialized Mortgage Options That Can Benefit Home Buyers
You’ve decided to take the exciting step of buying a home. It’s a fantastic achievement, but navigating the world of mortgages can feel overwhelming. There are so many mortgage options, and finding the right fit for your financial situation is crucial. That’s where The Doce Group, one of the best rated mortgage lenders in Florida, […]
What to Do If Your Home Purchase Falls Through
It happens to the best of us. Sometimes, real estate deals fall apart. In fact, the National Association of Realtors notes that at least 5% of real estate deals terminate before closing. Usually, when your home purchase falls through the problem lies with the financing. Sometimes, you can fix the problem, and sometimes, you can’t. […]
