When getting ready to purchase a home, it’s crucial that homebuyers understand the amount of money involved in the process. While there are numerous financial obligations that need to be taken into account, prospective buyers must also ensure that they have liquid funds available for an earnest money deposit—money that …

In the third quarter of 2012, 29 percent of borrowers that refinanced an existing mortgage chose to shorten their loan term, based on the Freddie Mac Quarterly Product Transition Report released today. Further, refinancing borrowers clearly preferred fixed-rate loans, regardless of whether their original loan was an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) …

A: You can find out more about an existing property and neighborhood before you buy than you can a new home in a newly developed community.

When the home is on the outskirts of town, ask the developer about future access to public transit, entertainment venues, shopping centers, churches, …

Recently, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it has guaranteed 20 million home loans since its home loan program was established in 1944 as part of the original GI Bill of Rights for returning World War II Veterans. The 20 millionth loan was guaranteed for a home in Woodbridge, Va., …

A 30 year fixed-rate mortgage hasn't always been the standard. As part of FDR's New Deal in 1934, the Federal Housing Administration was created to help Americans purchase homes with affordable terms.

Prior to then, many loans had an amount due at the end of the …

The Remodeling Market Index (RMI) climbed to 50 in the third quarter of 2012, up from 45 in the previous quarter, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Released recently, the RMI is at its highest point since the third quarter of 2005, tracking the positive trends recently …

A: Yes. Two very popular programs offered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) include the Title 1 Home Improvement Loan and the Section 203(k) Program. In the first program, HUD insures the loan up to $25,000 for a single-family house to cover alterations, repairs, and site improvements.

Freddie Mac has released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing fixed mortgage rates moving slightly higher while continuing to remain near their all-time lows helping to support the housing market.

According to results, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.41 percent with an average 0.7 …