According to data released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Americans can expect an estimated average refund of $3,143 this year when filing their taxes. This is down slightly from the average refund of $3,436 last year. Tax refunds are often thought of as ‘extra money’ that can be used toward larger goals. For anyone looking to buy a home in […]
46 Million Millennials Are Now Mortgage Ready. But Do They Know It?
Much has been written about the millennial generation and whether or not they, as a whole, believe in homeownership as part of attaining the American Dream. Millennials have taken longer to obtain traditional milestones than the generations before them, such as getting married, having kids, and buying a home. (Partially because this generation has been […]
What Credit Score Do You Need To Buy A Home in Knoxville?
There are many misconceptions about the credit score needed to buy a house in Knoxville. Recently, it was reported that 24% of renters believe they need a 780-800 credit score to be considered for a mortgage. The reality is they are misinformed! Only 25% of the Americans have a FICO® Score between 740 and 800. Here is […]
DO NOT Do These 7 Things After Applying For a Mortgage
Congratulations! You’ve found a home to buy in Knoxville and have applied for a mortgage! You are undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new home! But before you make any big purchases, move any money around, or make any big-time life changes, consult your loan officer. They will be able to tell you […]
4 Reasons To Buy A Home This Spring In Knoxville
Spring has sprung in Knoxville, and it’s a great time to buy a home! Here are four reasons to consider buying today instead of waiting. 1. Knoxville Home Prices Will Continue to Rise CoreLogic’s latest U.S. Home Price Insights reports that home prices have appreciated by 4.4% nationally over the last 12 months. The same report predicts […]
Mortgage Interest Rates Hit New 12 Month Low!
According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage are currently at their lowest for 2019. Rates like these haven’t been seen since February 2018! Last week’s survey results reported an interest rate of 4.35%. This is a welcome change from the near 5% rates seen in mid-November. At 4.32%, […]
Would You Rather Be Paying Off Your Landlord’s Mortgage Or Your Own?
There are some people who haven’t purchased homes because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. However, everyone should realize that unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage – either yours or your landlord’s. As Entrepreneur Magazine, a premier source for small business, explained in their article, “12 Practical […]
Time To Squash The 20% Down Payment Myth For Good
The largest obstacle renters face when planning to buy a home is saving for a down payment. This challenge is amplified by rising rents, which has eaten into the amount of money renters have leftover for savings each month after paying expenses. In combination with higher rents, survey after survey has shown that non-homeowners (renters […]
Mortgage Interest Rates Have Dipped Lately. Will The Lower Rates Stick Around?
Interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage climbed consistently throughout 2018 until the middle of November. After that point, rates returned to levels that we saw in August to close out the year at 4.55%, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey. After the first week of 2019, rates have continued their downward trend. As Freddie […]
3 Questions Every Home Buyer Should Know The Answer To
VIDEO: There are 3 questions every potential home buyer should know the answer to. I give you the questions…and the answers. There are many potential home buyers still renting because they believe they can’t qualify for a mortgage. This information could be a game changer for them, as their is a lot of misinformation out […]
How a Mortgage Works. A Mortgage Process Infographic.
Is buying a home new to you? Trying to figure out how a mortgage works? This mortgage process infographic should help spell out the steps you can expect. Have any other questions about the mortgage process or real estate in general? Don’t hesitate to contact me! FIND OUT IN 15 SECONDS WHAT YOUR HOME COULD […]
Buying a Knoxville Home With Only A 3% Down Payment
Did you know that buying a home in Farragut or Knoxville can now be done with only a 3% down payment? In an effort to open up the possibility of home ownership to more Americans, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have both launched programs only requiring a 3% down payment. While Fannie Mae’s program is […]