Mortgage Tips and Advice

How bidding wars can affect loan-to-value ratio
Bidding wars are becoming increasingly common due to limited inventory, so it’s quite possible you could find yourself submitting one of multiple offers.

5 ways to save on title insurance
Avoid adding more than you need to your closing costs by following these tips to save on your title insurance

Homebuyers gain purchasing power with higher loan limits and interest rates
As a result of the increase in values during that time frame, FHFA announced that the maximum baseline conforming loan limits for mortgages acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will increase for 2021.

New type of home equity loan caters to major renovation projects
RenoFi offers a different approach: Homeowners can borrow up to 90 percent of their home’s after-renovation value.

What you should know about home prices in 2021
If you’re thinking about purchasing a home this year, you may be surprised to discover that home prices are continuing to surge despite the economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Does it make sense to pay off your mortgage early?
Here’s what you need to know as you decide whether to pay off your mortgage early.

What you need to know about the new conforming and high-balance loan limits
The FHFA recently announced the new conforming and high-balance loan limits for 2021, which is important information for those thinking about purchasing a home.

Owner financing in real estate
Owner financing is an alternative to a using a mortgage lender or bank. Also known as seller financing, owner financing is when a real estate owner has enough equity to loan all or part of the money for a buyer’s purchase of their property. Carrying the financing on a...

Tips for the self-employed: What you need to get a mortgage
In this economic realty, here’s the latest on what to expect when applying for mortgage as a freelancer in the post-coronavirus era and steps you can take to be successful.

Elevations Credit Union grows mortgage team
Elevations Credit Union announces the addition of three Mortgage Loan Officers to its team in Denver: Mike Bell, Keri Bills and John Wetzig.

What you need to know about Interest-Only 30-year Fixed or Adjustable Rate options for Jumbo Loans
If you’re considering a jumbo loan, it’s helpful to know that interest-only fixed or adjustable rate options have recently become available again for those looking to purchase a primary residence.

What happens to your second mortgage when you refinance the first mortgage
Refinancing has the potential to be a smart move that can save you thousands over the term of the loan. If you have a second mortgage and you’re thinking about refinancing the first one, it’s helpful to have an understanding of the process so you know what to expect....

Here’s what does (and doesn’t) drive mortgage rates
Here’s a quick crash course that could save you money on a new mortgage or a refinance.

Why You Need to Unfreeze Your Credit Before Refinancing
Thinking about refinancing? To ensure a smooth application process, you’ll need to be sure to unfreeze your credit if it’s currently frozen.

Keeping your mortgage approval on track
The real estate market in Boulder County is bouncing back with strong demand and low inventory, which makes maintaining your mortgage approval imperative if you’re shopping for a home.

Why the coming foreclosure crisis will look nothing like the last one
The coronavirus recession is all but certain to cause a spike in foreclosures. A prominent housing analyst expects hundreds of thousands of defaults next year as mortgage forbearance periods end.

Federal agency delays surprise mortgage refinancing fee
After intense criticism about a new fee on homeowners who refinance their mortgages, the Federal Housing Finance Agency said it would delay the move for three months.

Easy Investments to Make While Paying for Your Home
investments are a great way to boost your finances — and they’re totally achievable even when you’re in the middle of paying off your mortgage.

What you need to know about getting a mortgage during the COVID-19 pandemic
If you’re planning to become a homeowner this year, you may be curious about how to proceed during these strange times.

Coronavirus and Refinancing Your Home
The downward pressure on interest rates has produced an opportunity for homeowners to refinance at historically low rates.

How to Handle Credit Reporting Errors Before Applying for a Mortgage
There are steps you can (and should) take to mitigate the errors so you can lock down the best interest rate possible.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) vs. Home Equity Loan
Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and home equity loans are loans backed by your house, and they’re great ways to borrow money if you’ve paid down a significant portion of your mortgage.

A Guide to Property Taxes
Property taxes are a fact of life for homeowners. Here, I share the details on property tax rates and what happens with the funds.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Announce New Eligibility Requirements for Borrowers in Forbearance
Since the novel coronavirus has had such a staggering impact on the global economy, government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have updated eligibility requirements for borrowers in forbearance.

Coronavirus Financial Relief with a Reverse Mortgage – Part 2
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the retirement accounts of many seniors. Senior homeowners may be able to seek relief through a reverse mortgage.

Coronavirus Financial Relief With a Reverse Mortgage – Part 1
The economic effect of the coronavirus pandemic been global. Seniors who are homeowners have another alternative to access to cash for living expenses: the reverse mortgage.

What Your Mortgage Lender Will Review on Your Bank Statements
Preparing to buy a home in the upcoming months? Once your credit score is solid and you’ve set aside a down payment, it’s time to start gathering documents for your lender.
Alternatives to Foreclosure in a Coronavirus World
Credit and homeownership can often be saved if the homeowner takes quick action. At the first sign of not being able to make the monthly mortgage payment, the homeowner should promptly contact a real estate attorney, a Realtor®, and their mortgage lender to review these options

Coronavirus and Mortgage Relief: Forbearance Options
Understanding all of the options available to you will help you make your decision relative to taking a forbearance. Using forbearance for mortgage relief is serious business and can be a difficult decision.

How the Coronavirus is Affecting Mortgage Rates
Although the situation is in flux and will likely evolve, here’s what we currently know about how coronavirus responses are affecting mortgage rates.