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Category: Mortgage (58 posts)
Mortgage Renewals in Early 2025 - Where Might Rates Land?
May 4, 2025 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
A friendly guide for American homeowners who are about to renegotiate one of the biggest contracts of their lives. Introduction - Why Everyone Is Talking About 2025 Refinances If your existing m ...
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Tariffs and Their Impact on Interest Rates: What Homebuyers Need to Know
April 5, 2025 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
You might be surprised to learn that something like tariffs-basically taxes placed on imported goods-could affect your mortgage or home-buying plans. Tariffs can seem like distant economic policies, b ...
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Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement? Pros and Cons to Consider
March 21, 2025 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
As retirement approaches, many homeowners ponder whether paying off their mortgage early is a wise decision. While the idea of owning your home outright is certainly appealing, it's important to evalu ...
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March 19, 2025 - Federal Reserve Maintains Interest Rates
March 20, 2025 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. The unemployment rate has stabilized at a low level in recent months, and labor market conditions remain solid ...
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Understanding Down Payments for Your Mortgage
March 7, 2025 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Understanding Down Payments for Your Mortgage When purchasing a home, a significant challenge you may encounter is saving for a down payment. But what is a down payment, and how does it influence you ...
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How will tariffs potentially affect Interest rates
February 26, 2025 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
As a mortgage professional, I recognize that our financial landscape often feels like a complex maze, especially when global events are involved. One topic that has recently generated significant disc ...
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How Rising Interest Rates Impact Your Homebuying Power
February 5, 2025 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Have you noticed that mortgage rates have been rising recently? If so, you're not alone. Increasing interest rates can impact everything from the size of the loan you qualify for to the monthly pa ...
read moreJan 25-2025 - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
January 29, 2025 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. The unemployment rate has stabilized at a low level in recent months, and labor market conditions remain solid ...
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Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: Which Is Right for You?
January 21, 2025 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Hello! If you're on the journey to homeownership, one of the most significant decisions you'll have to make is choosing the right type of mortgage. It can seem overwhelming with all the numbers and ...
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December 18, 2025 - US Federal Reserve Rate Cut
December 18, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
On December 18, 2024, the Federal Reserve announced a significant policy shift, lowering the federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage points to a range of 4.25% to 4.5%. This marks an ongoing effort to b ...
read moreNov 7-2024 - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
November 7, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Since earlier in the year, labor market conditions have generally eased, a ...
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Home Equity Loan vs Personal Loan - Choosing the Best Option
October 8, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
When borrowing money, many people weigh the options between a home equity loan and a personal loan. Each choice offers unique features, benefits, and potential drawbacks that can significantly impact ...
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FHA Home Loans - 7 Things You Need To Know Before Applying
September 24, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
If you're considering purchasing a home but feel uncertain whether you'll qualify for a traditional loan, an FHA loan could be a great option. Here are seven key things you need to know before applyin ...
read moreSeptember 18, 2024 - Federal Reserve - Rates Dropping
September 18, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Job gains have slowed, and the unemployment rate has moved up but remains low. Inflation has made further prog ...
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With Lower Interest Rates Coming, Is Now a Good Time to Refinance My Mortgage?
September 6, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
With whispers of lower interest rates on the horizon, many homeowners ask the million-dollar question: Is now a good time to refinance my mortgage? The short answer is: It very well could be! But be ...
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What Lower Interest Rates Mean for New Homebuyers
August 23, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
If you're in the market to buy a new home, you've probably noticed that interest rates might soon be dropping. You might be wondering, "What does this mean for me?" The good news is that lower interes ...
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Understanding Your Mortgage Payment - A Beginner's Guide
August 8, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Navigating the world of home financing can be overwhelming for first-time homebuyers. One of the most critical aspects to understand is your mortgage payment. Breaking down the main items of a mor ...
read moreFederal Reserve issues FOMC statement
July 31, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Job gains have moderated, and the unemployment rate has moved up but remains low. Inflation has eased over the ...
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7 Things to Know When You Are Looking to Purchase a Cottage or Vacation Home
July 8, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Purchasing a cottage or vacation home can be a dream come true, offering a serene retreat from everyday life. However, it's essential to approach this investment with careful planning and knowledge. H ...
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How Interest Rates Affect Housing in the USA
June 19, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Suppose you've been watching the news or talking to friends about the housing market. In that case, you've probably heard about rising interest rates. But what does that actually mean for you? Let's b ...
read moreJune 12 - 2024 - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
June 12, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Job gains have remained strong, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation has eased over the past ...
read moreDoes a Mortgage Refinance Require an Appraisal?
June 4, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
When considering refinancing your mortgage, many questions arise, and one of the most common is whether an appraisal is necessary. Understanding the role of an appraisal in the refinancing process c ...
read moreUnlocking Financial Flexibility: The Benefits of a Cash-Out Refinance
May 23, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Unlocking Financial Flexibility: The Benefits of a Cash-Out Refinance When managing your finances, leveraging the equity in your home can be a powerful strategy. One popular method for doing this ...
read moreUnderstanding FHA Loans: A Guide for Homebuyers
May 8, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
As a mortgage professional, I've guided many clients through obtaining a home loan. One of the most popular options for first-time homebuyers and those with less-than-perfect credit is available ...
read moreMay 1-2024 - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
May 1, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Job gains have remained strong, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation has eased over the past ...
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Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage: Items to consider
April 24, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage can be a beneficial decision for homeowners. It can help you pay off your mortgage faster and save money on interest payments in the long run. However, there are se ...
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Navigating Your First Home Purchase: A Step-by-Step Mortgage Guide
April 8, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Hey there, future homeowners! Embarking on the journey to buy your first home is like setting sail on an epic adventure. It's thrilling, a bit overwhelming, and packed with moments that'll have you ri ...
read moreRate Hold - March 20, 2024
March 20, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have remained strong, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation has eased over the past year ...
read moreWhen Steady Interest Rates Meet Rising Home Sales
February 28, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
In the ever-evolving landscape of the American housing market, we find ourselves at a crossroads where interest rates are holding steady, yet home sales are on an upward trajectory. This scenario ...
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Using Home Equity Loans to Pay Off High-Interest Debt: Should You Do It?
February 19, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Are you considering the leap to use a home equity loan to pay off high-interest debt? The allure is evident - with typically lower fixed interest rates than credit cards, these loans offer potential s ...
read moreJanuary 2024 Rate Update - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
February 1, 2024 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have moderated since early last year but remain strong, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inf ...
read moreDecember 2023 Rate Update - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
December 13, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Recent indicators suggest that growth of economic activity has slowed from its strong pace in the third quarter. Job gains have moderated since earlier in the year but remain strong, and the unemp ...
read moreNavigating the New Normal: How Remote Work is Reshaping the US Mortgage and Real Estate Landscape
December 3, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
In recent years, we've witnessed a seismic shift in our work lives, notably the rise of remote work catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This change isn't just about swapping office desks for dinin ...
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Unlock Your Home’s Potential: Using Home Equity for Renovations
November 15, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
What is home equity? Imagine your home is a piggy bank, except instead of spare change, it's filled with the value you've built up over time. Home equity is the difference between your home's market ...
read moreFederal Reserve issues FOMC statement - Nov 1, 2023
November 1, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity expanded at a strong pace in the third quarter. Job gains have moderated since earlier in the year but remain strong, and the unemployment rate has rem ...
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Mortgage Brokers vs. Direct Lenders: Why a Broker Might Be Your Best Choice
October 18, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Mortgage Brokers vs. Direct Lenders: Why a Broker Might Be Your Best Choice Hi there, prospective homeowner! Dive into any mortgage conversation, and you'll hear the terms "mortgage brokers" an ...
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When Your Dream Home Catches Your Eye: Be Prepared to Seal the Deal
October 10, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
The thrill of finding your dream home is unmatched and can be very exciting. Once you stumble upon the perfect home within your budget, it's time to step up and make a proposition. But before you do, ...
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A Guide To First-Time Home Buyer Programs, Loans And Grants
September 30, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Purchasing a home involves many considerations, and it's common for first-time buyers to have queries. You might be curious about tips for first-time homeowners, or how to secure assistance for down ...
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Understanding Title Insurance Costs: A Beginners Guide
September 18, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Embarking on the journey of purchasing a new home is thrilling, yet the financial commitment can be daunting. It's imperative for prospective homeowners to take preventive steps to ensure their fina ...
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Closing Costs: What Are They, And How Much Will You Pay?
August 23, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Understanding Closing Costs: What They Are and What You'll Pay When you buy a house, your down payment isn't the only money you'll need at the closing table. Closing costs are additional expenses, se ...
read moreNavigating High-Interest Rates and Inflation: A Guide to Mortgage Management
August 5, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Introduction As your trusted mortgage professional, I understand that the current economic backdrop in the USA is posing challenges for many homeowners. With interest rates and inflation on the ris ...
read moreFederal Reserve issues FOMC statement
July 27, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a moderate pace. Job gains have been robust in recent months, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation remains eleva ...
read moreHow To Calculate Home Equity: A Step-By-Step Guide
July 10, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
How to Calculate Your Home Equity Understanding Home Equity Home equity represents the portion of your home's value that you truly own as a homeowner. Determining Your Home Equity ...
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June 14-2023 - Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
June 15, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a modest pace. Job gains have been robust in recent months, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation remain ...
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Closing Costs: What Are They, And How Much Will You Pay?
June 14, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Closing Costs: What Are They, And How Much Will You Pay? Your down payment isn't all you need to bring to the closing table when you buy a home. Closing costs are expenses beyond the down payment, ...
read moreHow Much House Can I Afford?
June 10, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Introduction Hey there! Have you ever wondered how much house you can afford? Well, it's an important question to ask before making any big decisions. In this article, we're going to dive into a si ...
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First-Time Home Buyer Budgeting: What You Need to Know
April 20, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
As a first-time home buyer, budgeting is an essential part of the home buying process. By carefully planning your finances and considering all of the costs associated with purchasing a home, you can e ...
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Decisions Regarding Monetary Policy Implementation Issued March 22, 2023
March 22, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
The Federal Reserve has made the following decisions to implement the monetary policy stance announced by the Federal Open Market Committee in its statement on March 22, 2023: • ...
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Selling Your Home in the Winter: How You Can Make the Most of It
March 5, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Selling your home in the winter can be a challenging task, but it can also be an opportunity to stand out in a crowded market. With fewer houses on the market and motivated buyers who are eager to mov ...
read moreNew Home Sales Hit 10-Month High, Despite Some Regional Decline
February 27, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
New home sales edged a little further out of a lengthy slump in January, topping 600,000 units for the second straight month. The U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development ...
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Weekly mortgage demand jumps 7% as interest rates drop to lowest level since September
February 27, 2023 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Mortgage interest rates fell for the third straight week, while mortgage demand also rose again. Total application volume increased 7% last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mo ...
read moreShould You Spend the Full Mortgage Amount You're Approved For?
December 28, 2022 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Before you start shopping for a new home, you'll need to know exactly how much house you can afford. Otherwise, you could end up in a home that is way out of your budget. What you qualify for may not ...
read moreFed raises interest rates again, hints at smaller increases ahead
November 2, 2022 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Recent indicators point to modest growth in spending and production. Job gains have been robust in recent months, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation remains elevated, reflecting sup ...
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Best Ways to Plan for Your Down Payment
October 19, 2022 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Best Ways to Plan for Your Down Payment Do mortgages seem unaffordable? These tips will help you plan for your down payment so you can start talking to a private lender mortgage broker in no time. ...
read moreDecisions Regarding Monetary Policy Implementation Issued September 21, 2022
September 21, 2022 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
The Federal Reserve has made the following decisions to implement the monetary policy stance announced by the Federal Open Market Committee in its statement on September 21, 2022: •& ...
read moreHow Mortgage Rates Affect Buying Power?
September 16, 2022 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
How Mortgage Rates Affect Buying Power? Do You Know How Your Mortgage Rate Affects Buying Power? To maximize your purchasing power, you should understand how interest rates impact your home buying p ...
read moreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
August 24, 2022 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
It's a dream to be able to pay off your mortgage early, but is there a downside? While it sounds like a great idea, there are some factors to consider before doing so. This article will explore some o ...
read moreImplementation Note issued June 15, 2022
June 15, 2022 | Posted by: Ben Cohen
Decisions Regarding Monetary Policy Implementation The Federal Reserve has made the following decisions to implement the monetary policy stance announced by the Federal Open Market Committee in its ...
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