Call Today! (734) 737-9600

Blog

The Role of the Appraisal Contingency in Real Estate Contracts

When you're buying a home, one important component of the real estate contract is the appraisal contingency. This clause protects the buyer in case the property’s appraisal comes in lower than the agreed-upon sale price. While it’s a common part of many real estate transactions, it’s often not fully understood. Here's why it’s so important and how it can impact your purchase. What is an Appraisal Contingency? An appraisal contingency is a condition in the purchase agreement that allows the buyer to back out or renegotiate the deal if the property appraises for less than the offer price. Lenders require…
Read More

Mortgage Assistance Programs and Government and Nonprofit Options

Purchasing a home is a significant financial milestone, but for many potential buyers, the upfront costs and down payment can be a barrier. Fortunately, there are a variety of mortgage assistance programs available through government agencies and nonprofit organizations to help low- and moderate-income homebuyers achieve their dream of homeownership. These programs can provide financial assistance, lower interest rates, or other benefits to ease the burden of purchasing a home. Here’s an overview of the key options available to you. 1. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loans The FHA loan program is one of the most well-known and widely used government-backed mortgage…
Read More

Steps to Prepare for Future Home Financing and Year-End Financial Checklist

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to take a step back and review your financial health, especially if you plan to purchase a home next year. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, proper preparation can make all the difference when securing a mortgage with favorable terms. Here's a comprehensive checklist to ensure you’re financially ready for home financing in the year ahead. 1. Review Your Credit Score Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders will consider when deciding whether to approve your mortgage application and what interest rate…
Read More

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 2nd, 2024

Leading off with the FOMC Minutes, the Federal Reserve has stated once again they will maintain a “gradual” approach to cutting interest rates, which has aligned with their goals of meeting their target 2% inflation goal. The PCE Index release numbers, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator, have shown everything is within expectations. So while the rate cuts may be a gradual process, there is much optimism that they are coming.  Following those reports were the Personal Income Spending, GDP Estimates, and Consumer Confidence pending the holidays. Both the Persona Income and Spending have shown very strong results ahead of…
Read More

What You Can Do Now to Prepare for Mortgage Rate Drops

As we move into the last month of 2024, many potential homebuyers are eagerly awaiting a drop in mortgage rates. With inflation numbers looking promising, there's hope that the Federal Reserve will lower the federal funds rate, which typically drives mortgage rates down as well. If you're planning to buy a home or refinance when rates drop, now is the perfect time to start preparing. Here are five key steps to get ready for the mortgage rate decrease and ensure you’re in the best possible position: 1. Improve Your Credit ScoreYour credit score is one of the most important factors…
Read More
Skip to content