Joe Gonzalez at CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc.

Fed Policymakers Make Interesting Decision on Interest Rates

Posted on March 17, 2016 by joeglez

According to a press release by the Federal Reserve, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), the current target federal funds rate will hold steady at 0.25 to 0.50 percent. Committee members cited positive developments in the U.S economy including jobs growth, stronger labor markets and gradually increasing inflation. In addition, stronger housing sector and household spending were also noted as positive signs for the economy. Committee members cited risks associated with global economic and financial developments as a concern.

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Understanding Mortgage Tax Benefits and How They Save You Money in the Long Run

Posted on March 16, 2016 by joeglez

If you’re considering whether home ownership is the right decision for you, there are lots of different factors you’ll want to take into account. Do you want to keep moving around, or are you ready to lay down roots in a community? Are you prepared for the additional upkeep that home ownership requires?

3 Tips and Tricks to Make Mortgage Pre-Qualification Easy

Posted on March 15, 2016 by joeglez

If you’re planning to buy a home, you should know that the mortgage pre-qualification process is the first in a series of steps that eventually lead to home ownership. A pre-qualification is different from a pre-approval – the pre-qualification meeting is simply you and your lender hashing out how much you can afford to spend on a property. But once you’ve been pre-qualified, it makes the mortgage process easier.

So how can you make the pre-qualification quick and painless so you can get on with your house hunt? Here’s what you need to know.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 14, 2016

Posted on March 14, 2016 by joeglez

Last week’s economic news included Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. The City of Detroit also announced a program to help would-be buyers purchase homes that do not qualify for mortgage loans due to severe damage.

Ready to Move in to Your New Home? Not So Fast! Take Care of These 3 Items Before the Big Move

Posted on March 11, 2016 by joeglez

With the excitement involved in moving into a new home and all of the things that need to be done, it can be easy to forget a few important things before you load up the moving van. If the day of departure is drawing closer and you’re mulling over the final details, here are some items you may want to check off the list first.

Worried about Your FICO Score? 4 Easy Strategies to Fix It Up

Posted on March 10, 2016 by joeglez

If you’re worried about your bad credit, you’ll want to do everything in your power to improve your rating as quickly as possible – especially if you have a major purchase coming up. Improving your credit rating can give you access to better interest rates on mortgages or even help you to get that job you’re after.

So how can you boost your FICO score quickly and easily? Here’s what you need to know.

It Isn’t Always a Clear Road after Pre-approval: 4 Reasons Why Your Mortgage May Be Denied

Posted on March 9, 2016 by joeglez

So you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage – great! You’ve taken the first step toward becoming a homeowner. But before you start picking out china patterns, you’ll want to keep in mind that a pre-approval isn’t the same thing as a mortgage agreement. There’s still no guarantee that you’ll actually get a mortgage.

But why would a lender deny a mortgage after pre-approving a borrower? Here’s what you need to know.

The Pros and Cons of A Fixed Rate Second Mortgage vs. Opening a Home Equity Line of Credit

Posted on March 8, 2016 by joeglez

If you’re looking at paying off debt and are re-considering the equity in your home, here are a few things you’ll need to know about refinancing your mortgage and home equity lines of credit.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 7, 2016

Posted on March 7, 2016 by joeglez

Last week’s scheduled economic news included reports on pending home sales, construction spending and several jobs related readings including ADP Payrolls, the government’s Non-Farm Payrolls and the national unemployment rate.

Dream Renovations: Upgrading Your Bathroom from ‘Regular’ to ‘In-Home Spa’

Posted on March 4, 2016 by joeglez

There are times you might long for the relaxed leisure of the spa experience, but with the cost of a manicure it’s not always a pleasure one can afford. If your current bathroom set-up isn’t the optimal place for rest and relaxation, here are some cues for how you can turn it from a bit of a problem to a consummate pleasure.