Joe Gonzalez at CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc.

Home Builder Confidence Rises in April

Posted on April 16, 2015 by joeglez

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that April’s Housing Market Index rose from a reading of 52 in March to 56 for April. This is in line with warmer weather and the peak home buying season in spring and summer. Readings over 50 indicate that more builders view market conditions as positive as those who do not. NAHB members cited lower mortgage rates and better labor market conditions as reasons they expect more home buyers to enter the market.

Facebook

Twitter

Tumblr

You Ask, We Answer: How Often Should I Refinance the Mortgage on My House?

Posted on April 15, 2015 by joeglez

Refinancing a home mortgage can provide you with an incredible range of benefits. These include everything from reducing your mortgage term and lowering your payments to helping you more effectively build equity or pulling equity out to use for beneficial purposes.

Suffering from Credit Problems? Understanding Mortgage Lenders and How They Assess Your Credit

Posted on April 14, 2015 by joeglez

One of the most significant factors a mortgage lender will review when you apply for a new mortgage loan is your credit history and rating. While some people have stellar credit, others have a troubled credit history with lower scores. If you fall into the latter scenario, you may be wondering how lenders will assess your credit situation when you apply for a mortgage in the near future.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 13, 2015

Posted on April 13, 2015 by joeglez

Last weekâs economic news included the minutes from the most recent FOMC meeting, which indicated that the Fedâs monetary policymakers are eyeing a potential increase in the target federal funds rate, but donât expect to do so immediately.

Looking for a Fun DIY Project This Spring? How to Plant Your Own Vegetable Garden

Posted on April 10, 2015 by joeglez

When spring arrives, many people want to spend more time outdoors enjoying the fresh air and warmer temperatures. While you could lounge in a chair with a good book, you may find it more enjoyable to plant your own vegetable garden.

FOMC Minutes: Housing Market Stable But Slow

Posted on April 9, 2015 by joeglez

The minutes of the March meeting of the Fedâs Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) were released Tuesday and included a staff review of current economic conditions. The minutes noted that while labor markets continued to grow, inflation to the Fedâs target rate of 2.00 percent was impeded by dropping fuel prices. The Committee noted that expectations for longer-term inflation remained stable.

First-time Real Estate Investor? Here Are 3 Helpful Tips That Will Get You Started

Posted on April 8, 2015 by joeglez

As a first time real estate investor, you may be excited to start searching for a property to invest in. However, be sure to consider the following helpful tips to make your search more successful.

How Does Making Lump Sum Payments Affect Your Mortgage? Let’s Take a Look

Posted on April 7, 2015 by joeglez

Periodically, many homeowners will receive a rather sizable amount of extra cash. This may be from a bonus from your employer, a refund on your tax return, a financial gift from a relative or something else altogether. Before you make your decision about how to spend your money, consider what impact your lump sum payment will have on your mortgage.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 6, 2015

Posted on April 6, 2015 by joeglez

Mortgage rates ticked upward for fixed rate loans and were unchanged for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages according to Freddie Mac. Weekly jobless claims were lower in spite of slower job growth reports.

Get Rid of Wi-Fi and Cellular Dead Zones in Your Home with These Easy Tips

Posted on April 3, 2015 by joeglez

If you have a dead zone in your home, this issue can easily cause you considerable frustration on a daily basis, and you may be wondering what steps you can take to overcome the problem.