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What Does 2022 Hold for Real Estate Market?

January 13, 2022 / / 0 Comments
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The COVID-19 gave wings to the real estate market in 2021 and it soared high. Low interest rates paired up with the shortage of inventory made the market way too competitive. One wonders, if 2022 will follow into the similar footsteps, as marked up prices and low inventory result in faster turnarounds. 2022 is being predicted as, again, the year of home sellers.

  1. Supply-Demand Upset:

The inventory available in the market is still too scarce to meet the rising demand of the living spaces. Due to COVID-19, the labor has been short hence the production has slowed by huge margin. There are likely to be more listings during the prime season, but it is still might not meet the growing stipulations and concerns.

2. Rising Interest Rates as Silver Lining:

 It is a known fact that the interest rates will be increased this year as well. In conclusion, mortgage rates will rise with them. Now, it is not necessarily a bad thing because people who buy houses with higher mortgage rates tend to live in them rather than flipping them over for profit. It’s good news for the average buyer and will hopefully stabilize the real estate market.

Conclusion:

In such uncertain times, first-time homebuyers need to be very careful when looking at their prospects and options. Even with the elevated prices, one should not be overpaying for the property. That’s where we come in. American Mortgage Resource, Inc.  is a trusted name in the real estate market. We cater to all the people, whether they are first time home buyers or seeking loans and other finance options. Contact us at (617) 972-8588 and we will help you in buying your dream home.

4 Factors to Consider Before Getting a Mortgage

December 30, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions that you can ever make, and therefore you need to make an informed choice. This is critical, especially if you will get your house on mortgage terms. There are several steps that you need to follow before you can begin the process.

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  • Start by Checking Your Credit Score

Before you can start a mortgage application, the first thing that you need to do is to check your credit score. A higher credit score plays a significant role in your mortgage approval process. Before any lender can approve a mortgage, the first thing that they do is to check the creditworthiness of an individual. Ensure that your credit score is accurate to increase your chances of approval.

  • Larger Down Payment

When you make a large down payment for your mortgage, you get better terms. Putting more money as a down payment ensures that you pay less every month. This simply means that if your down payment is high, you do not require as much money from your lender. In addition, the lender considers you as a lower-risk borrower.

  • Steady Source of Income

Besides the lenders accessing your credit history and the ability to make a down payment, they also review the employment history. This is to ensure that you have a steady source of income every month and that you can service your loan. Therefore, it is best to avoid switching careers or changing jobs when you are activity looking to buy.

  • Check Pre-Payment Penalties

You need to check with your lender if you will incur penalties for early loan repayment. Some homeowners, once they experience a cash windfall, may decide to double up their payment, clear the loan sooner and end their term. Check to make sure that if you decide to do the same, you will not incur any pre-payment penalties.

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Conclusion

Homeownership is a dream come true for most people. However, sometimes a mortgage is the only option to getting your dream home. The terms of getting a mortgage can sometimes be complex. Therefore, it’s advisable to speak to mortgage professionals at American Mortgage Resource Inc. We can advise you on refinancing your mortgage, buying a new home, and cashing out on your home equity, as well as assist you to apply, qualify, and get approved for a new loan.

How Do Fixed-Rate and Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Work?

November 11, 2021 / / 0 Comments

When talking to a lender, there are two basic type of mortgages they will offer you. These are called fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. For most homeowners, fixed-rate loans are preferable if they plan to live in the home for an extended time. However, adjustable-rate mortgages are also offered for those who want lower interest rates with a shorter loan term. Keep reading to learn more about these two mortgage loans and see which one is right for you.

Fixed-Rate Mortgage

As this loan implies, the rate for the mortgage is fixed, meaning that it does not change for the life of the loan. Likewise, the monthly payment remains the same too. Repayment of a loan can range from 30 years to shorter lengths of 10-20 years. If you do choose a short loan term, understand that you will have larger monthly payments, but lower total interest costs over time. On the hand, a longer loan term with lower monthly payments is a more desirable option for committed buyers.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

If you plan to live in your home for a few years, then an adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, may be more suitable for you. Since the monthly payment is not set, it will change over the life of the loan. Rates for the loan will also fluctuate, although there is usually a limit on how much it will go up or down. “Lenders often offer lower interest rates for the first few years of an ARM, sometimes called a teaser rate, but rates can change after that– as often as once a year. The initial interest rate on an ARM tends to be significantly lower than that on a fixed-rate mortgage.”

Conclusion

Before making a big decision on a mortgage loan, make sure you are informed first. At American Mortgage Resource Inc., we offer the lowest competitive mortgage rates in Waltham, MA and surrounding areas. Let us help you choose the right home loan by contacting us at (617) 972-8588. You can also find more information on our website visitamr.com. Call today!

Is It A Good Idea To Use Your 401(K) To Buy A House?

July 30, 2021 / / 0 Comments

401(k) Rules

A 401(k) account is usually used to save up for retirement and that’s why investors get tax breaks for holding it. Due to its benefits, the government strictly regulates and limits access to these funds. If you are not of the required age to withdraw funds, you will be charged a 10% early withdrawal penalty on the amount taken. Also, there will be an additional regular income tax on the amount withdrawn. So if you decide to use the funds to purchase a home, you can either borrow from your 401(k) or withdraw from it.

401(k) Loans

Most people who take money out of their 401(k) account prefer to borrow from it because it does not have an early withdrawal fee or income tax. However, you have to pay it back with interest.  The repayment plan is administrated by the plan provider and the max loan term is up to five years. 

However, these repayments are not treated the same as ordinary contributions. There are no tax breaks, employer matches, and reduction of taxable income. Also, you can only take out 50,000 dollars or less.

401(k) Withdrawal

Not every plan offers 401(k) loans and if that is the case, then you have to withdraw from your account. This is called a hardship withdrawal, which results in a 10% penalty. It’s best to withdraw what you need so that you won’t have to pay it back.

Disadvantages of 401(k)s

Whatever you choose, taking out your 401(k) affects your retirement savings. You lose potential growth and won’t have as much money in the future. Diminishing your savings will mess up the amount of money that you saved up.

Conclusion

Trying to find a way to get money to buy a house can be difficult. Some people take out their 401(k) savings to purchase a home, but there are other options too. If you don’t want to make money from your retirement funds, it would be beneficial to take out a mortgage loan. At American Mortgage Resource, Inc., we offer many different mortgage loans for home buyers. Check out our website for more information.

The Massachusetts Housing Market in 2021

April 21, 2021 / / 0 Comments

This year as Massachusetts slowly transitioned from winter to spring its housing market also experienced a noteworthy shift. Within the first quarter of 2021 the real estate market in The Bay State has made countless headlines, most deeming it as ‘white hot.’ Follow along this month as we provide unique insight about the market’s current climate, when to buy or sell, how to win a bidding war and where to go for financial help.

Supply vs Demand

At the moment Massachusetts is experiencing an unprecedented demand for homes in a market with what presently seems like has little to no supply to offer. These circumstances are making it increasingly difficult for bids from potential home buyers to be accepted. There are even reports of some homes being bought for as much as $100,000 over asking, and others that have received nearly a dozen offers within days of hitting the market.

Should You Buy or Sell?

The incredible demand for homes across the state have left many residents wondering whether or not it’s a good time to make their real estate move. While rising property values are tempting many homeowners to sell, the likelihood that their home will be bought swiftly is a very real possibility to consider. On the other hand, those hoping to purchase a home should to be prepared to act quickly, face hefty competition, and have a strategy for being successful in the likely event of a bidding war.

How to Win a Bidding War

In today’s climate home buyers need to be ahead of the competition to ensure their bid will be accepted first. The following tips and tricks will immensely help increase your chances of closing on the home of your dreams:

  • Provide a preapproval letter from a mortgage lender
  • Write a personal letter to the home owner
  • Skip the inspection
  • Drop any contingencies
  • Offer all cash

Final Thoughts

Stay ahead of the red hot housing market in Massachusetts this year will professional financial help from a local broker. For more than a decade the loan experts at American Mortgage Resource, Inc. have helped thousands of local residents acquire the loans they need to renovate, refinance, and purchase their dream homes. Contact our team Monday- Saturday at 617-972-8588 or anytime via email at info@visitamr.com.

Five Mortgage Terms to Know

February 26, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Are you in the process of buying a new home? When you’re talking to real estate agents and lenders, they are probably using terms in conversation that you have never heard before. You may hear terms such as “closing costs” and “escrow”, which is why it’s important to know some basic mortgage vocabulary so you don’t have to ask too many questions. In addition, purchasing a home is a big commitment, so you want to understand exactly what’s going on. In this blog, we discuss five mortgage terms you should know!

AMORTIZATION

When you are making equal payments towards the principal and interest, this is called amortization. You are essentially paying towards the interest in the beginning of your payments, but as the loan gets smaller, less interest is charged. It’s a gradual reduction of paying your debt over time.

CLOSING COSTS 

The money you need to close the mortgage deal is called closing costs. These costs include everything from title insurance and escrow fees to lender charges and transfer taxes. FYI: All closing costs will be listed on the loan estimate that the mortgage lender gives you within three business days of your application.

EQUITY

Equity is the difference between what you owe on your home and the current market value. As you pay your mortgage, the equity grows. You can tap into this value over time. For example, you can apply for a home equity loan, a home equity line of credit or a reverse mortgage.

ESCROW

“Escrow is a legal arrangement in which a third party temporarily holds large sums money or property until a particular condition has been met.” In real estate, escrow is used to protect the buyer’s deposit so the money goes to the right party according to the conditions of the sale. It also holds a homeowner’s funds for taxes and insurance.

TITLE INSURANCE

Title insurance guards against any disputes about the title, such as contractor liens or tax. It is a way for lenders and owners to protect themselves from financial loss and other related legal expenses.

Conclusion

At American Mortgage Resource, Inc., we are here to guide you through important financial decisions when it comes to buying a home. Let us help you with the home mortgage process and contact our team of professionals. Call us at 1-617-972-8588 or send us a message online!

Reasons Why Your Mortgage Application Could Get Declined

January 29, 2021 / / 0 Comments

When you are trying to apply for a mortgage, you want to do everything by the book to be approved. However, there are instances where a mortgage lender will deny an application. From bad credit to an insufficient down payment, you don’t want to fall short with certain requirements by the lender. Learn more about why your mortgage application could get declined.

Low Credit Score

The higher your credit score, the better chance of securing the mortgage you want. On the other hand, if you have a lower credit score, you may not be approved. The minimum credit score depends on the lender and type of mortgage, so be aware this can range anywhere from 500 to upper 600’s. Yes, you can be approved with a low credit score, but the lender might ask you to make a bigger down payment.

High Debt-To-Income Ratio

How much of your monthly income goes to monthly debts? The lender will review the percentage of this ratio and determine if you are able to make loan payments too. Experian comments, “It may be harder to secure a loan if your housing payment is 28% or more of your gross monthly income (31% or more if you’re applying for an FHA loan).”

Small Down Payment

Applying for a mortgage loan is a big commitment, as you and the lender already know. That’s why putting more money down for the loan indicates that you are serious. It will also improve your chances of being approved. Tip by NerdWallet: “Putting at least 20% down on a home will increase your chances of getting approved for a mortgage at a decent rate, and will allow you to avoid mortgage insurance.”

Missing Application Information

It’s key to look over the information on your application before submitting it. If you are missing important details, then you can be denied approval. Review your application carefully by yourself or with another person you trust to ensure you have everything ready to go.

Final Thoughts

There can be a lot involved when applying for a mortgage loan. Luckily for you, American Mortgage Resource, Inc. does the heavy lifting for you. We have simplified the application process so you can fill out information online, at your own pace. If you have any questions about your app, please contact us today!

The Time to Buy a Home This Holiday Season is Now

December 21, 2020 / / 0 Comments

In the United States as the winter months bring festive holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, many families are so busy and preoccupied that home sales will dip slightly. This makes now a good time to snag a great deal on a home this winter. Below are some factors to consider before biting the bullet on home ownership or moving to another home.

Less Competition as a Buyer

During this time of year it tends to get colder in many parts of the country. Not many people enjoy picking up their family and belongings and moving during these colder winter months, which creates less demand in the market for sellers. This increases the chances of getting a great deal as a buyer as less people are competing in the real estate market at this time.

Interest Rates Are at Record Lows

As the Coronavirus closed many businesses for extended periods of time, this year interest rates have seen record lows to spur the economy during this downturn. What that means for homes buyers is that borrowing money is nearly free thanks to these record low interest rates on mortgages. This is likely the lowest we will see rates for years to come and locking in a fixed rate mortgage is sure to save you thousands of dollars in interest in the future.

Buyers Want to Sell Quickly

Buyers in the market during this time are usually more likely to turn their property over as quickly as possible due to the time of year and other obligations this time of year brings. This means that you may have sellers that are more motivated to make a deal with you and help you secure your next home.

Final Thoughts

Though this year has brought many ups and downs, as we head into 2021 home buyers have unique opportunities to purchase and refinance homes at rates that are incredibly rare. Let American Mortgage Resource, Inc. be your one stop shop for all your mortgage and refinancing needs in the Waltham, MA community.

What Questions Can a Mortgage Calculator Answer for Me?

October 29, 2020 / / 0 Comments

When you are in the market to buy a new home or decide you want to refinance, it is best to prepared and informed before making any big decisions. Your funds are going to be an important part of the buying process, so by using a financial tool such as a mortgage calculator, you can plan ahead. Similarly, managing your monthly payments for the mortgage can also be accurately shown on a calculator. Learn more about how a mortgage calculator answer your financial questions!

How Long Until I Pay Off My Loan?

In order to strategize your payment plan, you need to look closely at the loan term. With a short term, there are typically higher payments in a shorter amount of time. However, you won’t be paying as high of an interest. On the other side, a long term allows you to have lower payments, but you will be paying more interest over time. Finding a balance of affordability and less interest can help you make the most of your payments towards a home loan.

Can I Afford This House?

One of the main questions to ask yourself is “Am I able to afford this house?” Before settling on that beautiful house you’ve been dreaming of, first determine how much you can afford. A mortgage calculator can give you an accurate estimate of the amount you will need for monthly payments, as well as a down payment. The goal is not to overspend on your house and set realistic goals while considering your financial situation.

How Much Should I Put On The Down Payment?

The higher the down payment, the lower your monthly payments will be. However, you should only put in what you can manage to pay for. Do not put all of your savings and emergency funds into your down payment. Instead, you can use a calculator to figure out a practical down payment. First-time buyers can especially benefit from a calculation, as they will not have extra funds from a previous property.

Conclusion

If you need to calculate your mortgage payments, American Mortgage Resource, Inc. has a free calculator online. You can navigate our website and click on “calculator” to enter your information. For help with the loan process or other mortgage services, contact our team today!

How Reverse Mortgages Benefit Seniors

August 28, 2020 / / 0 Comments

If you are 62 and older and own a home, you may be able to opt for a reverse mortgage. When you use a reverse mortgage, home equity is withdrawn as cash to pay for expenses like home improvements or debt consolidation.  You do not have to pay taxes on the proceeds or make monthly mortgage payments. Of course, there are requirements you have to meet in order to qualify. Read more about the benefits of a reverse mortgage.

Pros

After you retire, there are still monthly expenses to be paid. These expenses can begin to add up, leading you to find more options to supplement your income. Luckily, a reverse mortgage can help. Bankrate states, “A reverse mortgage can be a solution for consumers ages 62 and older who own their homes outright — or at least have a considerable amount of equity to draw from.” Some seniors use this loan to pay for living expenses, repaying debt, covering healthcare expenses, and more. It is also a way for seniors to enjoy retirement, giving them the freedom to purchase a vacation home or another property.

Cons

There aren’t too many drawbacks for a reverse mortgage, but you must keep some things in mind. According to Bankrate, “the borrower must maintain the house and pay property taxes and homeowners insurance.” Furthermore, you have to be living in your home as a primary residence, as well as keep your property in good condition. It is also good to note that closing costs can be expensive too.  

Conclusion

If you are interested in a reverse mortgage, contact the team at American Mortgage Resource Inc. We have a variety of loan options available and can help you make the right decision. For more information on our reverse mortgage services, call us at (617)-972-8588. We look forward to talking with you!

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