Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp. University
FOR RELEASE
Thursday
May 31, 2018
WASHINGTON – June begins National Homeownership Month, a time of year when the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and others mark the importance of owning a home and the impact it has on the lives of American families, local neighborhoods and to the nation’s economic health. This year’s theme is National Homeownership Month 2018: Find Your Place.
Given the large upfront costs associated with purchasing a home, most young people begin renting an apartment which is the first step in independency. As they build careers, save money, and start families, many choose to buy a home and take that next step to building wealth. Homeownership establishes a stable environment for families; especially children and creates community involvement that reduces crime, blithe, and depreciation. Debt Management Credit Counseling (“DMCC”) offers homebuyer education workshops and one on one counseling for future home buyers.
Home prices are hitting record highs in many parts of the country, often selling for more than the asking price, and going from list to contract in a record 37 days, according to Redfin.
“We’ve never seen a faster or more competitive market,” says Redfin spokeswoman Rachel Musiker. “Basically this market isn’t for the faint of heart.”
Don’t make it even harder (or more expensive) for yourself by making these common mistakes:
Mortgage shopping differs depending on whether you are single or part of a couple. Here are some things to keep in mind when trying to land a great rate.
Last December, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade. While the Fed’s actions impact short-term rates, if you are in the market for a home, you may be wondering about the impact on mortgage rates, inventory and affordability.
You may be surprised (and pleased) to learn that the answer is: not much. The impact on home prices is expected to be very minimal, and interest rates are still much lower than average rates in past decades — which could make 2016 a good year for buying. In fact, a nominal rate increase translates to a very manageable cost. For example, an increase of 25 basis points on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage loan of $250,000 raises the monthly mortgage payment by only $35.
One of the most precious assets that you are likely to possess as you progress through life is your home. Owning their own homes is something that most Americans strive for.
As of October 3, 2015, anyone purchasing property will get easier-to-understand disclosure papers for their mortgage.
Gone are the Good Faith Estimate, HUD-1 settlement statement, and 2 Truth in Lending Act disclosures. Those 4 documents are replaced by 2: the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure.
As with any insurance purchase, it is important to evaluate coverage and research your options to find the best coverage for your dollar. Here are some tips from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to help you save money on your homeowners insurance.
Interest rates have fallen so much, it may seem like a no brainer to refinance your home mortgage.
Nobody likes to take a call from the collections department. It doesn’t matter if the call is about a credit card, a utility bill, a bounced check or anything else that may be delinquent. Avoiding the issue may seem like a good strategy to those who really hate conflict, but it is usually the worst thing you can do. This is especially true when it comes to a mortgage.