In response to the in property values, the FHFA has declared an increase in the maximum baseline conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-acquired mortgages for home loans in Colorado for the year 2024. As we enter 2024, prospective homebuyers are facing challenges including relatively stable housing prices and an ongoing shortage of […]
Hard money lending for real estate
When you hear “hard money loans,” you might picture money changing hands in a dark alley and rough collection techniques when the loan comes due. However, that could not be further from the truth as hard money lending can be a very valuable and useful tool in many real estate transactions. In the “regular” real […]
Options for financing when interest rates go up
The most popular mortgage loan evolved into what is the 30-year amortized loan, which has become one of the primary reasons for increasing the level of homeownership in the United States. Amortizing means some of the principal of the loan amount is paid off each month, allowing homeowners to build equity and avoid a large […]
Should I pay my mortgage off before I retire?
Your financial professionals can help you decide if you want your mortgage loan paid off at retirement or if any of these other ideas work for you. (Photo: Pexels). At first thought, it would seem to make sense – why not have your house free and clear and have no house payments in retirement? If […]
Home for the holidays – gift giving to first-time home buyers – Part 2
An exceptional gift idea is helping your relative or loved one with an interest rate or mortgage buydown (Photo: Pexels). The holiday season is upon us, and you may be thinking about finding a special or unique gift your family member or loved one could use for years to come. In my previous article entitled, […]
Do falling home prices offset higher interest rates?
Now that interest rates have risen from the 3.5% range to the 7% range, will home prices decline to balance out the purchasing power? Looking at historical evidence, it shows that sharply rising mortgage rates tend to slow home price appreciation and affect housing market activity. However, nominal price appreciation in most of Colorado remains […]
Are there alternatives to foreclosure?
The years 2007 to 2012 were pretty rough for homeowners across the nation. Boulder County didn’t suffer nearly as much as other markets, such as Las Vegas and Phoenix, where homes lost a considerable amount of value. Boulder County has experienced a strong real estate market since 2012 and is still showing considerable strength. If […]
Rising interest rates decrease purchasing power
In general, as interest rates rise, the homebuyer loses about 3% of purchasing power for every .25% in interest rate increase. Today’s market is tough on first time buyers. The inventory of homes and condos purchased by first-time buyers continues to be low, and along with inflation, home prices are being pushed upward in […]