Howard Financial

How Debt-to-Income Ratio Affects Your Mortgage Eligibility: When applying for a mortgage, lenders evaluate several factors to determine your loan eligibility. One of the most critical metrics is your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI). Understanding how DTI impacts mortgage approval can help you better prepare for homeownership and improve your chances of securing the loan you need. https://dlvr.it/TJbc1l

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 17th, 2025: The inflation data report released last week showed a surprising result--it was cooler than expected across the board. This has led to a much more positive outlook, even in light of recent events regarding the Trump administration. While consumer sentiment reports from the University of Michigan still showed more dissatisfaction than expected, they were accompanied by largely positive data across various releases. There are strong expectations that there will be no interest rate increases, with some potential for rate cuts this year. https://dlvr.it/TJZSLh

APR vs. Interest Rates: If you're gearing up to dive into the world of real estate, there are a few key terms you'll want to wrap your head around before taking the plunge. Today, we're demystifying APR and interest rate, two crucial concepts that can impact your home-buying journey. Don't worry, I'll break it down in simple terms so you can confidently navigate the process like a pro. https://dlvr.it/TJWqDK

What Sellers Need to Know About Becoming a Lender with Creative Financing: Creative financing can be an attractive option for sellers, especially those with significant equity. One popular approach is carrying back a second mortgage, where the seller effectively becomes a lender to help the buyer complete the purchase. https://dlvr.it/TJVfCp

How Single Moms Can Achieve Homeownership with First-Time Homebuyer Grants: Owning a home is an important goal for many people, and as a single mom, it can sometimes feel like a distant dream. But the reality is that homeownership is more achievable than you might think, especially when you know about the financial resources and programs available to you. https://dlvr.it/TJTTXl

Home Improvement Projects to Maximize Comfort and Functionality: Home improvement projects are a fantastic way to enhance the comfort and functionality of your living space. Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom upgrade, or an addition to your home, construction loans can provide the necessary financing to turn your dreams into reality. Consequently, here's how construction loans can be used for various home improvement projects and what you need to know to get started. https://dlvr.it/TJSK3Q

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 10th, 2025: While the data releases were plentiful, many are made less significant in consideration of the current disruption with the administration and the oncoming inflation data reports with the CPI and PPI arriving next week. The largest and most noteworthy report this time is the Job Report numbers, which will help give a clearer idea on the state of the job market. With the mass federal layoffs, there is much uncertainty but the labor market is still holding up in light of things. The most pressing data to be released is the predictions for GDP, which has shown to have shown a deflationary value. As long as the inflation data remains consistent then there is little chance the Federal Reserve will consider increasing the interest rates once again. The silver lining in all the reports is the Manufacturing PMI data is noting that the manufacturing sector is still showing strong growth. https://dlvr.it/TJR9lx

How to Buy a Home with Zero Down Payment: Buying a home without a down payment is possible, but it requires exploring the right loan programs and financial assistance options. While lenders have tightened their requirements since the 2008 housing crisis, there are still ways to achieve homeownership with little to no upfront cash. https://dlvr.it/TJNgbD

Why Shopping for a Mortgage Can Save You Thousands: When buying a home or refinancing, comparing mortgage options can make a significant financial difference. Many borrowers assume that the first loan offer they receive is the best one, but taking the time to explore multiple lenders can lead to substantial savings. https://dlvr.it/TJMW4W

Understanding Mortgage Payments and How to Calculate Them: Knowing how to calculate mortgage payments can help you plan for homeownership and budget effectively. Several factors determine your monthly payment, including the loan amount, interest rate, and loan term. Here's a step-by-step guide to understanding the process. https://dlvr.it/TJLKmK