Financing - Albany Area Real Estate

Credit Scores on the Rise, Loan Prospects Brighter

By David, on February 4th, 2013%

One of the silver linings of the economic downturn is that we’ve all gotten a lot savvier about the importance of maintaining good credit. In fact, according to recent research from Equifax, consumers across the country are increasingly moving out of the subprime credit-score category.

The total number of consumers with Equifax credit scores . . . → Read More: Credit Scores on the Rise, Loan Prospects Brighter

Confidence in Real Estate on the Rise for 2013

By David, on January 25th, 2013%

As the general economic outlook improves, confidence in the recovery of the real estate market will increase this year, according to the results of a new survey from Point2Homes and PropertyShark.

The research involved surveying almost 1,500 homebuyers and real estate professionals nationwide on a number of aspects concerning the real estate market in . . . → Read More: Confidence in Real Estate on the Rise for 2013

Mortgage Rates Retreat

By David, on January 18th, 2013%

Good news for prospective homebuyers: According to Bankrate.com’s weekly national survey, mortgage rates moved lower after reaching a 4-month high last week, with the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate retreating to 3.60 percent this week. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.36 discount and origination points.

As the positive energy generated . . . → Read More: Mortgage Rates Retreat

What the Fiscal Cliff Deal Means for Homeowners

By David, on January 16th, 2013%

As most Americans continue to sort through the ramifications of the various provisions signed into law on Jan. 2 through the Fiscal Cliff bill, there are several specifics of the agreement that directly affect homeowners.

Make sure you’re aware of the following as you develop your financial plan for 2013:

Mortgage Debt Relief Act . . . → Read More: What the Fiscal Cliff Deal Means for Homeowners

Why Some Sellers Should Consider A Pre-Inspection

By David, on November 30th, 2012%

Traditionally in the real estate buying process, a structural inspection (among others) is requested by a home buyer around the time they are applying for a mortgage. In fact, over 99% of all buyers in our market request an inspection as a way to uncover hidden faults and costly repairs that may need to . . . → Read More: Why Some Sellers Should Consider A Pre-Inspection

Seven Ways to Cut Moving Costs

By David, on November 12th, 2012%

Between closing costs and property taxes, buying and selling a home can be an expensive ordeal. But moving doesn’t have to be. Below are seven ways to save money when making a move.

1. Time it right. Most people move in the summer, because the kids are out of school, the weather is ideal . . . → Read More: Seven Ways to Cut Moving Costs

Single? Make Sure You Have the Right Insurance!

By David, on October 8th, 2012%

Protecting yourself financially requires a different approach when you’re single. Single folks have to make sure they have the necessary coverage in place in the event of an emergency, as there is no partner to share financial responsibility with. The non-profit Insurance Information Institute (III) offers the following sage advice if you and/or your . . . → Read More: Single? Make Sure You Have the Right Insurance!

How to Repair Your Credit Post Bankruptcy

By David, on September 15th, 2011%

From losing a job to losing a home, many Americans have suffered the slings and arrows of the recession over the past few years. This has forced many to make the difficult decision of filing for bankruptcy. While bankruptcy is the least desirable option when in financial distress—leaving a large scar on your credit . . . → Read More: How to Repair Your Credit Post Bankruptcy

Interest Rates – The Silver Lining in a Still-Gloomy Market

By David, on June 14th, 2011%

We hear a lot about doom and gloom, but just this week, two major local lenders announced absolutely remarkable interest rates and on top of that, some are offering incentives in the form of reduced fees or a discount on the final rate.� Paul Hurley of HSBC is now quoting a 30 . . . → Read More: Interest Rates – The Silver Lining in a Still-Gloomy Market

One Trap of Working with an Out of Town Lender

By David, on June 3rd, 2010%

For years, active brokers and agents alike have shunned working with out of town mortgage lenders and for good reason. While most out of town lenders pretty much say the same thing to the buyers (low rates, nominal fees, that they are familiar with our process, etc) the reality is that they often only . . . → Read More: One Trap of Working with an Out of Town Lender