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Lenders: Looking to simplify closings? Work with an insurance agency

Housing Wire

HousingWire recently spoke to Tom Kriby, vice president of client development and partnerships at Westwood Insurance Agency, about how working with an insurance agency can simplify the closing process for their customers, even in times of interest rate uncertainty. While some elements of PITI are set, others offer buyers opportunity.

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Opinion: Title and settlement fees aren’t a barrier to homeownership

Housing Wire

Asian borrowers pay $13 less than non-Hispanic white borrowers (the control group); low-income borrowers pay $14 more; and first-time home buyers pay $11 less than repeat buyers. Homeowner’s insurance, the servicer, and even the GSE (the actual holder of the default risk on the mortgage), represent small overall costs by comparison.

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Mortgage rates inch closer to 7%

Housing Wire

Mortgage rates rose slightly this week ahead of the Federal Reserve Open Markets Committee ‘s rate hike. Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, which focuses on conventional and conforming loans with a 20% down payment, shows the 30-year fixed rate averaged 6.81% as of July 27, up from last week ’s 6.78%.

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Closing costs: Here’s how much money you really need to buy a house

Housing Wire

These expenses vary state-by-state, due to the differences in property and transfer tax, as well as rates charged by different attorneys and lenders. On average, closing costs equal about 1 to 4% of your home’s value, which isn’t something most home buyers are usually aware of. Mortgage Broker Fee . Property Tax.

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Homeowners are staying in place twice as long as they did 20 years ago: Redfin

Housing Wire

Older Americans also have financial incentives attached to staying in their homes, since 54% of the baby boomer cohort own their homes free and clear without making monthly mortgage payments. Long homeowner tenure, particularly among baby boomers, is an obstacle for young first-time buyers trying to break into the market,” the report read. “A

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Top 5 mortgage terms to know before you buy a house

Housing Wire

The mortgage application process can be a confusing one — especially if you’ve never gone through it before. Here are the top five mortgage-related terms you’ll want in your arsenal: 1. Here are the top five mortgage-related terms you’ll want in your arsenal: 1. Fixed-rate mortgage. Are you planning to buy a home in 2021?

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Is 2021 a good time to sell your house?

Housing Wire

Last year, buyer demand increased due to record low mortgage rates. That said, because of those low mortgage rates, and fewer houses on the market, home prices went up. Low-interest rates are great for potential buyers. They make monthly mortgages more affordable! But will 2021 be the same?