J.P. Gulla, Mortgage Advisor- NMLS # 2014985
GO Mortgage-Simply The Best Way Home. Let's GO! NMLS# 1018
๐ค Mortgage Speak: Decoding 'Appraisal Waiver' into Plain English ๐ก Ever heard the term "Appraisal Waiver" and wondered what it means? Let's break it down!
What It Sounds Like ๐:
A fancy term that might make you think you're waiving something important.
What It Actually Means ๐ค:
An Appraisal Waiver means your home's value is determined without an appraisal.
Why Should You Care? ๐ก
โ
Faster Loan Process
โ
Save Money on Appraisal Fees
โ
Less Paperwork
So, next time you hear "Appraisal Waiver," you can say, "Ah, that means I can skip the formal home value check and save some cash!" ๐ต
For more Mortgage Speak Unlocked, stay tuned! ๐
Fall is more than just pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweatersโit's the perfect time to get your home winter-ready and give it a seasonal makeover! Here's how:
Winterize Your Home โ๏ธ
1๏ธโฃ Seal Gaps: Keep the cold out by sealing windows and doors.
2๏ธโฃ Check Insulation: Make sure your home is well-insulated to save on heating costs.
3๏ธโฃ Gutter Cleanup: Remove leaves and debris from gutters to avoid ice dams.
4๏ธโฃ HVAC Check: Schedule a heating system check-up to ensure it's running efficiently.
Fall-Themed Dรฉcor ๐
1๏ธโฃ Pumpkin Accents: Add mini pumpkins and gourds to your living room.
2๏ธโฃ Leafy Centerpiece: Create a centerpiece using colorful fall leaves.
3๏ธโฃ Cozy Throws: Place warm throws on your sofas and beds for added comfort.
4๏ธโฃ Seasonal Wreath: Welcome guests with a beautiful fall wreath on your front door.
Don't wait for the first frost to start your fall preparations. Get ahead of the game and make your home cozy and efficient this season! ๐
๐๏ธ Turn Your Dream Home Into Reality with Construction-to-Permanent Loans! ๐ Building a home tailored to your needs may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. With our Construction-to-Permanent loan, you can fund your custom home build from start to finish with just one loan and one closing.
Pennsylvania Residents: Curious about affordable homeownership? Let's chat about the PHFA Grant, Keystone Advantage, Keystone Forgivable in 10, and the Homestead program. Explore options for grants and down payment & closing cost assistance. Reach out and let's make owning a home easier for you!
Unlock the home of your dreams with our 2-1 Buy Down option. Lower rates today for a brighter tomorrow! Discover the 2-1 Buy Down: a game-changer for new homeowners!
๐ก Enjoy reduced interest ratesโ2% lower in Year 1 and 1% lower in Year 2โmaking your first steps into homeownership lighter on your wallet. Once the initial two-year period is over, and your rates revert to the original higher rate.
๐ Ideal when rates are high, this option gives you breathing room in the early years. Plus, you're not stuck! You can refinance for an even better rate later on.
๐โก๏ธ๐
Agents: Continuing our theme... What do Photographers, Web Designers, Virtual Assistants, Bookkeepers, Ride-Share Drivers, Landscapers, House Cleaners, Construction Workers, Truck Drivers, Management Consultants, and Travel Nurses have in common? I can make financing stress-free for them with our Lite Doc and Bank Statement options. Whether your client is a freelancer, independent contractor, small business owner, solopreneur, or gig economy worker, let's get the conversation started. ๐ก๐ฐ
๐ Stay Safe On The Job: Essential Safety Tips for Real Estate Agents ๐ September has been REALTORยฎ Safety Month. Whether you're showing a property or meeting new clients, it's important to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some quick tips:
Meeting New Clients? ๐ฅ
1๏ธโฃ Verify Identity: Always check the ID or other identification.
2๏ธโฃ Meet in Public: First meetings should be in public spaces.
Showing Properties? ๐ก
1๏ธโฃ Share Location: Let someone know where you'll be and when.
2๏ธโฃ Have an Exit Plan: Know how to leave the property quickly.
Day-to-Day Tips ๐
1๏ธโฃ Keep Your Phone Charged: Always have a way to call for help.
2๏ธโฃ Donโt Share Personal Info: Keep your personal life personal.
Stay safe, friends! ๐ก
Attention Agents: You're well-versed in VA loans, but have you explored bank statement loans? They're game-changers for freelancers, independent contractors, and the self-employedโno more financing headaches. Considering the number of independent contractors is nearly triple, this is a big deal. Need specialized options for your clients? You know who to turn to. ๐ก๐ฉโ๐ผ
Do you have a pressing question about getting approved for a mortgage? Ask an underwriter! ๐
๐ฉ๐ผ ๐ Question: Over the last three years, I've consistently worked in the same industry without any gaps in employment. However, I've changed jobs multiple times, each time for a higher salary. A friend told me that it's required to show a "stable 2-year work history" to qualify for a mortgage - is that true? And, if so, will I meet that criteria if I've only been in my current role for three months?
๐ฉ๐ฝโ๐ป ๐ฆ Answer: Given what you've explained, your employment history may meet the ""stable 2-year work history"" criteria required for both FHA and conventional mortgages. To confirm this, your loan officer will ask you to submit a Letter of Explanation. Then, a Verification of Employment will be ordered. You'll still need to meet other eligibility requirements for the loan, but this one shouldn't hold you up!
What's your burning question?
Getting a mortgage? ๐ Here are some useful insights about credit reports during the mortgage process:
๐ Standard Validity: Credit reports are generally considered valid for 90 to 120 days when used for mortgage applications. ๐ Ours are good for 120 days! ๐
๐ Market Volatility: In rapidly changing economic conditions, lenders might shorten the validity period of credit reports to mitigate their risk.
๐ณ Changes in Credit: If your credit score or report drastically changes (for example, if you acquire more debt or your credit score drops), the lender might reassess your mortgage application.
๐ง Hard vs. Soft Inquiries: The first time most lenders check your credit for a mortgage application, it's usually a "hard inquiry," which can affect your credit score slightly. ๐ I can do an initial soft inquiry, which doesn't impact your score. ๐
๐ฆ Loan Type: The type of loan you are applying for (FHA, VA, conventional, etc.) may have different requirements for the validity of a credit report. ๐ Ours are good for 120 days for all loan types! ๐
โ
Pre-Approval vs. Final Approval: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage usually involves a credit check. However, before finalizing the mortgage, lenders will often perform another credit check to ensure there have been no significant changes.
๐๏ธ Multiple Applications: If you're shopping around for mortgages, multiple credit checks within a short period (usually 14 to 45 days) are typically treated as a single inquiry for scoring purposes, minimizing the impact on your score.
Have questions? Ask me! ๐ก๐
๐ฐ News updates: The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has decided not to change rates for now. What's this mean for you? Well, mortgage rates are likely to stay steady until at least November.
โ๏ธ Why it matters: Chair Powell of the Fed said they're focusing on keeping prices stable. So, no sudden spikes in costs for you. Plus, job markets are doing well, making it a bit easier if you're looking to buy.
๐ค What's next? There are two more big meetings this year, and there's a 45% chance rates might go up before 2024. Powell thinks small changes won't shake things up too much, but only time will tell.
If you're deciding between locking in a mortgage rate or letting it float, be cautious. A good market move might save you a tiny bit, but a bad one could cost you more.
Stay tuned for more updates and happy house hunting! ๐ ๐
Author: Casey Dilensky, SVP Capital Markets
The author is not a financial advisor and nothing stated above should be viewed as financial advice. Consult a professional investment advisor before making any investment decisions. The information provided above does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice, investment advice, or the opinion of GO Mortgage, LLC. Instead, all information, content, and materials are for general informational purposes only.
Three things you may not know about manufactured homes:
1๏ธโฃ Manufactured homes are built with the same construction materials as site-built homes. Theyโre pre-built indoors, which means building is less expensive with a lower average price-per-square-foot than a site-built home.
2๏ธโฃ Manufactured homes are not all in "parks". In fact, most manufactured homes are placed on independently owned land look like any traditional neighborhood.
3๏ธโฃ I can provide you with a mortgage for a manufactured home -- and refer you to an agent to help you buy one!
If you haven't been able to find inventory in your price range, create your own! Want to learn more? Call me!
More than four decades ago, mortgage rates skyrocketed to over 18%*. People who "took the plunge" into homeownership at that time have since earned an est. 246%* increase in appreciation. I'm not going to say that interest rates don't matter. But let's level-set: they're still historically low and they're not the only factor! Let's discuss. ๐
* Data from https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms and in2013dollars.com
๐ค Renting vs Buying: What's the Better Move? ๐ โจ
๐ Equity Building: Your home is an investment that grows over time.
๐ก Stability: Say goodbye to annual rent hikes and landlord whims.
๐ฐ Tax Advantages*: Potentially deduct mortgage interest and property taxes.
๐จ Customization: Paint, renovate, and truly make it 'your' home.
If you think you're not ready, need more than you have for a downpayment, or have other challenges - let's talk. I'm a home-getter-inner expert! ๐๐
*Tax benefits depend on your personal situation and laws, which can change. Consult a tax advisor for tailored advice.๐
Happy National Mortgage Professionals Month! Shoutout to the dedicated loan officers, incredible support teams, outstanding partners, and awe-inspiring clients who make dream homes come true. Show your lender some loveโhit that like and share button!
Think refinancing is off the table with current rates? You might be surprised! While it's not a universal solution, it could be advantageous depending on your financial objectives. Let's discuss tailored strategies to optimize your situation. ๐ Call me today!
Today, we pause to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Let us also honor the brave first responders who risked everything. We are united in remembrance.
A few, of many, reasons why it's better to get preapproved for a mortgage **before** house-hunting:
๐ธ Know your budget limits.
๐ช๐ฝ Strengthen your negotiation power.
๐๏ธ Faster offers (critical in tight markets!)
๐ ๏ธ Identify & fix credit issues early.
๐ก Focus on suitable properties.
๐ฉ๐ฝโ๐ป Many agents require it!
Call me to get yours!
In the realms of mortgage and real estate, escrow simplifies both the home-buying process and the payment of significant bills. Here's where you'll commonly encounter escrow:
๐๏ธ Earnest Money: After your home offer is accepted, earnest money may be placed in escrow to demonstrate your commitment.
๐ Monthly Payments: Your regular payments often include Principal, Interest, and Escrow, which cover Property Taxes and Homeowners Insurance.
๐งพ Bill Payments: The lender utilizes the escrow account to handle expenses like property taxes and insurance on your behalf.
An escrow account helps you avoid budgetary surprises by allowing the lender to manage and pay your property taxes and homeowners insurance when due.
Grateful for the sweat, determination, and heart that go into every task. Wishing you a relaxing Labor Day! ๐๐๏ธ
Let's decode that mortgage-speak! A DSCR loan can be used by real estate investors to finance rental properties. Debt Service Cover Ratio means we're looking at the ratio between incoming cash-flow of the property (think: rental income) and outgoing loan payments (think: your monthly check to the mortgage lender) to qualify the loan, not your personal income. This can make applying and qualifying easier. DSCR can be a good choice for seasoned and first-time investors alike.
๐ซ No personal tax or income docs required
โ
Easier qualification and faster closing-time
๐ซ Doesn't require job history verification
โ
Lot's of flexibility for both long- and short-term rentals
Questions?
A few of our best teammates got together for a photoshoot, including our Employee of the Month, to celebrate National Dog Month! How did you celebrate? ๐พ๐ฆฎ๐ฆด
๐บ๐ธ Proud to Serve Those Who Serve! ๐กโจ Veterans, active duty military, and qualifying spouses, we've got you covered with a range of tailored loan options. Whether it's purchasing your dream home, refinancing, renovating, or more โ we're here to make it happen. ๐ ๐๏ธ
๐ Considering a new home or a refinance? Here's the short-version from Fed Chair Jerome Powell's talk:
โ
Faster economy growth.
โ No current cooling signs.
๐ Inflation's down but high.
๐ Rates could climb.
๐ Control to curb inflation.
๐ Potential future rate hikes ahead.
Takeaway: If you're eyeing a home purchase or refinance, keep potential rate changes in mind. Let's discuss your mortgage options today. ๐๐ผ
Ready to explore down payment assistance, state housing programs, bonds, and grants in your area? There are options for affordable homeownership. Let's talk!
From a cozy single-family nest ๐ to a multifamily adventure ๐๏ธ. Let's find the right financing path together and make it yours. If you can sleep in it, I probably have a financing solution, even when others have said no.
Attention real estate agents! Ensuring your buyers are confident in their preapproval is key. Maybe they are questioning the loan program, the amount, or something else. If they need a second opinion to feel fully satisfied, I'm here to help! Let's work together to ensure a smooth and successful home buying journey. ๐ก๐ผ
Weekend hustle mode: โ Working as your dedicated loan officer even on Saturdays! Let's get you preapproved and one step closer to your dream home. ๐ผ๐ก
Sure, I can do what online lenders do โ digital applications, remote closings, text, video calls, and moreโฆ but what are 10 things I do that most online lenders canโt do?
โ
Come to closings and open houses.
โ
Support and participate in local events.
โ
Meet with you and your clients in person.
โ
Knowledge and experience in local down payment assistance programs.
โ
Refer to local contractors who can help with renovations and home improvements.
โ
Plus, provide renovation loans to fund those projects and turn a fixer upper into fixed up.
โ
Know the local market trends, community history, and where to get the best coffee.
โ
Build lasting relationships and foster repeat business.
โ
Engage with local businesses and support and enrich our community.
โ
Host & participate in local experiences, trainings, and events.
Letโs keep it local, Friends!
A market update for today, Wednesday, August 16th, 2023.
Market Trends, Mortgage Rates, and Inflation ๐
The MBS market continues to exhibit signs of weakness, driving mortgage rates to their highest point since October 2022. Recent data indicates inflation rates slightly below forecasts, presenting a conundrum in the labor market: there's encouraging wage growth paired with an unexpected dip in unemployment. When extrapolated from the current month-over-month inflation figures, the annualized inflation stands at approximately 2.5%. Although this exceeds the long-term target, it remains significantly lower than the 4.7% inflation observed in the previous 12 months.
Labor Sector Impact on Inflation ๐ช๐ฝ
It appears that the strength in the labor sector is casting a shadow over our progress in controlling inflation. The combination of unforeseen wage growth and a decrease in unemployment poses a challenge for the Federal Reserve. Aligning with their dual mandateโemphasizing maximum employment and price stabilityโseems particularly challenging in this market. These dynamics further contribute to the market volatility we are currently experiencing.
Market Movements and Investor Behavior ๐ช
Furthermore, we must not disregard moments in the market when opportunistic investors can trigger inexplicable market movements. If bond yields become attractive during a sell-off, or if equities adopt a bearish stance prompting a "flight to safety" towards bonds, a rally can occur irrespective of traditional data.
Anticipating Future Volatility ๐ฎ
Looking ahead, we should anticipate increased volatility. While recent sharp selloffs have been occasionally offset by minor rallies, the overall trend still points towards higher rates. Attempting to time the market is a risky endeavor I would not recommend. With the next Federal Reserve rate decision scheduled for September 19, the next 30 days will likely be volatile as the market seeks clarity on the Federal Reserve's rate agenda.
Casey Delinsky, SVP Capital Markets, GO Mortgage
๐ฃ Disclaimer๐ฃThe author is not a financial advisor, and nothing stated above should be viewed as financial advice. Consult a professional investment advisor before making any investment decisions. The information provided above does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice, investment advice, or the opinion of GO Mortgage, LLC. Instead, all information, content, and materials are for general informational purposes only.
Laughter is contagious, and we're spreading the good vibes on National Tell a Joke Day! We told one, now it's your turn. Show us what you've got on the comments. Bonus points for jokes involving lending, mortgages, housing, real estate, or simply those that leave us in splits! ๐คฃ๐
I can help you to unlock the power of your home's value with a HELOC! This is a great product that closes at warp-drive speed, aka 5 days. If you already have a great rate and don't want to refinance but need access to cash for any reason, a HELOC could be for you.
When you're out looking at houses this weekend, call me! Things I can help with: What's the monthly payment? What's the rate? How much downpayment do I need? Do you know an agent that can show me this listing? Can I get preapproved? How quick can I close? Are there down payment assistance programs? What are my loan options?
Weekend mortgage questions? You know what to doโI'm available and ready to assist.
It's Book Lovers Day! We conducted an office poll, and here are the top choices for favorite personal finance, investing, mortgage, and housing books, along with a few other favorites thrown in for good measure. What are your favorite books? Barry Habib, REBEL IQ, Michael Lewis, Todd Duncan, Ryan Holiday, Zillow, James Clear ๐
It's International Cat Day, and you know what that means... call me for a purr-approval! It's really the purr-fect time for a new home. I mean, it's meow or never, right?! So, call me if you're feline like becoming a new homeowner this Caturday! ๐๐ก
Buy a new home and get funds to renovate... or renovate your existing home. ๐ Renovation loans can unlock the potential of your space without breaking the bank.
If you're house hunting today, keep me on speed-dial... I can get you preapproved!
Any guesses for who you can call this weekend who can provide mortgage advice, preapprovals, rate checks, monthly payment scenarios, answers to your down payment questions, introduce you to a great agent, clarify loan product guidelines, and more. Any guesses???
๐ Market Update: Rates and Fed Meeting Expectations ๐
TLDR: Rates went up, rates came back down. Industry sources say 20% chance of rate hike at the next Fed meeting. Also: non-farm payroll, unemployment, manufacturing, jobs, Fed Funds Rate expectations, inflation.
๐ Market Performance Today ๐ When the market opened this morning, fears surrounding today's non-farm payroll and unemployment rate data triggered a sell-off. Non-farm payrolls slightly exceeded Juneโs numbers but fell well short of expectations. Despite this, the market bounced back, erasing morning losses and pushing us into positive territory. A sigh of relief was felt, but it was tempered by an unexpected drop in the unemployment rate to 3.5%.
๐ Mixed Data This Week ๐ Data has been mixed all week. While manufacturing data has underperformed, the labor market shows resilience. Job openings remain high, and monthly jobs reports continue to show robust growth. The declining unemployment rate is a positive sign, but it raises concerns about another possible rate hike in September. Market sentiment indicates a roughly 20% probability for another hike in the Fed Funds Rate, a significant rise from the 12% expectation just 30 days ago.
๐ Looking Ahead ๐
Volatility is expected as the market prepares for Thursdayโs inflation data. It will be the most critical day of next week, and the data will significantly impact the market. The Fed will continue to focus on labor market conditions and inflation. Labor market strength is evident, but if we witness elevated inflation, the consequences will be significant.
Author: Casey Delinsky, SVP Capital Markets, GO Mortgage
๐ฃ Disclaimer ๐ฃ The author is not a financial advisor, and nothing stated above should be viewed as financial advice. Consult a professional investment advisor before making any investment decisions. The information provided above does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice, investment advice, or the opinion of GO Mortgage, LLC. Instead, all information, content, and materials are for general informational purposes only.
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A financial co-op empowering others to cultivate financial stability & growth. Insured by NCUA.
340 Neff Avenue
Harrisonburg
Mortgage Lender, Branch Manager. 15 plus years experience in mortgage lending.
129 W. Wolfe Street Suite 201
Harrisonburg, 22801
Sam Sandoval is a Bilingual (English/Espaรฑol) Loan Officer Mortgage originator in Harrisonburg, VA.
2040 Deyerle Avenue
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Offering full-service home mortgages to customers in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond.
2040 Deyerle Avenue, Ste 207
Harrisonburg, 22801
110 University Boulevard
Harrisonburg, 22801
With 25+ years experience I am here to lead you through the mortgage loan process.
129 W. Wolfe Street, Suite 201
Harrisonburg, 22802
I specialize in helping individuals and families achieve their dreams of homeownership
578 East Market Street
Harrisonburg, 22802
I specialized in originating home mortgages FHA, USDA, CONVENTIONAL, VA loans, authorized by VHDA NMLS ID# 1130296
205 S. Liberty Street
Harrisonburg, 22801
Chris Carson Branch Manager & Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS #459991