Disadvantages of Sellers Paying Closing Costs: 6 Things to Consider

Key takeaways:  Sellers sometimes agree to cover closing costs to attract buyers or speed up the sale, but this concession comes at a cost. On a $400,000 home, a 3% closing cost concession could reduce your net proceeds by $12,000. Raising the sale price to offset these costs may create appraisal or

Should You Lock Your Mortgage Rate Now or Wait?

Mortgage rates can change daily, which makes timing your rate lock feel like a high-stakes decision. Lock too early, and you could miss out on a lower rate. Wait too long, and you risk your payment going up before closing. In most cases, the goal isn’t to perfectly time the market – it’s to secure a

Should I Find a Real Estate Agent or Lender First? A Guide for First Time Home Buyers

Key takeaways Finding a real estate agent first helps you understand the market and get referrals to lenders. Finding a lender first can help you set your budget, get preapproved, and move quickly when you’re ready to make an offer. You’ll likely work with both, and many buyers start finding an agen

Another Big Drop in Refi Demand, But Still Higher Year Over Year

Mortgage applications fell  for the third consecutive week amid an increasingly volatile rate environment. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported a decrease of 10.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis for the week ending March 27. The Refinance Index fell 17% from the previous week, but re