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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Feb. 8, 2022

UncategorizedBy February 13, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates just edged higher yesterday. That was a relief after much sharper increases last Thursday and Friday. Yes, we’re looking at the highest

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The best day to close on a mortgage refinance

UncategorizedBy February 13, 2022

Timing your mortgage refinance correctly can lead to big savings. Here’s how to choose the best day to close on a refinance.

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Maine First-Time Home Buyer: 2022 Programs and Grants

UncategorizedBy February 13, 2022

As a Maine first-time home buyer, you could be in line for a special mortgage, home buyer education, and potentially down payment assistance.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Feb. 9, 2022

UncategorizedBy February 13, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged higher yet again yesterday. Unlike those we saw last week, this week’s increases have so far been negligible. Read on to

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Covid-19 restrictions lifted for self-employed home buyers

UncategorizedBy February 13, 2022

The Federal Housing Finance Agency updated its Covid lending guidance for self-employed home buyers. See the latest requirements.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Feb. 10, 2022

UncategorizedBy February 13, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched higher yesterday, though only by the smallest measurable amount. But it was disappointing because a fall had seemed more likely for

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D.C. First-Time Home Buyer: 2022 Programs and Grants

UncategorizedBy February 13, 2022

If you’re a Washington D.C. first-time home buyer, you face high home prices. But you may find help, including down payment assistance.

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Iowa First-Time Home Buyer: 2022 Programs and Grants

UncategorizedBy February 13, 2022

An Iowa first-time home buyer can find lots of help. That might include a special mortgage, education courses, or down payment assistance.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Feb. 11, 2022

UncategorizedBy February 13, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose sharply yesterday. Ten days in, and February is already looking like a nightmare for those rates. So far this morning, markets

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Feb. 12, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy February 13, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates nudged higher yesterday. But something odd happened that day. Markets were spooked by the prospect of an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine.

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Mortgage rates by credit score: What does your score get you?

UncategorizedBy February 2, 2022

Mortgage rates vary widely by credit score. So what does your score get you? And what can you do to qualify for a lower rate?

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How to refinance your mortgage: Step-by-step guide for 2022

UncategorizedBy February 1, 2022

Learn how to refinance your mortgage with this simple, step-by-step guide.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Feb. 1, 2022

UncategorizedBy February 1, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower yesterday. But only by the smallest measurable amount. And, unfortunately, they were still higher than they were one week earlier.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 31, 2022

UncategorizedBy January 31, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged a little lower again last Friday. But they rose a bit over the whole of that week. And they remain close

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How to start the process of buying a house in 2022

UncategorizedBy January 31, 2022

Are you ready to start the process of buying a house? Here’s the first step you need to take.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 29, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy January 29, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged a little lower yesterday. But they closed on Friday evening just a tiny bit higher than they did seven days earlier.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 28, 2022

UncategorizedBy January 28, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. But only by a bit. And they remain close to their two-year high. Earlier today it was looking as

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 27, 2022

UncategorizedBy January 27, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose appreciably yesterday, setting a new two-year high. And it was all a result of that afternoon’s Federal Reserve event. Soon after

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 26, 2022

UncategorizedBy January 27, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates just inched lower yesterday. But the fall was so tiny that many lenders won’t have changed their rate cards but might instead

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If you want to refinance, do it before March’s Fed rate hikes

UncategorizedBy January 27, 2022

With the Federal Reserve adjusting its monetary policies to combat inflation, interest rates should continue to grow in 2022.

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VA loan refinance options: 2022 VA IRRRL and cash-out

UncategorizedBy January 26, 2022

A VA loan refinance can help you reduce your monthly payment or take cash out. Discover the pros and cons of your options.

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Upfront costs of buying a home: What you need to save for

UncategorizedBy January 25, 2022

Learn about the upfront costs of buying a home so you know exactly what you need to save for as a first-time home buyer.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 25, 2022

UncategorizedBy January 25, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady yesterday. Another fall had seemed likely but some markets whiplashed yesterday, meaning they changed direction sharply. First thing this morning,

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 24, 2022

UncategorizedBy January 24, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower again last Friday. That week’s falls have been welcome. But they don’t even restore rates to their level the previous

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Guide to mortgage tax deductions for your 2021 taxes

UncategorizedBy January 24, 2022

If you itemize your taxes you can make mortgage tax deductions. But what’s deductible and what isn’t? Here’s our helpful guide.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 22, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy January 22, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell a little yesterday. The end of this week was kinder than the start. But mortgage rates still closed on Friday a

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4 Ways to negotiate lower mortgage rates

UncategorizedBy January 21, 2022

Believe it or not, you can negotiate mortgage rates. But you have to know how to work the lending system. Learn how to negotiate your mortgage rate here.

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Six tips to find the lowest VA mortgage rates

UncategorizedBy January 21, 2022

Are you sure you’re getting the lowest VA mortgage rates possible? Don’t risk paying too much. Instead, read this guide for pro tips.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 19, 2022

UncategorizedBy January 21, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose moderately yesterday. Just over a year ago, these rates hit their all-time low: 2.65%. But now they’re mostly closer to 4%

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FHA for first-time home buyers: Why use an FHA loan?

UncategorizedBy January 21, 2022

Explore benefits of the FHA loan for first-time home buyers, including low down payments and flexible loan requirements.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 20, 2022

UncategorizedBy January 21, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell modestly yesterday. Of course, such a small fall was barely noticeable after the sharp rises we’ve been seeing over the last

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 21, 2022

UncategorizedBy January 21, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower yesterday but only by the smallest measurable amount. Of course, those rates are high by recent standards. But they remain

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 18, 2022

UncategorizedBy January 18, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose appreciably on Friday, returning them to their two-year high. But remember, these rates remain incredibly low by historical standards. Unfortunately, first

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Should you build or buy a house in 2022?: Cost comparison

UncategorizedBy January 18, 2022

Is it cheaper to build or buy a house? Endless variables can change the answer. But this article can help you weigh the costs and benefits of both options.

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First-time home buyer government programs for 2022

UncategorizedBy January 17, 2022

First-time home buyer government programs include special loan options, down payment assistance, and homebuyer education. Learn more here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 15, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy January 15, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose appreciably yesterday. The terrible start to 2022 has continued, despite a couple of worthwhile falls. And those rates are back up

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Debt-to-income ratio for mortgage explained

UncategorizedBy January 14, 2022

Learn how to calculate your Debt-to-Income (DTI). See which mortgage programs and mortgage rates may be available to you.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 14, 2022

UncategorizedBy January 14, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates moved moderately higher yesterday after two days of falls. They haven’t yet reached their recent high, but they’re not far off. However,

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 13, 2022

UncategorizedBy January 13, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates moved lower yesterday by a worthwhile amount. But they’re still a long way off regaining the ground they’ve lost so far this

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Should you refinance before retirement?

UncategorizedBy January 13, 2022

Refinancing your mortgage before retirement has its benefits, but it may not make sense for everyone. Learn if you should refinance before retirement.

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How a mortgage refinance could affect your taxes

UncategorizedBy January 13, 2022

Does refinancing affect taxes? It might. But not necessarily in the ways you think. Here’s what you should know.

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How much will home prices slow down in 2022?

UncategorizedBy January 13, 2022

The rate of home price growth surged to never-before-seen heights in 2021. That should drop in 2022 but by how much?

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 12, 2022

UncategorizedBy January 12, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates moved moderately lower yesterday. Although the news was obviously welcome, it barely made a dent in the large rises we’ve been seeing

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How to get a mortgage: Explained by a loan officer (Podcast)

UncategorizedBy January 12, 2022

Learn how to get a mortgage, choose a lender, and find the best deal on your home loan in this episode of The Mortgage Reports Podcast.

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Pros and cons of buying points on a mortgage loan in 2022

UncategorizedBy January 11, 2022

Mortgage points affect the interest rate you get when you finance a home. When is it smart to buy mortgage points, and when should you avoid them?

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 7, 2022

UncategorizedBy January 11, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Apologies for the late publication of today’s mortgage rates report, which was down to a technical issue. Average mortgage rates climbed quite sharply yesterday. Overall,

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What are your chances of mortgage approval?

UncategorizedBy January 11, 2022

Many home buyers wonder if they can get approved for a mortgage. Learn what lenders are looking for and how to increases your chances of mortgage approval.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 8, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy January 11, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates nudged higher again yesterday. It’s been a dreadful start to 2022 for those who haven’t locked their rates yet. There have been

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Creative strategies to buy a house in 2022

UncategorizedBy January 11, 2022

With home prices up and inventory down, buying a house in 2022 can take some creativity. Here’s what the experts say you should do.

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What upcoming Fed rate hikes mean for your mortgage

UncategorizedBy January 11, 2022

The Fed could rates interest sooner than expected in 2022. Here’s what it means for your mortgage rate if you hope to buy or refinance.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 11, 2022

UncategorizedBy January 11, 2022

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose sharply yesterday. When they started that morning, a modest rise had looked likely. There may be better news in store. Mortgage

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States and cities with the cheapest houses in 2022

UncategorizedBy January 11, 2022

Home prices are on the rise in 2022. But you may still find affordable houses in these states and cities.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Oct. 14, 2021

UncategorizedBy October 15, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. Phew! That was the first fall in 10 calendar days and felt overdue. Today’s rates may feel high. But

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Oregon First-Time Home Buyer: 2021 Programs and Grants

UncategorizedBy October 14, 2021

An Oregon first-time home buyer can access loads of support and assistance — often including cash help with their down payment.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Oct. 13, 2021

UncategorizedBy October 13, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged higher again yesterday. But that may have been lenders catching up with rises that they failed to implement last Friday. This

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Michigan First-Time Home Buyer: 2021 Programs and Grants

UncategorizedBy October 13, 2021

Michigan first-time home buyers have plenty of options, from low-down-payment loans to home buyer grants and other assistance.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Oct. 12, 2021

UncategorizedBy October 12, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Bond markets were closed yesterday. But average mortgage rates edged higher last Friday. And that means that they were at their highest since the spring.

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Freddie Mac HomeOne Loan: Program guide and requirements

UncategorizedBy October 12, 2021

Freddie Mac’s HomeOne loan can help first-time home buyers qualify with a low down payment and flexible requirements. Find out if HomeOne is right for you.

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A seller rejected my VA loan offer. What can I do now?

UncategorizedBy October 11, 2021

In can be harder to get a VA loan offer accepted in a competitive market. Learn why some sellers don’t like VA loans and how to improve your chances.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Oct. 9, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy October 9, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates only edged a bit higher yesterday. But that was enough to take them to their highest level since April. The good news

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Oct. 8, 2021

UncategorizedBy October 8, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged higher yesterday. That means we haven’t seen a fall since Monday. Still, these rates remain extraordinarily low by historical standards. This

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Oct. 7, 2021

UncategorizedBy October 7, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady yesterday, dodging the bullet of another rise, which had looked likely early that day. These rates may currently feel high

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Oct. 6, 2021

UncategorizedBy October 6, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose yesterday. Although we’ve seen some falls recently, those rates are significantly higher than they were in mid-September. And, overall, they’ve had

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Oct. 5, 2021

UncategorizedBy October 6, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower yesterday. That was a pleasant surprise. Because it had looked likely that they’d rise earlier that day. This morning, markets

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Is it still a bad time to buy a house?

UncategorizedBy October 6, 2021

The 2021 housing market has been tough. But is it still a bad time to buy a house? Fall markets are typically better, and 2021 should be no exception.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Oct. 4, 2021

UncategorizedBy October 5, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell again last Friday. But we’re only back to rises and falls more or less canceling each other out. And it’s too

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Nine ways to lower your monthly mortgage payment

UncategorizedBy October 5, 2021

A lower monthly mortgage payment can free up your budget and save you thousands long-term. Here are 9 ways to lower your mortgage payments now.

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New mortgage proposed for low-income, first-time homebuyers

UncategorizedBy October 4, 2021

A new bill in Congress aims to provide a hugely valuable boost to low-income first-time homebuyers. Find out if you might benefit.

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Buying a house with low income or poor credit? Consider a co-borrower

UncategorizedBy October 2, 2021

It’s tough to buy a house with low income or poor credit. A co-borrower can help. Learn when to consider buying with a co-borrower and what to expect.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Oct. 2, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy October 2, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell again yesterday. That’s great news. But it’s much too soon to treat recent decreases as a trend. It’s possible they’ll turn

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Oct. 1, 2021

UncategorizedBy October 1, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower again yesterday as key infrastructure legislation stalled in Congress. These rates remain extraordinarily low by almost every historical standard. But

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Who has the best cash-out refinance rates for 2021?

UncategorizedBy September 30, 2021

Finding the best cash-out refinance rate can maximize the vale you get from your home equity. See which lenders have the lowest cash-out rates and fees.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 30, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 30, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates did fall yesterday. But only by the smallest measurable amount. Of course, these rates remain incredibly low by historical standards. But they’re

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Mortgage rates spike above 3%. Are record rates gone for good?

UncategorizedBy September 30, 2021

30-Year mortgage rates just passed 3% for the first time since June. And with big changes driven by the Fed, higher rates could be here to stay this time.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 29, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 29, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose yet again yesterday. But it was a modest rise and nothing like as damaging as appeared possible first thing that morning.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 28, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 29, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose yet again yesterday. But only by the smallest measurable amount. Hopes that yesterday’s tiny fall represented an end to recent rises

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Ohio First-Time Home Buyer: 2021 Programs and Grants

UncategorizedBy September 29, 2021

First-time home buyers in Ohio can access plenty of help, from special loan programs to cash assistance with their down payments. Learn more here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 27, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 28, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose again last Friday. But, luckily, the increase was much more moderate than the one on the previous day. These rates remain

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Maryland First-Time Home Buyer 2021: Programs and Grants

UncategorizedBy September 28, 2021

Maryland first-time home buyers can use a wide variety of loan programs and grants to help them purchase a home. Learn about your options here.

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Refinance for home improvements: 5 Renovation loans

UncategorizedBy September 27, 2021

Refinancing can be a great way to pay for home improvements, whether you use a cash-out refi or a renovation refinance loan. Explore your options here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 25, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy September 26, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose yet again yesterday. Thank heavens the rise was much less sharp than Thursday’s. Still, those rates on Friday evening were roughly

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 24, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 25, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose significantly yesterday. It may have been a delayed reaction to the Federal Reserve’s events on Wednesday. But other factors might have

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How to refinance without an appraisal: 3 Strategies

UncategorizedBy September 24, 2021

It may be possible to refinance without an appraisal, but only if you meet certain requirements. Learn about appraisal waivers and no-appraisal refinancing.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 23, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 23, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates just inched higher yesterday. So we dodged a bullet as the Federal Reserve decided yesterday to kick its can just a little

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2% Mortgage rates could disappear “soon,” per Fed meeting

UncategorizedBy September 23, 2021

Following a Fed meeting on Sept. 22, it looks highly likely that mortgage rates will rise soon — potentially as early as October or November.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 22, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 23, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady yesterday. It’s as if key markets are holding their breath as they await the Federal Reserve’s crucial statement (2 p.m.

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Home equity loan vs. mortgage: Differences, pros and cons

UncategorizedBy September 22, 2021

When you want to pull cash from your home, you’ll need to decide between a home equity loan vs. mortgage. Here’s how to choose wisely.

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What to know as a first-time home buyer: Tips from a mortgage expert

UncategorizedBy September 21, 2021

There’s plenty you’ll want to know as a first-time home buyer. Here are 10 of the best tips from mortgage advisor Ivan Simental to help you get started.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 21, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 21, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. It was a welcome relief after much bigger rises at the end of last week. But, of course, current

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 20, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 20, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose appreciably last Friday. I wasn’t expecting that. And I explored the likely reasons In last Saturday’s weekend edition of this column.

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Should I refinance now? Top 4 reasons to refinance (Podcast)

UncategorizedBy September 20, 2021

Here are four good reasons to refinance now, according to mortgage expert Arjun Dhingra. Find out if a refinance is the right move for you.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 18, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy September 19, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose appreciably yesterday. That was unexpected. So read on to discover what happened. Next week brings a potentially pivotal event for mortgage

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 17, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 18, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates nudged higher yesterday. It wasn’t a big jump. But it very nearly wiped out recent falls. Still, these rates remain uberlow. First

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 16, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 17, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady yesterday. So they remain extraordinarily low. It’s looking as if mortgage rates today may nudge upward. This morning’s retail sales

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Texas cash-out refinance guide: 2021 Rules and requirements

UncategorizedBy September 16, 2021

Cash-out refinance rules in Texas are a little different from the rest of the country. Learn about current Texas cash-out refi requirements and guidelines.

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Lower rates coming for investment properties, second homes

UncategorizedBy September 16, 2021

Investment property and second home loans should be getting cheaper, as the FHFA has paused a rule that was increasing rates and fees.

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Should I use my builder’s preferred lender? Pros and cons

UncategorizedBy September 15, 2021

If you’re buying a new construction home, the builder may have a preferred mortgage lender. Should you work with this company? Here are the pros and cons.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 15, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 15, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower yesterday. And the last time they rose was a week earlier. All this is fantastic news, given how low these

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What not to do before buying a house: 7 Mistakes to avoid

UncategorizedBy September 14, 2021

Here are 7 things you should never do before buying a house. Follow these best practices to give yourself the best shot at mortgage approval and a low rate.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 14, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 14, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady yesterday. So they remain close to the all-time low. Judging from early activity in markets, mortgage rates today may ease

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 13, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 13, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower again last Friday. But, with rises almost canceling out falls, the week ended very close to where it started. Still,

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Jumbo vs. conventional loans: Which is better?

UncategorizedBy September 13, 2021

Learn all you need to know about jumbo vs. conventional loans. Explore interest rates, requirements, and who should use which loan type.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 11, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy September 11, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower yesterday. But they’ve barely moved over the week as rises and falls continue to all but cancel each other out.

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Georgia First-Time Home Buyer: 2021 Programs and Grants

UncategorizedBy September 10, 2021

If you’re a Georgia first-time buyer, you’re in luck. The state offers loads of help — perhaps including cash assistance with your down payment.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 10, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 10, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower again yesterday. So they show little sign of moving out of the narrow range within which they’ve been drifting without

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 9, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 10, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower yesterday. Phew! That drop came after five straight business days without a fall. But, even so, those rates never strayed

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 8, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 9, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged higher again yesterday. And it’s been more than a week since they fell. But don’t panic. They’re still extraordinarily low. And,

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Minnesota First-Time Home Buyer: 2021 Programs and Grants

UncategorizedBy September 9, 2021

Minnesota first-time home buyers have access to resources, special mortgage programs, and even grants or loan to help them buy a home.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 7, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 8, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged higher last Friday. But, overall, those rates barely moved last week. Unfortunately, early movements in markets this morning suggest mortgage rates

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Freddie Mac Home Possible mortgage: 2021 Guidelines

UncategorizedBy September 8, 2021

The Freddie Mac Home Possible mortgage is a low-down-payment loan program meant to help low-income families buy or refinance a home.

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3 Downsides of refinancing a mortgage, and when it’s worth it

UncategorizedBy September 7, 2021

There are a few downsides to refinancing. But if you can lower your rate, payment, and overall cost, refinancing is often worth it. Learn more here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 4, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy September 5, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose yesterday — and over the week. However, the changes have been tiny, with rises and falls continuing to very nearly cancel

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 3, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 4, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched higher yesterday. But the increase was so small that many lenders won’t have changed their rates, and will instead have increased

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 2, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 2, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched higher yesterday. But only by the smallest measurable amount. So they remain uberlow. This morning, Freddie Mac revealed that these rates

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How inflation affects investments and real estate (Podcast)

UncategorizedBy September 1, 2021

How does inflation affect investments — and in particular, real estate? Learn about housing and inflation, and whether it makes sense to buy right now.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Sept. 1, 2021

UncategorizedBy September 1, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady yesterday. So they remain exceptionally low. It’s looking likely that mortgage rates today will remain unchanged or edge upward. The

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What’s the best way to use home equity? (Podcast)

UncategorizedBy August 31, 2021

Many U.S. homeowners are equity-rich. As home values rise, so do equity levels. Learn about the 4 best ways to use home equity.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 31, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 31, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. And they remain exceptionally low while drifting within the tight range that has been around for a few weeks

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Home Loans for Nurses: 2021 Mortgage programs and grants

UncategorizedBy August 30, 2021

Are there home loans for nurses? You bet! Indeed there aren’t just special home loans for nurses, there are even grants to help you buy a home.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 30, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 30, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates nudged down last Friday. But, overall, there was no change over the week. And recent daily movements have generally canceled each other

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 28, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy August 28, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates nudged lower yesterday. But the week’s rises and falls have canceled each other out. And Friday evening’s average rate was precisely the

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How to shop for a mortgage: Tips to compare quotes and rates

UncategorizedBy August 27, 2021

Shopping for a mortgage can easily save you hundreds or thousands. Learn how to shop for a mortgage and effectively compare quotes and interest rates.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 27, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 27, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady yesterday. Once again, they changed direction during the day. Mortgage rates today are unpredictable. That’s less of a cop-out than

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 26, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 27, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates nudged higher yesterday. And they’re now near the top of the narrow change within which they’ve been moving for a month or

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 25, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 26, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower yesterday, effectively canceling out Monday’s equally tiny rise. So those rates remain becalmed for the time being. And that’s a

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 24, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 25, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates moved higher yesterday. But only by the smallest measurable amount. So they remain exceptionally low. And mortgage rates today look likely to

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North American Savings Bank (NASB) Mortgage Review for 2021

UncategorizedBy August 25, 2021

Review of North American Savings Bank mortgages showing how NASB compares to other top lenders for mortgage rates, loan options, and service.

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U.S. homeowners have $153K “tappable” home equity on average

UncategorizedBy August 24, 2021

American homeowners have never before had so much home equity. But how do you take equity out of your home? And should you? Learn more here.

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North Carolina First-Time Home Buyer: 2021 Programs and Grants

UncategorizedBy August 23, 2021

Discover loan programs, grants, and home buying help for North Carolina first-time home buyers. Buying a home in NC may be easier than you think.

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Massachusetts First-Time Home Buyer: 2021 Programs and Grants

UncategorizedBy August 23, 2021

Massachusetts first-time home buyers can take advantage of special loan programs and even home buying grants, in some cases. Learn more here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 23, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 23, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady last Friday. And they ended the week just a shade lower than they started it. So they remain near their

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 21, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy August 21, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady yesterday. And the same goes for the week, too. They fell by an almost imperceptible amount over those five business

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 20, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 20, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell yesterday, wiping out Wednesday’s rise. And they begin this morning just a shade lower than they were at the same time

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 19, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 19, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates nudged higher yesterday. Since the start of August, on business days, we’ve had six falls and six rises, plus one no-movement day,

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 18, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 19, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady yesterday. They’re still higher than they were at the start of the month. But recent falls have taken the edge

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Should I refinance or pay extra toward my mortgage?

UncategorizedBy August 19, 2021

Should you refinance or pay extra? That depends on your current mortgage and your financial goals. Explore the pros and cons of both options.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 17, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 18, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yet again yesterday. So they’re heading the right way. However, recent falls have been smaller than recent rises. So there’s

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Wyndham Capital Mortgage Review for 2021

UncategorizedBy August 18, 2021

Wyndham Capital mortgage review showing how Wyndham Capital compares to other top lenders for mortgage rates, customer service, and loan options.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 16, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 17, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower last Friday. But, in spite of that making three consecutive days of falls, those rates were higher on Friday evening

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15 vs. 30-Year Mortgage: Which is best?

UncategorizedBy August 17, 2021

What’s better, a 15-year or 30-year mortgage loan? Explore the pros and cons of 15 vs. 30-year mortgages and compare rates and costs.

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Can I buy a house without a 2-year job history? (Podcast)

UncategorizedBy August 16, 2021

You typically need a two-year job history to buy a house. But there are exceptions to that rule. Learn how to buy a house without a two-year job history.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 14, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy August 15, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower yesterday. Although that makes three consecutive business days of falls, the week ends with those rates higher. Because Monday and

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 13, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 14, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates just inched lower yesterday. But the drop was even smaller than Wednesday’s. And they barely made a dent in recent increases. Still,

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Why your mortgage credit score is lower than you think

UncategorizedBy August 13, 2021

Your mortgage lender might pull up a lower credit score than you thought you had. Here’s why, and how to check the right credit score before you apply.

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New mortgage rule makes it easier for renters to buy homes

UncategorizedBy August 12, 2021

A new rule from Fannie Mae will help renters buy homes. If you have little or no credit history, rent payments can now help you qualify for a mortgage.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 12, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 12, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. That was a welcome relief after five straight business days of rises. Early movements in markets this morning suggest

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4 Types of down payment assistance explained (Podcast)

UncategorizedBy August 11, 2021

Down payment assistance can help put you in a home if you’re short on cash savings. Learn about 4 kinds of down payment assistance and how they work.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 11, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 11, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates moved higher again yesterday. Each recent rise has been moderate or modest. But they’re beginning to add up. Still, those rates remain

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 10, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 10, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates moved higher again yesterday. Let’s not get carried away yet. They’re still extraordinarily low. And you have to go back only to

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Is the VA Streamline Refinance (VA IRRRL) worth it?

UncategorizedBy August 10, 2021

The VA Streamline Refinance (IRRRL) can be a fast and easy way to lower your VA mortgage rate and payment. But when is refinancing worth it?

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 9, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 10, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose appreciably last Friday. It was the end of a bad week for mortgage rates. But they remain extraordinarily low by any

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Virginia First-Time Home Buyer: 2021 Programs and Grants

UncategorizedBy August 10, 2021

First-time home buyers in Virginia have access to special loan programs, grants, and resources that can help ease the home buying process. Learn more here.

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Pennsylvania First-Time Home Buyer: 2021 Programs and Grants

UncategorizedBy August 10, 2021

First-time home buyers in Pennsylvania have access to special loan programs, grants, and resources that can help ease the home buying process. Learn more.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 7, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy August 8, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose yesterday. And, after three consecutive business days of rises, they’re back up to a level last seen on July 20. That’s

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 6, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 7, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose again yesterday. And they begin this Friday only a little lower than they did this time last week. This morning’s excellent

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 5, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 6, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates unexpectedly edged higher yesterday. Read on to discover how a speech by a senior Federal Reserve figure managed to turn markets around.

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The best mortgage lenders for first-time buyers: 2021

UncategorizedBy August 5, 2021

The best mortgage lenders for first-time buyers offer helpful guidance, flexible loan programs, and great customer service. Explore your options here.

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loanDepot Review for 2021

UncategorizedBy August 4, 2021

loanDepot mortgage review showing how the company compares to other top lenders for mortgage rates, customer service, and loan options.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 4, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 4, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged yet lower yesterday. I wouldn’t have believed it possible, but just a day or two of further falls could see them

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Newrez Mortgage Review for 2021

UncategorizedBy August 4, 2021

Newrez mortgage review showing how Newrez compares to other top lenders for mortgage rates, loan options, and customer service reviews.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 3, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 3, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates nudged down again yesterday. And they’re now within touching distance of the all-time low. First thing this morning, it was looking as

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Are cash-out refinance rates higher? 2021 Cash-out refi rates

UncategorizedBy August 3, 2021

Cash-out refinance rates are a little higher than standard refi rates. But savvy shoppers can still find a great deal. Learn about cash-out refi rates here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, August 2, 2021

UncategorizedBy August 2, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged down last Friday. So they start August at their lowest point for several months. And are tantalizingly close to their all-time

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NACA Home Buying Program: What it is and how it works

UncategorizedBy August 2, 2021

The NACA program is a special mortgage with no down payment or closing costs. But only certain home buyers qualify with NACA. Learn more here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 31, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy July 31, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged downward yesterday. And the mostly slow drift toward lower rates continues. Mortgage rates may well continue to drift lower next week.

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How to become a landlord in 2021: Start earning rental income

UncategorizedBy July 30, 2021

Learn how to become a landlord in 7 steps; from buying a rental property to managing and maintaining your home(s). Here’s all you need to know.

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If I make $50K a year, how much house can I afford?

UncategorizedBy July 30, 2021

You may be able to buy a home on $50,000 a year with today’s low interest rates and special mortgage programs. Learn more here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 30, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 30, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower yesterday. We’ve been having these tiny ups and downs all week. And they really make very little difference. Early movements

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 29, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 29, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched higher yesterday. But such a tiny rise is likely to make little material difference to your monthly payment or closing costs.

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Zillow Home Loans Review for 2021

UncategorizedBy July 28, 2021

Zillow Home Loans review showing how Zillow compares to other top lenders for mortgage rates, loan options, and customer service.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 28, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 28, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Yet again, average mortgage rates inched lower yesterday. And the cumulative effect of all the falls since the middle of the month has been more

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Pros and cons of a 20 percent down payment (Podcast)

UncategorizedBy July 28, 2021

You don’t need 20 percent down to buy a house. And even if you have the cash, putting 20 down might not be the best move. Explore your options here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 27, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 28, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower again yesterday. It was the smallest measurable fall. But it set a new recent low. And brought this morning’s rates

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Is it better to pay points for a lower mortgage rate?

UncategorizedBy July 26, 2021

Should you pay discount points for a lower mortgage rate? The savings can be huge. But discount points aren’t right for everyone. Learn more here.

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New Biden mortgage relief plan cuts payments by 25%

UncategorizedBy July 26, 2021

A new mortgage relief plan from President Biden will reduce mortgage payments by 20 to 25 percent for eligible borrowers. Learn about relief options here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 26, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 26, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower last Friday. So these rates are now back down to their lowest level in several months. And are tantalizingly close

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 24, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy July 24, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell again yesterday. But only by the smallest measurable amount. Those rates would likely have risen this week were it not for

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Bank statement mortgages for self-employed and contract workers

UncategorizedBy July 23, 2021

Learn how to qualify for a mortgage with self-employed, seasonal or freelance income. There are no tax documents required for this mortgage program.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 23, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 23, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell yesterday. At least this time we have a pretty good idea why. It was probably that morning’s disappointing weekly unemployment data.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 22, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 22, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged higher yesterday. But, of course, they remain very close indeed to their lowest levels in history (or, rather, since the 1970s

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How to make a cash offer on a house — with or without cash

UncategorizedBy July 21, 2021

Learn how to make a cash offer on a house and improve your chances in a bidding war. Today, there are even cash offer options for buyers without cash.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 21, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 21, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates just edged a little lower yesterday. Still, they set a new recent low and inched closer to the all-time low. But it’s

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Guide to writing a mortgage letter of explanation (with template)

UncategorizedBy July 20, 2021

A mortgage letter of explanation may be required if there are red flags on your application. Here’s a simple guide to writing a letter of explanation.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 20, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 20, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell appreciably yesterday. That’s four consecutive business days of falls. And they’re now exceptionally low; not a million miles from their all-time

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 19, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 19, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell by a worthwhile amount on Friday. That was a surprise. Because market activity first thing that morning suggested a modest rise.

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Refinance rates fall as Adverse Market Refi Fee is removed

UncategorizedBy July 19, 2021

The Adverse Market Refinance Fee made it more expensive to refinance over the last year. Now, that fee has been removed. Learn more here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 17, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy July 18, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates unexpectedly fell yesterday. And by a worthwhile amount. They’re still a way off their all-time low, set in January. But they’re inching

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Down payment assistance programs in every state for 2021

UncategorizedBy July 17, 2021

Down payment assistance is widely available, but many who qualify don’t even know about it. Find out if you qualify for home buying help.

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How soon can you refinance? No waiting period for some

UncategorizedBy July 17, 2021

How soon can you refinance? Most homeowners have no waiting period, or only have to wait six months after buying or refinancing. Learn more here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 16, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 17, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell moderately yesterday, taking them close to their lowest point over the last month. And, indeed, within sight of their all-time low.

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Home loans for teachers: 9 programs with big savings

UncategorizedBy July 16, 2021

Teacher mortgage programs can offer savings on your down payment and closing costs. But are teacher home loans a better deal than ‘standard’ mortgages?

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 15, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 16, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. And they’re now appreciably lower than they have been on most days over the last month. Mortgage rates today

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Expert tips for buying a house with bad credit (Podcast)

UncategorizedBy July 16, 2021

Buying a house with bad credit can be challenging — but it’s not impossible. Here are a few expert tips to successfully get a mortgage with lower credit.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 14, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 15, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged higher again yesterday. That’s three rises on consecutive business days. And they’re beginning to make a dent in last week’s falls.

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Can I unlock a mortgage if interest rates drop? | 2 Strategies

UncategorizedBy July 15, 2021

Can you unlock a mortgage if interest rates fall after locking in? Learn about your options for getting a lower rate after locking.

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The refinance process in 6 steps: Timeline to closing

UncategorizedBy July 14, 2021

With mortgage rates at historic lows, refinancing is a great way to save money. But what does the refinance process actually look like? Find out here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 13, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 14, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates nudged moderately higher yesterday. But they still remain within the lower end of the limited range within which they’ve been moving for

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I got an MI removal notification letter. What does this mean?

UncategorizedBy July 14, 2021

If you receive an MI removal notification letter, what should you do? Read this to discover how MI works, and how to remove MIP or PMI from your home loan.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 12, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 13, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched higher last Friday. But that was the first rise in a week. And these rates remain exceptionally low by recent and

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Who should buy a house in 2021, and who should wait?

UncategorizedBy July 12, 2021

Should you buy a home right now? That depends on your budget, location, and financial plans. Learn about the pros and cons of buying a house right now.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 10, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy July 11, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates just inched higher yesterday. But that was the first increase this week. And they’re appreciably lower than they were last Friday. So,

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 9, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 10, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates nudged lower yesterday. And they’re now equaling their lowest level in the last month. However, there were signs this morning that this

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 8, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 9, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell appreciably yesterday. They’re still not as low as they were immediately before the mid-June spike. But they’re now very close. It’s

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New Jersey First-Time Home Buyer: 2021 Programs and Grants

UncategorizedBy July 9, 2021

New Jersey first-time home buyers can access a wealth of resources, loan programs, and even financial assistance. Here’s what home buyers in NJ should know.

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New York First-Time Home Buyer: 2021 Programs and Grants

UncategorizedBy July 8, 2021

New York first-time home buyers have access to a wide range of advice, loan programs, and down payment assistance grants. Learn more here.

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How to buy a house with your parents or adult child: 2021

UncategorizedBy July 8, 2021

Buying a house with parents or an adult child can be more affordable and more convenient. But the process is a little more complicated. Here’s what to know.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 7, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 8, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. It was nothing dramatic. But it was welcome nonetheless. Things were looking good for those rates first thing. However,

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The best cash-out refinance lenders 2021: Rates and reviews

UncategorizedBy July 7, 2021

The best cash-out refinance lenders offer low interest rates, affordable fees, and great service. Learn more about the 8 best cash-out lenders here.

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8 Quick tips to lower your home buying costs in 2021

UncategorizedBy July 6, 2021

The cost of buying a home is on the rise. But don’t give up. Home buying can still be affordable if you follow these 8 tips to lower your costs.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 6, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 6, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower again last Friday, which was a good way to enter the long weekend. But, overall, they’re slowly drifting back down

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 3, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy July 4, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. Because markets shrugged off that day’s better-than-expected employment situation report. More on that below. Once again, I’m guessing that

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Jumbo loan down payment requirements for 2021

UncategorizedBy July 3, 2021

You used to need a 20% or 30% down payment to get a jumbo mortgage. But today, you can find jumbo loans as low as 5% down and no mortgage insurance.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 2, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 3, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched higher yesterday. So the tiny up-and-down movements continue. This morning’s jobs report turned out better than all but the most optimistic

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U.S. Added 850,000 Jobs In June—More Than Experts Expected—As Labor Market Recovery Gains Steam

UncategorizedBy July 2, 2021

The unemployment rate in June was 5.9%.

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Better Mortgage Review for 2021

UncategorizedBy July 2, 2021

Better Mortgage review showing how Better compares for mortgage rates, home loan products offered, and customer service reviews.

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HIRO Mortgage Program 2021: High LTV Refinance Option

UncategorizedBy July 2, 2021

The HIRO program (high-LTV refinance option) lets homeowners refinance into today’s low mortgage rates with little or no equity and easier documentation.

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Cash-out refinance an investment property: 2021 guidelines

UncategorizedBy July 2, 2021

A cash out refinance on a rental property is a great way to get money out of your investment. Especially with refinance rates near all-time lows.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, July 1, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 2, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. So July started as June finished: unexcitingly. Just remember: That old saying, “May you live in interesting times,” was

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130 Countries Agree To Biden-Backed 15% Global Minimum Tax

UncategorizedBy July 1, 2021

The Biden Administration wants to prevent the world’s largest companies from avoiding taxes by shifting profits abroad.

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Flagstar Mortgage Review for 2021

UncategorizedBy July 1, 2021

Flagstar mortgage review showing how Flagstar Bank compares to other top lenders for mortgage rates, loan options, and customer service.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 30, 2021

UncategorizedBy July 1, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower yesterday. But, barring surprises today, June looks set to end with those rates higher than they were at the beginning

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0% Down home loan proposed for teachers, first responders

UncategorizedBy June 30, 2021

A new bill aims to create a zero-down home loan program for teachers, firefighters, police, and other first responders. Here’s what you should know.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 29, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 30, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates were again unchanged yesterday. They really are in the doldrums. But, given what happened last time they got “exciting,” you’re probably happy

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Here’s Which States Received The Most From Recent $1,400 Stimulus Payments

UncategorizedBy June 29, 2021

Almost $390 billion in relief money has been distributed to Americans since President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan In March.

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Caliber Home Loans Review for 2021

UncategorizedBy June 28, 2021

Caliber review showing how Caliber Home Loans compares to other top mortgage lenders for mortgage rates, customer service, and loan options.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 28, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 28, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates were unchanged last Friday. And they ended that week a little lower than they were when they started it. Yet again, mortgage

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VA home loan requirements for 2021: How to qualify

UncategorizedBy June 28, 2021

Learn about minimum requirements for a VA home loan. Find out if you qualify based on credit score, income, loan limits, and property requirements.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 26, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy June 27, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates were unchanged yesterday. So they’re just a little lower than they were a week ago. But way higher than two weeks ago.

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How to make a winning offer on a house: 7 Strategies

UncategorizedBy June 26, 2021

Making an offer on a house can be scary, especially if you want it very badly. Here’s how to make a successful offer, or at least avoid making a bad one.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 25, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 26, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower yesterday. Contrary to media reports based on Freddie Mac’s weekly survey, those rates are actually a bit lower than they

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New Poll Finds 52% Of Americans Believe $300 Weekly Federal Unemployment Boost Should End Immediately

UncategorizedBy June 25, 2021

At least 12 states have already stopped paying the benefit.

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What happens after underwriting? Mortgage approval and closing

UncategorizedBy June 24, 2021

Final approval from the underwriter is a big step, but it’s not the last step. Your lender will conduct a final review and some quality control.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 24, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 24, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell yesterday — and by a worthwhile amount. They’re still a long way above where they were at the start of last

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Peter Thiel Has Accumulated $5 Billion In A Tax Free Roth IRA Designed To Help The Middle Class Save For Retirement, According To New Report

UncategorizedBy June 24, 2021

Here’s how he did it.

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My home appraised below purchase price. What now?

UncategorizedBy June 24, 2021

What happens if your home appraisal is lower than the purchase price? Or your refinance appraisal comes in too low? Here are your next steps.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 23, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 24, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched higher yesterday. That makes three consecutive business days on which they’ve moved by only the smallest measurable amount: up, down and

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PrimeLending Mortgage Review for 2021

UncategorizedBy June 23, 2021

PrimeLending mortgage review showing how PrimeLending compares to other top lenders for mortgage rates, customer service, and loan options.

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What are mortgage teaser rates? Teaser rates explained

UncategorizedBy June 22, 2021

A mortgage teaser rate is a low introductory rate that can rise later on. These interest rates offer great deals, but they can be risky. Learn more here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 22, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 22, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower yesterday. And that was enough to wipe out Friday’s equally tiny rise. But nearly all the damage wreaked last week

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Late-2021 mortgage rate predictions: How high will rates go?

UncategorizedBy June 21, 2021

Will rates drop again in 2021? Or will they keep going up? We asked 10 experts for their mortgage rate predictions. Here’s what we found.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 21, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 21, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates just inched higher last Friday. It brought to an end a very bad week for those rates. Global markets have been volatile

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As Vice President Harris Talks Up Child Tax Credit, Here’s What You Really Need To Know About Monthly Payments Starting In July

UncategorizedBy June 21, 2021

Payments will hit bank accounts every month between July and December.

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A Big Bipartisan Deal On Infrastructure Is Unlikely, Making Democrat-Backed Tax Hikes More Likely, According To Goldman Sachs

UncategorizedBy June 21, 2021

Here’s how Wall Street analysts see Washington drama playing out.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 19, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy June 19, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose yesterday, though only by the smallest measurable amount. Still, that came as a relief after a solid week of rises that

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USDA eligibility and income limits: 2021 USDA mortgage

UncategorizedBy June 18, 2021

Learn about current USDA eligibility requirements and income limits to qualify for a zero-down USDA mortgage.

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First-time home buyer loans: Low or no money down (Podcast)

UncategorizedBy June 18, 2021

This podcast covers low- and zero-down first-time home buyer loans. Get advice for home buying and paying closing costs with very little out of pocket.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 18, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 18, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose again yesterday and by a surprisingly appreciable amount. By recent standards, those rates are now high. So don’t believe Freddie Mac’s

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FHA mortgage insurance removal: Get rid of PMI or MIP

UncategorizedBy June 17, 2021

How FHA mortgage insurance premiums work, and how to cancel your monthly MIP. With the right steps, eliminate FHA MIP in 30 days or fewer.

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Closing cost assistance: Where to get it and how it works

UncategorizedBy June 17, 2021

Closing costs can take a big bite out of your savings. But there are closing cost assistance programs to help you cover the fees. Learn more here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 17, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 17, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates moved appreciably higher yesterday, as we repeatedly warned was possible. Indeed, over the last three working days, they’ve risen from their lowest

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 16, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 16, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates moved higher yesterday. But the rise was bigger than looked likely first thing. And they’re now well within the narrow range that’s

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Inflation Alarm Bells Are Ringing, So Why Didn’t The Fed Raise Rates This Month?

UncategorizedBy June 16, 2021

The central bank’s committee did acknowledge that it expects hikes at the end of 2023, earlier than its previous projections.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 15, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 16, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged higher yesterday, as expected. But they’re still a lot better than they were this time last week. As of this morning,

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Energy efficient mortgage (EEM): What it is and how it works

UncategorizedBy June 16, 2021

An energy efficient mortgage lets you buy or upgrade a green home with energy efficient improvements. Check your EEM options here.

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Here’s What Plunging Lumber Prices Tell Us About Inflation

UncategorizedBy June 15, 2021

The Fed says price spikes are transitory, but not everyone agrees.

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California First-Time Home Buyer: 2021 Programs & Grants

UncategorizedBy June 15, 2021

California has countless sources of advice, education, and financial help for first-time home buyers. Learn about programs, grants, and loan options.

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The Mortgage Reports Podcast

UncategorizedBy June 15, 2021

The Mortgage Reports Podcast hosts a range of real estate and home loan experts to help you with every stage of the home buying process. Listen now!

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How to beat an all-cash offer on a house: 7 Strategies

UncategorizedBy June 15, 2021

More buyers are making cash offers in today’s market. As a home buyer using a mortgage loan, how do you compete? Here are 7 strategies to help you win.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 14, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 15, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell last Friday. And they start this week at their lowest level in more than a month. However, it’s looking like they

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Colorado First-Time Home Buyer: 2021 Programs & Grants

UncategorizedBy June 15, 2021

First-time home buyers in Colorado have access to low- and no-money-down loan programs. Some may even qualify for grants to cover their down payment.

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IRS Opens Child Tax Credit Payment Registration Portal For Non-Filers—Here’s What You Need To Know

UncategorizedBy June 14, 2021

The first advance payment of the credit will hit bank accounts on July 15.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 12, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy June 13, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell yesterday, a possibility we predicted. But the drop was bigger than expected. And they’re now at their lowest level in more

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Guaranteed Rate Mortgage Review for 2021

UncategorizedBy June 12, 2021

Guaranteed Rate mortgage review showing how Guaranteed Rate compares to other top lenders for mortgage rates, customer service, and loan options.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 11, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 12, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates were unchanged yesterday. Many expected a rise following that day’s inflation report. And I was one of them. Markets this morning seem

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Here’s What Could Happen When $300 Unemployment Expires, According To Goldman Sachs

UncategorizedBy June 11, 2021

There are 26 states that will stop paying the federal supplement before it is set to expire on September 6.

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Gap Between CEO Pay And Worker Pay Continued To Widen During The Pandemic, New Survey Finds

UncategorizedBy June 11, 2021

More than two-thirds of companies with the highest CEO pay had larger gaps between executive and worker compensation in 2020 than they did before the pandemic.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 10, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 11, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. But the fall wasn’t as big as looked likely first thing. This morning’s consumer price index was slightly higher

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Grants for buying a home: Your down payment shortcut

UncategorizedBy June 11, 2021

Countless programs offer grants to buy a house. There are grants for first-time and repeat home buyers in every state, and some from mortgage lenders.

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34% Of Consumers Have Found A Mistake On Their Credit Report, New Survey Shows

UncategorizedBy June 10, 2021

Errors on credit reports can result in higher interest rates and loan denials.

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Mobile home refinancing: Loan options and requirements

UncategorizedBy June 10, 2021

Mobile home refinancing is possible, as long as your home meets certain requirements. Learn how to refinance a manufactured home at today’s rates.

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Who has the best mortgage rates? 2021 Lender rankings

UncategorizedBy June 10, 2021

The top 25 lenders ranked for the lowest mortgage rates and fees. Plus, tips on how to find the best mortgage rates for your unique situation.

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Prices Soared 5% On A Yearly Basis In May

UncategorizedBy June 10, 2021

It’s the highest yearly inflation rate since August 2008.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 9, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 9, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates nudged lower yesterday, as expected. It was in line with the small daily variations we’ve grown used to recently. First thing, there

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IRS Commissioner Warns Of Prosecution If Bombshell Tax Records Were Leaked Illegally To ProPublica

UncategorizedBy June 8, 2021

Using confidential IRS data, ProPublica found that the richest 25 Americans including Jeff Bezos and Warren Buffett often pay very little or no federal income tax.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 8, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 8, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady for a second consecutive business day yesterday. They’ve been moving within a narrow range for several weeks now. Judging from

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Richest Americans—Including Bezos, Musk And Buffett—Paid Federal Income Taxes Equaling Just 3.4% Of $401 Billion In New Wealth, Bombshell Report Shows

UncategorizedBy June 8, 2021

Warren Buffett, a vocal advocate of higher income taxes on the rich, paid just 0.1%–a reflection of how little income he realized compared to his wealth.

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White House Releases Plans To Shore Up Vulnerable Supply Chains And Prevent Shortages

UncategorizedBy June 8, 2021

Supply chain disruptions, especially in the semiconductor industry, have led to production slowdowns.

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Florida First-Time Home Buyer: 2021 Programs & Grants

UncategorizedBy June 8, 2021

If you’re a first-time home buyer in Florida, you stand to get plenty of help — from advice and education to down payment grants and loans. Learn more here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 7, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 8, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady last Friday, in spite of the jobs report that some found disappointing. A fall had looked more likely first thing.

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Can stipend income be used to qualify for a mortgage?

UncategorizedBy June 8, 2021

Stipend income typically doesn’t count as income for a mortgage. But it might still help you qualify. Here’s what to know before you apply.

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IRS Releases Child Tax Credit Payment Dates—Here’s When Families Can Expect Relief

UncategorizedBy June 7, 2021

Advance payments of the newly expanded and fully refundable credit of up to $3,000 per qualifying child will hit bank accounts once a month between July and December.

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Texas First-Time Home Buyer: 2021 Programs & Grants

UncategorizedBy June 7, 2021

If you’re a first-time home buyer in Texas, you could be in line for assistance. Find out how to qualify for TX first-time home buyer programs and grants.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 5, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy June 6, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates ended up holding steady yesterday. That morning, they’d looked likely to fall as a result of the employment report. But they ended

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 4, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 5, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged up yesterday. And that was typical of the gentle seesawing we’ve seen for several weeks now. So far, it’s looking as

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California And Florida Are Sending Out More Stimulus Checks. Could Your State Be Next?

UncategorizedBy June 4, 2021

Some states are flush with tax revenue and federal aid money.

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Biden: It ‘Makes Sense’ That $300 Unemployment Will End In September

UncategorizedBy June 4, 2021

Experts have said labor shortages will ease in the fall once the benefit expires and children return to school.

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U.S. Added 559,000 Jobs In May—Less Than Experts Were Expecting But Better Than April’s Dismal Data

UncategorizedBy June 4, 2021

The unemployment rate fell to 5.8%, but 9.3 million Americans are still out of work.

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Fannie Mae HomeReady mortgage: 2021 Guidelines

UncategorizedBy June 3, 2021

The Fannie Mae HomeReady loan helps low-income buyers get into a house with 3% down. Learn about HomeReady income limits, requirements, and interest rates.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 3, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 3, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. No cause to hang out the flags. But every little bit helps. So far this morning, it’s looking as

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Biden Reportedly Open To Keeping Corporate Tax Rate At 21%—But There’s A Catch

UncategorizedBy June 3, 2021

The president proposed a tax floor of 15% for some businesses that now pay less, rather than a hike of the corporate rate to 28%, the Washington Post reported.

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How much income do you need to buy the average house?

UncategorizedBy June 2, 2021

Home prices are on the rise. How much income do you need to buy a house in today’s market? With good credit and savings, it might be less than you think.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 2, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 2, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched higher again yesterday. But only by the smallest measurable amount. So far this morning, there are signs things might get better.

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Ally Bank Will Eliminate Overdraft Fees, Citing Impact On Low-Income Americans And People Of Color

UncategorizedBy June 2, 2021

The bank temporarily waived the fees during the pandemic.

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Amazon’s Big Pandemic Investment Spending Helped Set The Stage For Economic Recovery, Report Argues

UncategorizedBy June 1, 2021

The ecommerce giant spent nearly $34 billion on domestic investment last year, more than double the runners up: Verizon at $16.1 billion and AT&T at $15.6 billion.

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Is an ARM loan a good idea in 2021?

UncategorizedBy June 1, 2021

Is an ARM loan a good idea right now? If you’re thinking of getting one, you need to learn about the pros and cons of ARM loans in today’s market.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, June 1, 2021

UncategorizedBy June 1, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched higher last Friday. But they begin this week a little lower than they did last week. Unfortunately, things are looking less

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White House Releases Biden’s $6 Trillion Budget—Here’s What’s In It

UncategorizedBy May 29, 2021

The President wants to spend trillions to modernize American infrastructure and shore up support for children and families, paid for with tax hikes on corporations and the ultra-wealthy.

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Biden Budget Omits Broad Student Loan Forgiveness—Here’s Where Things Stand In Washington On Relief

UncategorizedBy May 29, 2021

With the pause in repayment of federal student loans due to end Sept. 30th, the issue is very much still alive, even if it’s not baked into the budget.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 29, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy May 29, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched a little higher yesterday. But they ended the week just a touch lower than on Monday morning. Mortgage rate movements next

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 28, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 28, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose moderately yesterday. But that wiped out only about half the gains made over the preceding days’ falls. So things are still

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Biden’s Costly Agenda Alarms Republicans, But Trump Spent Big Too

UncategorizedBy May 28, 2021

The White House will release a $6 trillion budget plan amid complaints from the GOP about wasteful spending and ruinous debt, but their guy also added to the national debt big time.

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Should I lock a mortgage rate today? Rate lock strategies

UncategorizedBy May 27, 2021

When should you lock a mortgage rate? Ideally, after you’re approved for the loan and found the lender offering your lowest rate.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 27, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 27, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower yesterday. That makes four consecutive business days of falls: three small ones and a more worthwhile one. Unfortunately, that great

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Biden Budget Will Push Federal Debt As Share Of Economy To Record Level, Report Says

UncategorizedBy May 27, 2021

The $6 trillion budget plan would take spending to the highest level since World War II.

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Democratic Governors Face Pressure From Republicans To End $300 Weekly Unemployment Benefits

UncategorizedBy May 26, 2021

A total of 24 red states have already decided to stop paying the supplement.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 26, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 26, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell further than expected yesterday. We’ll have to wait to see whether this is just one of those blips that are a

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Americans Are Mildly Optimistic About The Economy, According To New Survey—But Women And Minorities Skeptical Of Their Own Opportunities

UncategorizedBy May 26, 2021

Black Americans were more than 4 times more likely than white Americans to say that their race is a barrier to their future job opportunities.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 25, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 26, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. That’s always welcome news. But it seems to have more to do with directionless drift than an improving outlook.

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What is a good mortgage rate in today’s market?

UncategorizedBy May 26, 2021

What is a good mortgage rate? That varies by borrower and lender. Here’s how to find a good mortgage rate for your situation in today’s market.

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Here’s Why Spiking Inflation And Labor Shortages Won’t Tank The Economic Recovery, According To Experts

UncategorizedBy May 25, 2021

Moody’s chief economist Mark Zandi says the pressures will be temporary.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 24, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 25, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates barely moved last Friday. And rates ended the week slightly higher than they started it. So far this morning, it’s looking as

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Mortgage requirements are loosening for home buyers

UncategorizedBy May 25, 2021

Mortgage requirements are easing up. That’s good news for home buyers. It may be easier to buy with low credit or a low down payment than it was in 2020.

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How refinancing affects your credit score, and vice versa

UncategorizedBy May 24, 2021

Does refinancing hurt your credit? Done correctly, the effects of refinancing should be tiny. But you need to know how to protect your score.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 22, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy May 22, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates barely moved on Friday. And that brought to an end a week in which they’d edged upward. But such a small change

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White House Cuts Infrastructure Plan To $1.7 Trillion In New Offer To Republicans

UncategorizedBy May 21, 2021

Republicans and the White House met to discuss the new offer on Friday afternoon.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 21, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 21, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. The trouble is, that makes just two falls over the last nine business days. First thing, it was looking

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Labor Shortage Will Push Wages Higher, According To Bank Of America

UncategorizedBy May 21, 2021

Amazon, Chipotle, Under Armour and McDonald’s have all announced wage hikes.

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Biden Tax Enforcement Plan Includes Crypto Reporting Crackdown

UncategorizedBy May 20, 2021

New reporting requirements on crypto, along with other measures, would help raise $700 billion over the next decade.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 20, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 20, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates nudged higher yesterday. That was only a bit of a surprise. Because I warned that morning that an afternoon Federal Reserve event

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 19, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 20, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates just inched higher yesterday. So, over the previous week, we’ve had three rises, one fall and one holding steady. First thing, it

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How long does it take to close a mortgage? Timeline to close

UncategorizedBy May 20, 2021

Closing a mortgage often takes 45-60 days, depending on your loan type, application, and whether you’re buying a home or refinancing.

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Biden Administration Doesn’t Think It Can Force States To Pay $300 Unemployment Benefits, According To Report

UncategorizedBy May 20, 2021

At least 21 red states have said they will stop paying the federal supplement.

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Investment Giant Fidelity Will Let Your Teen Trade Stocks—For Free

UncategorizedBy May 19, 2021

Customers’ children as young as 13 will be eligible for their own brokerage accounts at the investment firm which is joining fintechs like Greenlight in courting the next generation of investors.

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As Fears Of Worker Shortages Grow, White House Economists Say Covid-19 Is To Blame—Not $300 Unemployment Benefits

UncategorizedBy May 19, 2021

They also expect companies to raise wages to attract workers.

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Everything Holding Up Biden’s Infrastructure Bill

UncategorizedBy May 19, 2021

Republicans and the White House appear far from a deal.

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CEOs Are The Most Confident They’ve Been In 45 Years Despite Inflation And Worker Shortage Fears

UncategorizedBy May 19, 2021

A new survey finds only 1% of CEOs think economic conditions will get worse.

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VA loan co-signers: Who can co-sign on a VA loan?

UncategorizedBy May 19, 2021

VA loan co-signers are allowed. But the co-signer must be your spouse and/or another VA-eligible borrower. Learn more about VA loan co-signers here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 18, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 19, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates were unchanged yesterday. After rises on four out of five business days last week, that was a win. It’s looking this morning

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Investment and rental property mortgage rates: How much more will you pay?

UncategorizedBy May 19, 2021

Investment property mortgage rates are above current market rates. Learn what impacts your rate and how to find the best rental property financing.

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Mortgage rates and inflation: Why are rates going up?

UncategorizedBy May 18, 2021

What’s the relationship between mortgage rates and inflation? Learn why high inflation might cause mortgage rates to go up this year.

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At Least 36 States Are Reimposing Work Search Requirements On Unemployment Benefits Recipients

UncategorizedBy May 18, 2021

In nearly three-quarters of U.S. states, claimants must prove they’re actively job hunting to keep getting benefits.

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At Least 36 States Are Reimposing Work Search Requirements On Unemployment Benefits Recipients

UncategorizedBy May 17, 2021

In nearly three-quarters of U.S. states, claimants must prove they’re actively job hunting to keep getting benefits.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 17, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 17, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower last Friday. That was a welcome end to the week following four consecutive days of rises. Mortgage rates today look

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Who qualifies as a first-time home buyer?

UncategorizedBy May 17, 2021

Who qualifies as a first-time home buyer? It’s not always straightforward. You might qualify, even if you’ve previously owned a home.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 15, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy May 15, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates just edged lower yesterday. It was a welcome end to a poor week for those rates. Because that saw rises (some appreciable)

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Could Covid-19 Worker Shortages Create A $15 Minimum Wage—Even Without A New Law?

UncategorizedBy May 15, 2021

Companies facing labor shortages are offering bonuses and even higher starting salaries to attract new employees. But will the changes last?

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Financial steps to building a house: The complete guide

UncategorizedBy May 14, 2021

Learn about the financial steps to building a house. This guide covers construction costs, loan options, construction loan rates, and more.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 14, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 14, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose again yesterday. Don’t believe all the headlines about falling mortgage rates. They’re based on Freddie Mac’s survey and its methodology means

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The VA Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM): What it is and how it works

UncategorizedBy May 14, 2021

The VA Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) is a special loan program to finance the cost of energy-efficient improvements with low rates and zero down.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 13, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 14, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates increased again yesterday. And those rates are now at their highest so far in May. In early trading, it was looking as

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Sanders Urges Biden Administration To Block Red States From Cutting Some Federal Unemployment Benefits—Even If Governors Want To

UncategorizedBy May 13, 2021

States must continue to pay special federal benefits to gig workers, freelancers and the self-employed, and those who have left jobs because of Covid-19 safety concerns, Sanders argues.

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McDonald’s Is Raising Wages Amid Worries Of Worker Shortage

UncategorizedBy May 13, 2021

The pay increases are only for company-owned stores, not franchises.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 12, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 13, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose appreciably yesterday. And falls and rises over the last week have more or less canceled each other out. Unfortunately, mortgage rates

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Forbes Global 2000: The World’s Largest Airline & Aerospace Companies In 2021

UncategorizedBy May 13, 2021

Commercial airlines struggled while defense companies held steady on the 2021 edition of the Forbes Global 2000.

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Refinance requirements: What you need to refinance your home

UncategorizedBy May 12, 2021

Refinance requirements can be tricky, but the rewards are often huge. Find out what you need to meet basic refinance requirements and start saving.

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Buying a house is a great investment — if you need a home

UncategorizedBy May 11, 2021

Is buying a house a good investment? It depends on your goals. A house is a great investment if you need a place to live, but may not maximize your returns.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 11, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 11, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates just inched higher yesterday. So the sharper increase I warned might happen didn’t materialize. However, it remains a risk. Indeed, first thing

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How to apply for a VA home loan: Process and requirements

UncategorizedBy May 10, 2021

Learn how to apply for a VA home loan. Follow this step-by-step process to access your VA home loan benefits and buy or refinance a house at a low rate.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 10, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 10, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell appreciably last Friday. The drop was a result of that morning’s disappointing jobs report. And, first thing, market movements suggested that

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 8, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy May 8, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates tumbled by a worthwhile amount yesterday. We’ll address why later. And discuss the risk that they’ll bounce back quickly. Mortgage rates next

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From Chicken Wings To Mother’s Day Flowers, Here Are The Shortages You Need To Know About—Plus A Few Gluts

UncategorizedBy May 8, 2021

The pandemic has upended global supply chains and disrupted the delicate balance of supply and demand in many industries.

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FHA Streamline Refinance: Rates & Requirements for 2021

UncategorizedBy May 7, 2021

Are you FHA Streamline Refinance eligible? Use this easy-to-follow format. Updated for newest changes to FHA MIP. Today’s FHA rate quotes available.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 7, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 7, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. Of course, that’s welcome. But, in the bigger picture, these rates have been becalmed for weeks. First thing, mortgage

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Before making a 20% mortgage down payment, read this

UncategorizedBy May 6, 2021

Making a large downpayment is not the conservative investment you believe it is. The risks of putting 20% down on a home are real. Know what you should do.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 6, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 6, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched higher yesterday. So we haven’t seen a fall since Monday. Of course, these rates are still very low. But the downward

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Is The White House Underplaying Inflation Risk? Here’s What The Experts—And Markets—Are Saying

UncategorizedBy May 6, 2021

Biden officials and the Fed insist inflation is no big threat, but investors seem to be bracing themselves anyway.

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Can I get a home equity loan or HELOC on a second home?

UncategorizedBy May 5, 2021

It’s possible to get a home equity loan or HELOC on a second home. But rates are a little higher and lending rules are stricter. Learn more here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 5, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 5, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady yesterday. A fall had looked likely early in the morning. But markets changed direction as the day wore on. This

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Biden’s American Families Plan Would Cost $700 Billion More Than White House Estimate, Researchers Find

UncategorizedBy May 5, 2021

The Penn Wharton Budget Model predicts the AFP would cost $2.5 trillion over ten years.

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How do I pre-qualify for a home loan?

UncategorizedBy May 4, 2021

Should you pre-qualify for a home loan before you buy? Pre-qualification is not required, but it will help show you what you can afford. Learn more here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 4, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 4, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower again yesterday. That makes three consecutive business days of falls. And we might be starting on the fourth. Because mortgage

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Here’s Who’s Winning—And Who’s Still Hurting—In The Economic Recovery So Far

UncategorizedBy May 4, 2021

Unemployment is back to pre-pandemic levels in some states, consumer spending on durables is soaring and Amazon had its best first quarter ever.

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JPMorgan CEO Dimon Says He Doesn’t Care About Bitcoin—But His Clients Do

UncategorizedBy May 4, 2021

The world’s most popular cryptocurrency is up 89% this year.

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New refinance could save low-income borrowers $2,000-$3,000 per year

UncategorizedBy May 3, 2021

A new refinance option from FHFA could help low-income homeowners save $2,000 per year or more. Learn about program rates and requirements here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 3, 2021

UncategorizedBy May 3, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower last Friday. And they ended April appreciably lower than they started it. Judging from movements in markets earlier, mortgage rates

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, May 1, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy May 1, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. In the first half of April, rates fell appreciably. But in the second half, they’ve barely moved. We’ve been

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 30, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 30, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates just inched downward yesterday. And that was quite a surprise. All the signs first thing that morning suggested a rise. Key markets

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Five Budget-Busting—Or Tax-Raising—Progressive Priorities Biden Left Out Of His American Families Plan

UncategorizedBy April 29, 2021

Think $1.8 trillion is expensive? That price tag could have been a lot higher.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 29, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 29, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady yesterday. And that continues a recent pattern of slowing falls. Do recent increases signal the resumption of 2021’s rising trend?

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These People Will Get An Automatic Extension On Their Taxes

UncategorizedBy April 29, 2021

All other taxpayers can request an extension to file, but 2020 payments still need to be in by May 17, or penalty interest may be charged on the balance due.

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Unemployment Claims Sink To New Pandemic Low Of 553,000

UncategorizedBy April 29, 2021

16.6 million people are now receiving some form of government jobless benefit.

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U.S. Economy Grew At 6.4% Annualized Rate In The First Quarter

UncategorizedBy April 29, 2021

Pent-up demand, stimulus checks and vaccines helped fuel the boom.

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How to give and receive a gift of equity: Rules and process

UncategorizedBy April 29, 2021

A gift of equity can be a huge help when buying a home. But buyers and sellers have to follow the rules, and there may be tax implications. Learn more here.

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Here Are The Biggest Winners And Losers In Biden’s Individual Tax Plan

UncategorizedBy April 28, 2021

Heirs and hedge fund managers might take a hit, but tens of millions of families and lower-paid young singles will come out ahead with fatter tax credits.

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Biden’s first-time homebuyer tax credit heads to Congress

UncategorizedBy April 28, 2021

Biden’s proposed $15,000 home buyer tax credit is now in Congress, along with a $25,000 home buyer grant. Learn about what both programs would entail.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 28, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 28, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged higher again yesterday. Over the last eight working days, four have seen rises. But the falls have been a little bigger.

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Biden Will Unveil $1.8 Trillion American Families Plan Today—Here’s What’s In It

UncategorizedBy April 28, 2021

There’s money for free pre-k and free community college and an extension of the bulked-up child tax credit, paid for with higher taxes and more tax enforcement for the rich.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 27, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 27, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched higher yesterday. It was only the third rise in April. But also the third over the last seven working days. Still,

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How long does it take to buy a house?

UncategorizedBy April 27, 2021

Buying a house can take anywhere from a couple months to half a year or longer. It depends on local markets and how prepared you are. Here’s what to expect.

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Biden Reportedly Wants Another $80 Billion For The IRS To Crack Down On Tax Evasion And Fund His American Families Plan

UncategorizedBy April 27, 2021

The tax gap has risen to $1 trillion per year, the IRS commissioner told Congress this month.

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White House Defends Capital Gains Tax Hikes: Only 500,000 Households Will Pay More

UncategorizedBy April 26, 2021

National Economic Council director Brian Deese said 150 million American households won’t see any investment tax changes at all.

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10 Numbers That Sum Up The Dire Backlog At The IRS—And Its Impact On Taxpayers—As The May 17th Deadline Approaches

UncategorizedBy April 26, 2021

The agency is answering just one in 50 calls for help on its individual tax return phone lines.

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Here’s How The Pandemic Will Actually Boost The Economy’s Productivity, According To Goldman Sachs

UncategorizedBy April 26, 2021

Analysts are predicting a boost of at least 2% this year thanks to digital trends accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 26, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 26, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged a little lower last Friday. And that continued an April run that has so far seen only two rises this month.

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How much should my mortgage be compared to my income?

UncategorizedBy April 26, 2021

How much should your mortgage be? It’s all about how large of a monthly mortgage payment you can comfortably afford. Learn how to find the answer.

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Inflation’s Mixed Basket: 7 Things That Will Cost You More—And 3 That Will Cost You Less—In The Covid Recovery Economy

UncategorizedBy April 25, 2021

Why you need to stock up on wine, used cars, diapers and potted plants now.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 24, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy April 24, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. And, following on from a consistent upward trend since January, there have been only two modest rises so far

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How to buy a house with low income in 2021

UncategorizedBy April 23, 2021

You can buy a house with low income if you meet the guidelines for one or more of these mortgage programs. Here’s how to do it.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 23, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 23, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. They’d looked likely to rise earlier in the day. But they changed course during the afternoon on concerns about

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38 Democrats Ask Biden To Make More Generous Unemployment Benefits Permanent In His Infrastructure Plan

UncategorizedBy April 23, 2021

The lawmakers want to expand eligibility, establish automatic triggers and create a federal standard for states to follow.

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Bitcoin Struggles To Recoup Losses After Tumbling Below $50,000 And Losing $97 Billion In 24 Hours

UncategorizedBy April 23, 2021

Biden’s plan to hike capital gains taxes spooked investors.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 22, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 22, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates just inched lower yesterday. And they start today pretty much back to where they were last Thursday, which was their lowest point

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Biden Will Seek To Nearly Double Capital Gains Tax For Wealthy, According To Report

UncategorizedBy April 22, 2021

The Dow plunged 400 points on the news.

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Unemployment Claims Fall To New Pandemic Low Of 547,000

UncategorizedBy April 22, 2021

The labor market’s recovery is gaining steam.

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5 things to know before buying a condo

UncategorizedBy April 22, 2021

Buying a condo can be a great idea. But there are certain risks and costs that come with condo ownership. See the pros and cons of buying a condo here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 21, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 22, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. That followed two consecutive working days of modest rises. So it might suggest the push to higher rates is

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 20, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 21, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged higher again yesterday. It was the second consecutive working day of rises. But followed weeks of falls. There was very little

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Historic home renovations: How to qualify for historic home grants and loans

UncategorizedBy April 21, 2021

Historic home renovations can be expensive. Luckily, there are loans, grants, and tax breaks that can make the renovation process more affordable.

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Bernie Sanders Introduces New Wall Street Tax To Fund Free College Tuition

UncategorizedBy April 21, 2021

Stock trades would be taxed at 0.5% under the bill.

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Biden’s American Families Plan Expected Next Week—Here’s Who Might Be Taxed More To Pay For It

UncategorizedBy April 20, 2021

The president wants to hike the top individual tax rate and raise more money from the wealthiest Americans through capital gains, estate and other tax changes.

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Repealing The Cap On State And Local Tax Deductions Would Widen The Racial Wealth Gap, New Study Shows

UncategorizedBy April 20, 2021

Democrats from high tax states pushing for full SALT deductions face opposition from their left flank–as well as from Republicans.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 19, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 20, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged higher last Friday. It was the first rise since the closing days of March. But it’s way too soon to think

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VA construction loan guide: Requirements and process

UncategorizedBy April 20, 2021

A VA construction loan lets you buy land, build a home, and finance the mortgage with 0% down. But these loans can be hard to find. Learn more here.

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Procter & Gamble Will Raise Prices On Baby And Feminine Care Products In September

UncategorizedBy April 20, 2021

The company said rising commodity costs are the reason for the hikes.

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Goldman Sachs Says Stock Picking Becoming Harder But Tesla, Twitter And Etsy Have Potential. Here’s Why.

UncategorizedBy April 19, 2021

Experts at the investment bank say key market catalysts in the coming months are more likely to be “micro” factors than “macro” ones.

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Gamestop Shares Surge 10% After CEO Shakeup

UncategorizedBy April 19, 2021

George Sherman will step down by July 31, the company said Monday.

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U.K. Explores Its Own Digital Currency Amid Bitcoin’s Wild Swings

UncategorizedBy April 19, 2021

Central banks across the globe are dipping their toes into digital money.

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Guide to HFA loans: What is an HFA loan and who qualifies?

UncategorizedBy April 19, 2021

What is an HFA loan? Learn about the 3-percent-down HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage programs here. Rates and requirements included.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 17, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy April 18, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose yesterday. It was only a small increase. But it was the first since the final days of March. Does the first

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 16, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 17, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell yesterday. And it was the biggest single drop in weeks. Indeed, two or three more of those could see average rates

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BofA Says Chance Of Global Corporate Minimum Tax Hit Is Rising—Thanks To Biden

UncategorizedBy April 16, 2021

The president wants to crack down on tax avoidance and profit shifting by multinational companies.

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China’s Economy Surged 18.3% In The First Quarter Of 2021

UncategorizedBy April 16, 2021

Heavy losses in the first quarter of 2020 pushed growth figures higher.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 15, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 15, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yet again yesterday. Each fall is small. But they’re beginning to add up. And they may get better yet. In

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Jeff Bezos On Amazon Union Vote: ‘We Need To Do A Better Job For Our Employees’

UncategorizedBy April 15, 2021

The billionaire CEO is preparing to step down this year.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 14, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 15, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower again yesterday. And that means we haven’t seen a rise since the end of March. Mortgage-backed securities (the bonds that

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No foreclosures until 2022? CFPB seeks to extend foreclosure moratorium

UncategorizedBy April 15, 2021

CFPB has proposed extending the foreclosure moratorium through Dec. 31, 2021. That would mean no COVID-related foreclosures until 2022. Learn more here.

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Unemployment Claims Fall To 576,000—Their Lowest Level In More Than A Year

UncategorizedBy April 15, 2021

16.9 million people are now receiving some form of government unemployment benefit.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 13, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 14, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower yesterday, again by the smallest measurable amount. It was a repeat of last Friday when a rise looked likely early

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FHA construction loans: Requirements and process for 2021

UncategorizedBy April 14, 2021

An FHA construction loan lets you buy land, build a house, and finance a mortgage — all with one loan. But the process and requirements can be complicated.

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IRS Commissioner Says Tax Gap Could Exceed $1 Trillion Per Year

UncategorizedBy April 13, 2021

Thanks to crypto, tax evasion by the wealthiest and more.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 12, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 13, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched lower last Friday. That was a nice surprise. Because earlier in the day they’d looked likely to edge up. This morning,

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How to calculate commission income for a mortgage

UncategorizedBy April 13, 2021

Commission income is usually accepted by lenders if you have a 2-year earnings history. See how lenders calculate commission income for mortgage qualifying.

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Inflation Surged 2.6% On A Yearly Basis In March—Here’s Why

UncategorizedBy April 13, 2021

Government officials have stressed that a short-term bounce in consumer prices is expected and manageable.

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St. Louis Fed President Says Central Bank Could Discuss Tightening Policy With 75% Of People Vaccinated

UncategorizedBy April 12, 2021

22.3% of the population was fully vaccinated as of April 12, according to the CDC.

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Here’s Why The White House Isn’t Worried About Inflation

UncategorizedBy April 12, 2021

Some are sounding the alarm that President Biden’s multitrillion-dollar spending plans will overheat the economy.

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98% Of CEOs Say Biden’s Corporate Tax Rate Hike Will Hurt Their Companies, According To Survey

UncategorizedBy April 12, 2021

Biden has said he is “willing to negotiate” a smaller increase.

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What’s the down payment for a $300,000 house?

UncategorizedBy April 12, 2021

How big is the down payment for a $300,000 house? That depends entirely on the type of mortgage you choose. Explore your options!

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 10, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy April 10, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell yesterday. But only by the smallest measurable amount. Still, that was a surprise because earlier in the day they’d looked likely

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The New Civil War: Blue States Soak The Rich; Red States Sue To Cut Taxes

UncategorizedBy April 10, 2021

The Trump tax reform conspicuously targeted high-tax Democratic states. Now that they’re in control, some Democrats have made undoing the damage a priority.

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How to get approved as a self-employed, first-time home buyer

UncategorizedBy April 9, 2021

Self-employed first-time home buyers face obstacles other buyers don’t. Learn what to expect and how to get mortgage-approved.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 9, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 9, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday, extending the period since we last saw a rise. That was March 30. Unfortunately, it was looking first thing

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How to shop for refinance rates and compare offers: 7 steps

UncategorizedBy April 9, 2021

If you want to save more money by refinancing your house, make sure to compare refinance rates and lenders. Tips for getting the best refinance rates here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 8, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 8, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower again yesterday. That extended the run without a rise to more than a week. And that may not be the

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Unemployment Claims Rose To 744,000 Last Week

UncategorizedBy April 8, 2021

Experts from Bank of America expect employment to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 7, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 8, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell moderately yesterday, as we predicted. It’s been nearly a week since we’ve seen a rise. And that happy run may continue

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Gift letter for mortgage: How to give or receive a down payment gift

UncategorizedBy April 8, 2021

Use these step-by-step instructions for accepting a cash downpayment gift on a home, including a ready-to-use mortgage gift letter template.

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Biden Says He’s ‘Willing To Negotiate’ 28% Corporate Tax Rate Hike

UncategorizedBy April 7, 2021

He added that “we’ve got to pay” for his multitrillion-dollar infrastructure spending plan somehow.

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New Details About Biden’s $2 Trillion Tax Plan Unveiled—Here’s What We Learned

UncategorizedBy April 7, 2021

The 15% minimum tax would only apply to companies with reported earnings of more than $2 billion.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 6, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 7, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates just inched lower yesterday. That surprised me because it looked that morning as if a small rise was more likely. But these

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New USDA loan limits for 2021: How much can you borrow?

UncategorizedBy April 7, 2021

USDA loan limits have changed. New USDA loan limits range from $285K to $657K depending on your area. Find out how much house you can afford.

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JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon Predicts An Economic Boom That Could ‘Easily’ Last Until 2023

UncategorizedBy April 7, 2021

The billionaire CEO credits pent-up savings, stimulus spending, easy Fed policy, vaccines and “euphoria” around the end of the pandemic.

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Covid Relief: The IRS Has Now Issued 156 Million Stimulus Payments Worth $372 Billion

UncategorizedBy April 7, 2021

Payments for recipients of Veterans Affairs benefits will hit bank accounts on April 14.

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IMF Boosts Global Growth Forecast To 6% But Warns Of Unequal Recovery

UncategorizedBy April 6, 2021

Emerging markets and developing countries will suffer greater losses.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 5, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 6, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady last Friday. That wasn’t a surprise. Most markets were closed and bond markets were open only for a few morning

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Five reasons it’s not a “horrible time to buy a house”

UncategorizedBy April 6, 2021

Many experts are saying it’s a horrible time to buy a house. But that’s not true for everyone. Here are 5 reasons it could be a great time to buy a home.

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Biden’s Infrastructure Plan May Slow Economy Down, Moody’s Says—But Not For Long

UncategorizedBy April 5, 2021

Infrastructure spending takes time to ramp up, but new corporate taxes don’t.

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Yellen Will Push For Global Minimum Tax Rate Amid Biden Infrastructure Blitz, According To Report

UncategorizedBy April 5, 2021

The Treasury Secretary will argue that the tax creates “a more level playing field.”

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Basic requirements to buy a house: 6 must-haves for first-time buyers

UncategorizedBy April 5, 2021

Requirements to buy a house aren’t as strict as you might think. Requirements for credit, income, and down payment are lenient for first-time home buyers.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 3, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy April 4, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady yesterday. Turns out I was right last Saturday when I predicted that “mortgage rates might rise modestly” this week. But

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 2, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 3, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower again yesterday. They’ve risen appreciably over the last month. But they’ve fallen on six of the last nine working days.

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Bullish Jobs Prediction: Bank Of America Says Employment Will Return To Pre-Pandemic Levels By Year’s End

UncategorizedBy April 2, 2021

The prediction came as President Biden celebrated a blockbuster March jobs report.

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The U.S. Added 916,000 Jobs In March As Labor Market Comes Roaring Back

UncategorizedBy April 2, 2021

The unemployment rate ticked down to 6%.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 1, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 2, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. It was only a small drop. But every little bit helps. And we may see something similar again. Because

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Swimming pool financing: The 4 best ways to finance a pool

UncategorizedBy April 2, 2021

Pool financing can be affordable, especially with a low-rate secured loan. Learn about the best swimming pool financing options.

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OPEC+ Will Boost Production In Big Bet On Oil Market’s Recovery

UncategorizedBy April 1, 2021

Demand for petroleum is expected to rebound by 5.5 million barrels per day this year.

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Unemployment Claims Climb To 719,000 After Hitting Pandemic Low Last Week

UncategorizedBy April 1, 2021

March unemployment data is coming Friday.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 31, 2021

UncategorizedBy April 1, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose again yesterday, quite sharply. Unfortunately, the rises over the last three working days pretty much wipe out the falls over the

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FMERR 2021 guidelines and eligibility: The Freddie Mac Enhanced Relief Refinance Program

UncategorizedBy April 1, 2021

FMERR – the Enhanced Relief Refinance Program – allows homeowners to refinance into a lower rate with little or no home equity. Do you qualify?

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HARP replacement programs for 2021: FMERR and HIRO

UncategorizedBy April 1, 2021

The HARP program is expired. But Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae created HARP replacement programs FMERR and HIRO to help underwater homeowners refi.

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Report: SEC Opens Preliminary Investigation Into Archegos’ Bill Hwang After $30 Billion Stock Liquidation

UncategorizedBy March 31, 2021

This isn’t Hwang’s first run-in with regulators.

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Here’s When The $2 Trillion Infrastructure Bill Could Actually Pass—It May Be Months From Now

UncategorizedBy March 31, 2021

Biden’s ambitious spending proposal is facing a tough path through Congress.

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Here’s What’s In Biden’s $2 Trillion Infrastructure Plan

UncategorizedBy March 31, 2021

The plan calls for eight years of spending to be paid for with tax hikes over 15 years.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 30, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 31, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates inched higher yesterday. The rise was so small some lenders won’t have bothered changing their rate cards. And they might, instead, add

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PennyMac Mortgage Review for 2021

UncategorizedBy March 31, 2021

PennyMac mortgage review showing how PennyMac compares to other top lenders for mortgage rates, customer service, and loan options.

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IRS Will Begin Sending $1,400 Stimulus Payments To Social Security Recipients And Other Non-Filers This Week

UncategorizedBy March 30, 2021

But money won’t hit bank accounts until April 7.

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Semiconductors, 5G And Electric Car Parts: Stocks To Watch As Biden Pushes Infrastructure Bill

UncategorizedBy March 30, 2021

More details about the $3+ trillion plan are coming Wednesday.

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How the Fannie Mae HomeStyle Loan works: Process and requirements

UncategorizedBy March 30, 2021

The Fannie Mae HomeStyle loan lets you buy a home and carry out renovations with one mortgage. Learn about HomeStyle rates and requirements here.

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Who Will Be The Biggest Losers From Biden’s Tax Hikes?

UncategorizedBy March 30, 2021

The president is looking to collect hundreds of billions of dollars in taxes from big companies to help finance his ambitious spending proposals.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 29, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 29, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose last Friday. That was disappointing after a series of falls. But these rates remain near historical lows. Looking at how markets

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Everything We Know About Biden’s Massive Infrastructure Plan Coming This Week

UncategorizedBy March 29, 2021

Including more than $3 trillion in new tax hikes, according to the Washington Post.

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Is there a conventional streamline refinance? Conventional loan refi options

UncategorizedBy March 29, 2021

Is there a conventional Streamline Refinance? No, but you can use a different refinance option to get similar Streamline benefits. Here’s how.

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No Evictions Through June: CDC Extends Moratorium

UncategorizedBy March 29, 2021

The ban was originally set to expire on Wednesday.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 27, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy March 28, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose yesterday. It was the first increase in more than a week. And it barely made a dent in those recent falls.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 26, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 27, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower again yesterday. Recent movements haven’t been large. But they’re beginning to add up. By the way, don’t believe Freddie Mac’s

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The Economy Doesn’t Need The Fed’s Easy Monetary Policy To Keep Booming, BofA Says

UncategorizedBy March 26, 2021

With trillions of dollars of stimulus spending still to come, growth will continue even after the central bank says the party’s over.

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41 Democratic Senators Ask Biden To Support Permanent Child Tax Credit And Earned Income Tax Credit

UncategorizedBy March 26, 2021

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan extended the credits for one year.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 25, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 26, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. That makes four working days since the last rise. And there are grounds for hoping for more good news

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WeWork Will Go Public Via SPAC Deal At $9 Billion Valuation—Less Than 20% Of Its 2019 SoftBank Valuation

UncategorizedBy March 26, 2021

The flexible coworking startup will merge with BowX Acquisition Corp.

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Report: Robinhood Is Building A Platform To Democratize IPOs

UncategorizedBy March 25, 2021

The wildly popular stock trading app wants to make sure its users don’t miss out on first-day trading pops.

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$1,400 Stimulus Checks Are Already Working As Credit, Debit Spending Surges 45%, BofA Says

UncategorizedBy March 25, 2021

The IRS has sent out 127 million payments worth $325 billion.

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Senate Votes To Extend Paycheck Protection Program Until May 31

UncategorizedBy March 25, 2021

The Small Business Administration will have until June 30 to process backlogged applications.

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Unemployment Claims Fall Sharply To 684,000 As Recovery Gains Steam

UncategorizedBy March 25, 2021

Vaccines are rolling out and states are lifting restrictions.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 24, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 24, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates moved lower again yesterday — and by a worthwhile amount. But, unfortunately, it was a drop in the ocean compared to 2021’s

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What is an assumable mortgage and how does it work? Pros and cons

UncategorizedBy March 24, 2021

An assumable mortgage lets you take over an existing loan at its current interest rate and terms. When is an assumable mortgage a good idea?

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Covid-19 Recession: 10 Important Numbers That Sum Up America’s Economic Crisis One Year Later

UncategorizedBy March 24, 2021

Millions unemployed, interest rates at rock bottom, and trillions of dollars in stimulus spending.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 23, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 23, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell yesterday. Finally! It felt good, even though it’s adrift in a sea of rises. And the falls might continue today. Market

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Finance of America Mortgage Review for 2021

UncategorizedBy March 23, 2021

Finance of America mortgage review showing how Finance of America compares to top lenders for mortgage rates, customer service, and loan options.

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Powell And Yellen Praise Aggressive Stimulus Spending, Acknowledge Incomplete Economic Recovery In Congressional Testimony

UncategorizedBy March 23, 2021

Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue plan is now law, and the administration is already looking ahead to more spending.

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New Biden Tax Hike Details Are Out—Here’s What We Know Now

UncategorizedBy March 23, 2021

Higher taxes on big corporations and rich individuals will be used to finance Biden’s upcoming infrastructure and jobs plan, according to the Washington Post.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 22, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 22, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady last Friday. And that was a relief after a solid week of rises. There may be more good news today.

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What’s a good debt-to-income ratio for a mortgage? What lenders want to see

UncategorizedBy March 22, 2021

What’s a good debt-to-income ratio for a mortgage? Most lenders want to see 43% or lower. But a higher DTI can be ok, too. Here’s what you should know.

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IRS Will Send Second Round Of Stimulus Payments This Week—Including Paper Checks And Debit Cards

UncategorizedBy March 22, 2021

New direct deposits will clear on March 24, the agency said.

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Turkish Lira Plunges 15% In Just A Few Hours—Here’s What’s Going On

UncategorizedBy March 22, 2021

The sudden losses were triggered by President Erdogan’s firing of the head of the central bank-the third in two years.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 20, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy March 20, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady yesterday. Of course, these rates remain extraordinarily low by historical standards. But a rising trend in 2021 means they’re now

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Buying a house with student loans: How debt affects your eligibility and budget

UncategorizedBy March 19, 2021

First-time home buyers often ask, ‘Can I buy a house with student loans?’ You can, but you should know how student loans will affect your mortgage.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 19, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 19, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose moderately yesterday. But it was a less sharp increase than had looked likely first thing that morning. And we may be

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Buying a condo vs. renting: Which is better for you?

UncategorizedBy March 18, 2021

Buying a condo vs. renting can be a tough decision. Renting offers flexibility, but buying a condo builds wealth. See more pros and cons here.

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USDA vs. FHA: Which loan is better for first-time home buyers?

UncategorizedBy March 18, 2021

USDA vs FHA for first-time buyers: Should you use a zero-down USDA loan or 3.5%-down FHA loan? Compare pros and cons here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 18, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 18, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged higher yesterday. But it was one of the smaller rises we’ve seen over the last four working days. But it may

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 17, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 17, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose appreciably yesterday. That was ahead of today’s Federal Reserve news conference. Today’s? Yes, I muddled the days and that conference is

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How to apply for an FHA loan: Process and requirements to qualify

UncategorizedBy March 17, 2021

Learn how to apply for an FHA loan and get approved. This guide covers the FHA loan application process, required documents, and guidelines to qualify.

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Federal Reserve Looking Ahead To Higher Inflation As Economy Rebounds, But It Won’t Raise Rates Yet

UncategorizedBy March 17, 2021

The central bank expects GDP growth of 6.5% this year.

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Report: Bernie Sanders Will Seek New Taxes On CEO Pay

UncategorizedBy March 17, 2021

President Biden is also preparing to unveil new tax to fund his administration’s stimulus agenda.

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Biden Will Push For Tax Hikes For Big Companies And High Earners, Economic Aide Says

UncategorizedBy March 16, 2021

But a middle class family earning $110,000 per year could see relief.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 16, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 16, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates unexpectedly rose yesterday. But only by the smallest measurable amount so the damage was barely perceptible. Today could be even more unpredictable.

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Stimulus Checks Are Coming To Big Banks On Wednesday At 9:00 A.M.

UncategorizedBy March 16, 2021

Wells Fargo, JPMorgan, Bank of America, and others faced blowback after the IRS announced checks were being sent out last week and customers couldn’t access the money immediately.

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Inflation—Not Covid-19—Is Now The Biggest Risk To Markets, Bank Of America Survey Shows

UncategorizedBy March 16, 2021

Taper tantrums are a close second.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 15, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 16, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose appreciably on Friday. So it was yet another example of rates ending a week higher than they started it. However, bear

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New rule means higher fees for investment property mortgages and second homes

UncategorizedBy March 16, 2021

A new rule from FHFA caused a sharp increase in investment property mortgage and second home mortgage fees. Here’s what you need to know.

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Biden Gears Up For New Tax Hikes To Pay For More Stimulus—Here’s What We Know

UncategorizedBy March 15, 2021

The corporate tax rate and individual income tax rate for high earners could both go up.

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China’s Economy Soared At The Beginning Of 2021 As Beijing Looks To Wind Down Stimulus

UncategorizedBy March 15, 2021

The OECD expects China’s GDP to grow 7.8% in 2021.

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What’s the cheapest way to buy a house? 7 Strategies

UncategorizedBy March 15, 2021

Looking for the cheapest way to buy a house? Here are seven strategies that can help you become a homeowner much faster than you thought possible.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 13, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy March 14, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates climbed higher yesterday. There have been plenty of up-and-down daily movements this week. But the overall rise has been fairly modest. Still,

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 12, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 13, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates edged lower yesterday. Such falls are always welcome. But recently they’ve been outweighed by mostly small rises. Still, these rates are a

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Yellen Defends $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Price Tag: ‘This Package Is The Right Size’

UncategorizedBy March 12, 2021

Some economists have said Biden’s flagship rescue plan could overheat the economy.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 11, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 12, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates nudged higher yesterday, wiping out Tuesday’s fall. Of course, they remain at exceptionally low levels by historical standards. But they’ve moved on

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How to buy a house with no credit: First-time home buyers’ guide

UncategorizedBy March 12, 2021

Can you buy a house with no credit? Often, the answer is ‘yes,’ if you know which type of loan to use. Here’s how to get approved with no credit score.

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How Much Money You Will Get From Stimulus Checks, Unemployment Benefits And Everything Else Inside Biden’s $1.9 Trillion Relief Bill

UncategorizedBy March 12, 2021

The massive relief package, passed exactly one year after the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a pandemic, contains stimulus checks for most Americans but not everyone will receive the same amount.

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It’s Official: Biden Signs $1.9 Trillion Relief Bill Clearing The Way For $1,400 Stimulus Checks

UncategorizedBy March 11, 2021

Eligible Americans can expect money in their bank accounts as soon as this month.

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Unemployment Claims Dropped To 712,000 Last Week

UncategorizedBy March 11, 2021

The pace of layoffs is slowing as vaccines roll out and states begin lifting restrictions.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 10, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 11, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates nudged lower yesterday. It was the first actual drop in a week. First thing, mortgage rates looked unlikely to move far today,

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What’s the best type of home loan for me? Compare mortgage options

UncategorizedBy March 11, 2021

The best type of home loan is different for each buyer. Compare low- and no-down-payment loans to find the right type of mortgage for you.

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Low-down-payment mortgage options: 3% down mortgages for first-time home buyers

UncategorizedBy March 11, 2021

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac offer three mortgage options for first-time buyers with 3% down: The conventional 97, HomeReady and Home Possible.

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House Passes $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Bill, Biden Will Sign It Into Law On Friday

UncategorizedBy March 10, 2021

$1,400 stimulus checks and $300 weekly unemployment benefits are now one step closer.

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Marjorie Taylor Greene Delays $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Bill’s Final Passage In House

UncategorizedBy March 10, 2021

Forty Republicans opposed Greene’s attempt to stall a vote on the relief bill as one Democrat proposed barring her from making such motions in the future.

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Here’s Everything You Need To Know About The New Expanded Child Tax Credit

UncategorizedBy March 10, 2021

Payments are slated to start in July.

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What is home equity and how can you use it?

UncategorizedBy March 10, 2021

What is home equity and how does it work? Learn how to calculate your home equity and how having equity can benefit you.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 9, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 10, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates held steady yesterday. Which was good news. And there may be more where that came from. First thing, markets looked set to

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Home buyer grants are helping first-time buyers during COVID

UncategorizedBy March 10, 2021

Home buyer grants can help first-time buyers who had a financial setback during COVID. Learn about current assistance programs and how to qualify.

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Unlike Trump, Biden Won’t Sign Name On $1,400 Stimulus Checks

UncategorizedBy March 9, 2021

“We are doing everything in our power to expedite the payments and not delay them,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday.

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U.S. Economy Will Recover Twice As Fast Thanks To $1.9 Trillion Stimulus And Quick Vaccine Rollout

UncategorizedBy March 9, 2021

The OECD is expecting 6.5% growth this year.

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$1,400 Stimulus Checks Are Almost Here—How To Know If You’re Eligible

UncategorizedBy March 9, 2021

The payments could hit millions of bank accounts this month.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 8, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 9, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose again last Friday. But falls on Monday and Tuesday meant the week ended only a little worse than it started. First

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The average cost to refinance a mortgage, and how to save money

UncategorizedBy March 9, 2021

Learn how much it costs to refinance a mortgage, what’s included in refinance closing costs, and how you can save money on your refi.

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‘The Recession Is Effectively Over’: Analysts Are Expecting ‘Rip-Roaring’ Growth This Year, But Hurdles Remain

UncategorizedBy March 8, 2021

Goldman Sachs is expecting GDP growth of nearly 7% this year.

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Biden’s $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Bill Looks Certain As It Heads To House For Final Vote

UncategorizedBy March 8, 2021

Six days remain before enhanced federal unemployment benefits expire.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 6, and rate forecast for next week

UncategorizedBy March 7, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose again yesterday. The week started out so well, with two worthwhile falls. But they were followed by three rises. And rates

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Senate Passes Biden’s $1.9 Trillion Covid-19 Relief Bill: $1,400 Stimulus Checks, $300 Weekly Unemployment, Child Tax Credit And More

UncategorizedBy March 6, 2021

Eight days remain before enhanced federal unemployment benefits expire on March 14.

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Here’s Why The Next 24 Hours Could Be Crucial For Biden’s $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Bill

UncategorizedBy March 5, 2021

The Senate has begun a marathon voting session that could produce major changes to the package.

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Bernie Sanders’ Bid For A $15 Minimum Wage Fails As 8 Democrats Side With Senate GOP

UncategorizedBy March 5, 2021

The effort would have included the wage hike in Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus bill.

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USAA Mortgage Review for 2021

UncategorizedBy March 5, 2021

USAA mortgage review showing how USAA compares to other top mortgage lenders for mortgage rates, customer service, and loan options.

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What is a mortgage and how does it work? Home loan basics

UncategorizedBy March 5, 2021

Understanding what a mortgage is and how it works is the first step to buying a home. This mortgage 101 guide has all the home loan basics you need to know.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 5, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 5, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates rose appreciably yesterday. They’re not back up to the recent highs seen at the end of last week. But it was enough

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Democrats Agree To Cut Weekly Unemployment Benefits From $400 To $300, But Exempt $10,200 In 2020 Unemployment From Federal Tax

UncategorizedBy March 5, 2021

Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus bill could pass in the Senate as soon as this weekend.

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The U.S. Added 379,000 Jobs In February—Significantly More Than Economists Were Expecting

UncategorizedBy March 5, 2021

But 9.5 million Americans are still out of work.

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‘Not At All Likely’ U.S. Will Reach Maximum Employment This Year: Fed Chair Powell

UncategorizedBy March 4, 2021

But he’s optimistic things will pick up in the months ahead.

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How to buy a house with $0 down in 2021: First time buyer

UncategorizedBy March 4, 2021

6 low- and no-down-payment mortgage options for today’s home buyers. Find out how you can buy a house with no money down and a low interest rate.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 4, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 4, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Depending on your lender, average mortgage rates inched higher yesterday after three days without a rise. Read on to discover what’s happening. Judging from early

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Senate Readies More Changes To Biden’s $1.9 Trillion Relief Bill After Eliminating $15 Minimum Wage And Narrowing Stimulus Check Eligibility

UncategorizedBy March 4, 2021

Ten days remain before enhanced federal unemployment benefits expire on March 14.

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Unemployment Claims Remained High Last Week As Labor Market Recovery Stalls

UncategorizedBy March 4, 2021

745,000 people filed new claims for benefits last week.

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American Infrastructure Gets A Grade Of C- (An Improvement) As Biden Readies Massive Spending Bill

UncategorizedBy March 3, 2021

The U.S. needs to spend $2.6 trillion over the next decade to bring that grade up to a B, the American Society of Civil Engineers said Wednesday.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 3, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 3, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell yesterday — further than looked likely first thing. Remember last Thursday’s big rise? Well, movements since then have pretty much eliminated

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How long does underwriting take? Is ‘no news good news’?

UncategorizedBy March 3, 2021

Mortgage underwriting can take days or weeks depending on your lender and application. Here’s what to expect from underwriting and what to do about delays.

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Senate Gears Up For Biden’s $1.9 Trillion Stimulus—Here’s What To Expect This Week

UncategorizedBy March 3, 2021

Democrats can’t afford to lose a single vote along the way.

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McConnell Says Republicans Will Fight Biden’s $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Bill ‘In Every Way That We Can’

UncategorizedBy March 2, 2021

The relief legislation is overwhelmingly popular among voters.

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Biden Courts Moderate Democrats As Senate Prepares $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Bill

UncategorizedBy March 2, 2021

Some lawmakers, including Sen. Joe Manchin, want the massive relief bill to be more narrowly targeted.

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USDA construction loans: Buy land and build a home with a USDA loan

UncategorizedBy March 2, 2021

USDA construction loans can be an affordable way to buy land and build a home. But these loans are hard to find. Learn about the pros and cons here.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 2, 2021

UncategorizedBy March 2, 2021

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates  Average mortgage rates fell modestly or remained unchanged yesterday. Depending on your lender, it may have been the first decrease you’ve seen in more than

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Texas disaster relief programs for homeowners

UncategorizedBy March 2, 2021

If your home was damaged during winter storm Uri, you might be eligible for federal aid. Here’s a list of current Texas disaster relief programs.

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