Massachusetts Home Buyer Guide, First-time Homebuyer Tips, Advice MA

What Does It Mean When a Seller Pays Closing Costs in Massachusetts?

Jul 19, 2021 4:08:39 PM

For many Massachusetts first-time home buyers – and for move-up buyers who might have lost equity in their homes during a real estate downturn – the biggest obstacle to purchasing a home often is saving enough money for the down payment and closing costs.

Topics: Home-buying Tips, Condominium, Mortgages 101, Real Estate Misc.

New Year, New Record Low for Mortgage Interest Rates

Jan 9, 2021 5:25:00 PM

Mortgage interest rates kicked off the New Year with a new record low.

Topics: Real Estate Market, Massachusetts Association of Realtors, Mortgages 101, Mortgage Rates & News

5 Credit Score Myths Homebuyers Should Know

Jan 9, 2021 9:21:00 AM

What is the recipe for those 11 herbs and spices? How does that cola taste that way? How did they come up with my credit score?

Topics: Home-buying Tips, Mortgages 101, Real Estate Misc.

What is Debt-to-Income Ratio for Massachusetts Homebuyers?

Dec 1, 2020 8:58:34 AM

Massachusetts homebuyers should understand their debt-to-income ratio when applying for a mortgage loan because it is one way in which lenders measure your ability to manage monthly mortgage payments.

Topics: Home-buying Tips, Mortgages 101, Loan Programs

Mortgage Interest Rates Reach an All-time Low, Home Prices Up

Jun 3, 2020 4:43:49 PM

Average mortgage interest rates in the United States reached an all-time low for the week ending May 28, 2020, according to Freddie Mac's weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Topics: Real Estate Market, Massachusetts Home Prices, Mortgages 101, Mortgage Rates & News

Mortgage Interest Rates Rise Slightly

Apr 27, 2020 10:39:14 PM

Average U.S. mortgage loan interest rates increased slightly for the week ending April 23, 2020, according to Freddie Mac's weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Topics: Mortgages 101, Mortgage Rates & News

What are the Income Limits for a MassHousing Loan?

Apr 17, 2020 7:35:05 PM

Many first-time homebuyers are surprised at how much money you can earn and still qualify for the conventional MassHousing Mortgage program.

Topics: Mortgages 101, Loan Programs, Mortgage Rates & News

MassHousing Down Payment Assistance Helps More First-time Home Buyers

Apr 11, 2020 11:02:05 AM

Not enough cash for a down payment? That may not be an obstacle to homeownership for qualified Massachusetts first-time homebuyers.

Topics: Home-buying Tips, Community Information, Mortgages 101, Loan Programs, Haverhill MA, Lowell MA, Melrose MA, Peabody MA, Salem MA, Mansfield MA, Lynn MA, Taunton MA, Everett MA, Worcester MA, Malden MA, Lawrence MA, Revere MA

Mortgage Rates Expected to Support Real Estate Market Activity

Jan 16, 2020 3:28:17 PM

Average U.S. mortgage interest rates have remained below 4 percent since June 2019, giving Massachusetts homebuyers a little relief from rising home prices.

Topics: Mortgages 101, Mortgage Rates & News

7 Ways Homebuyers Negatively Impact the Home Loan Process

Oct 4, 2019 5:15:09 PM

You're almost to the finish line.

Topics: Home-buying Tips, Mortgages 101

Mortgage Interest Rates Unchanged, Remain Near Historic Lows

Aug 20, 2019 6:08:13 PM

Average U.S. mortgage interest rates were unchanged for the week ending August 15, 2019, and remained near historic lows, according to Freddie Mac's weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Topics: Mortgages 101, Mortgage Rates & News

Costs First-time Homebuyers Should Consider Beyond Mortgage Payments

Mar 31, 2019 9:30:00 AM

You have provided your loan officer with your pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, bank statements, and other financial documents. The lender has reviewed the documents and provided you with a pre-qualification or a loan estimate. You're all set to go house hunting in Massachusetts or to close, and you'll know exactly how much it will cost you to be a homeowner. Not exactly.

Topics: Home-buying Tips, Mortgages 101