The Gulf Shores mortgage refinancing market has enjoyed months of near-record low interest rates. The rates have stayed so low for so long that many borrowers assumed home mortgage interest rates will be low “forever.” And for good reason. At the first sign of rising interest rates – regardless of how slight the expected increase – the […]

Technology and the digital age has certainly made an impact on the Gulf Shores mortgage business. While roughly 90% of prospective homeowners search online for a home, less than 10% of mortgage lenders offer a comprehensive digital mortgage experience.  Now, mortgage lenders are starting to enter the 21st Century by gradually reinventing the mortgage process. […]

Gulf Shores mortgage lenders are anxiously awaiting revisions to the “Know Before You Owe” mortgage disclosure rules. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – acting on a promise made this past April – recently released updates to the rules in response to the mortgage industry’s requests for better clarity on the regulations. However, there are […]

The Gulf Shores mortgage market is abuzz with talk about refinancing. With 30-year fixed rates approaching all-time historical lows many economists say this could be the best time ever to refinance your mortgage – even if it’s only a few years old with what was a great interest rate at the time. Recent turmoil over […]

Gulf Shores mortgage holders agree, a mortgage is probably the single largest financial obligation most American homeowners will ever assume. Unlike personal loans, car loans or other consumer loans, the interest rate on a home mortgage loan can add up to a substantial amount over the life of the loan. Conversely, the lower your mortgage interest […]

The Gulf Shores mortgage lending market experienced something unusual in the past sixty days. The Federal Reserve raised the interest rate back in December 2015. Since that time, mortgage interest rates have dropped to their lowest level in three years! Most economists and mortgage lenders pointed out at the time that an increase in the Fed Funds rate […]

Gulf Shores homeowners are enjoying higher home values and are using their equity to take cash out of their properties by refinancing. Surprisingly, however, they are doing it conservatively –– more than any other time in recent history. A closer look reveals why that may be the case. "Take Only What You Need" – Gulf Shores […]

If you have a Gulf Shores mortgage and didn't make at least a 20% down payment, you probably have private mortgage insurance (PMI.) PMI protects the lender if the borrower is unable to make the mortgage payments. Because PMI premiums are paid monthly in the mortgage payments, they can add up. So, how can you avoid PMI […]

Gulf Shores mortgage experts say 2016 may bring greater borrowing opportunities for homebuyers. Although you still have to qualify for the amount you want to borrow, more lenders are reporting a loosening of credit standards. Fannie Mae says loan underwriting is expected to ease in the near future. Let's examine why this may be the case and […]

The Gulf Shores home buying market may feel the effects of the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to raise interest rates… or not. The Fed increased the rate on federal funds for banks by .25%, the first such increase in over seven years. What does that mean for people contemplating purchasing a home? Gulf Shores Home Buying: […]