Mortgage Tips

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Negotiating Repairs After a Home Inspection

So, you’ve found your dream home, made an offer, and had the home inspection done. But wait—what happens next? For many homebuyers, negotiating repairs after a home inspection can be a daunting task. However, with the right approach and some negotiation skills, you can ensure that your new home is in tip-top shape without breaking the bank.

1. Understand the Inspection Report

The first step in negotiating repairs is to thoroughly review the inspection report. Take note of any major issues that could affect the safety or structural integrity of the home. These are the items that should be your top priority during negotiations.

2. Prioritize Your Requests

Not every item in the inspection report warrants negotiation. Focus on the repairs that are essential for the functionality and safety of the home. Structural issues, electrical problems, plumbing leaks, and issues with the roof should be at the top of your list.

3. Consult Your Realtor

Your real estate agent is your partner in the negotiation process. They can provide valuable insight into which repairs are reasonable to request and how to approach negotiations with the seller. Lean on their expertise to guide you through the process.

4. Be Reasonable

While it’s important to advocate for necessary repairs, it’s also crucial to be realistic in your expectations. Remember that no home is perfect, and some wear and tear are to be expected, especially in older homes. Focus on addressing the most critical issues rather than nitpicking every minor flaw.

5. Get Quotes

Before entering into negotiations, obtain quotes from licensed contractors for the repairs you’re requesting. Having concrete estimates will give you leverage during negotiations and help ensure that the requested repairs are fairly priced.

6. Be Open to Compromise

Negotiations are a give-and-take process. Be prepared to compromise with the seller, especially if they are willing to address some of your concerns but not all of them. Consider alternative solutions or concessions that could satisfy both parties.

7. Put It in Writing

Once you’ve reached an agreement with the seller regarding repairs, make sure to document the details in writing. A formal addendum to the purchase agreement outlining the agreed-upon repairs and timelines will help prevent misunderstandings down the road.

8. Consider Credits

In some cases, the seller may offer credit towards closing costs instead of making repairs themselves. Evaluate whether this option makes sense for you financially and factor it into your negotiations if it aligns with your preferences.

9. Stay Focused on the Big Picture

While negotiating repairs can be stressful, it’s important to keep the big picture in mind. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that the home is safe, functional and meets your needs. Don’t let minor issues derail the entire process.

10. Know When to Walk Away

If the seller is unwilling to address significant issues uncovered during the inspection, you may need to reconsider whether this is the right home for you. Don’t be afraid to walk away from the deal if you feel that the seller is unwilling to negotiate in good faith.

Navigating negotiations after a home inspection requires patience, clear communication, and a willingness to compromise. By following these tips and staying focused on your priorities, you can successfully navigate the negotiation process and move one step closer to making your dream home a reality.

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Mortgage

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3 Considerations When Making A Down Payment

When considering the journey of purchasing a new home, one of the fundamental decisions you’ll encounter revolves around determining the appropriate amount of money to allocate for your down payment. It’s a decision-making process that involves weighing the benefits of opting for a larger down payment against the potential advantages of utilizing some of those funds to purchase “discount points,” thereby reducing your interest rate. Each option carries its own set of merits and demerits, and the optimal choice for you hinges on a careful examination of your unique financial circumstances and objectives.

Here’s a more detailed exploration of the factors to consider:

Cost of Borrowing: In general, reducing your interest rate typically involves paying a premium upfront. Lenders commonly charge up to one percent (or one point) of your loan amount to lower your mortgage interest rate. Before committing to paying discount points, it’s imperative to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis. Calculate the potential monthly savings resulting from the reduced interest rate and determine how long it will take to recoup the initial investment. Additionally, it’s worth noting that discount points are typically tax deductible, adding another layer of financial consideration. Consulting with your tax planner or financial advisor can provide valuable insights into the tax implications and overall financial impact of this decision.

Larger Down Payment Equals More Equity: One of the primary advantages of making a larger down payment is the immediate boost it provides to your equity in the home. By putting more money down upfront, you reduce the amount of money you need to borrow, thereby increasing your stake in the property. This enhanced equity position can have several favorable implications, including lower monthly mortgage payments, potentially more favorable loan terms, and the possibility of avoiding private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirements, depending on the amount of equity you have at the time of closing. Additionally, a higher level of equity provides a greater cushion against fluctuations in the housing market and may increase your borrowing power for future endeavors.

Qualifying for a Loan: For individuals facing challenges in qualifying for a mortgage loan, carefully assessing the impact of different down payment and interest rate scenarios is crucial. In some cases, strategically combining a larger down payment with a lower interest rate achieved through discount points can make the difference between approval and rejection. Your mortgage advisor or loan officer can provide personalized guidance and assistance in evaluating which approach is most conducive to your financial goals and loan eligibility criteria.

Ultimately, the decision regarding your down payment strategy should be informed by a comprehensive evaluation of your financial situation, long-term objectives, and risk tolerance. Engaging in open dialogue with your mortgage advisor, financial planner, and tax professional can help you navigate this complex decision-making process with confidence and clarity. By carefully weighing the potential benefits and trade-offs of each option, you can devise a strategy that aligns with your unique needs and aspirations, setting you on the path to homeownership success.

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Financial Reports

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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 8th, 2024

With the upcoming CPI and PPI reports this week, last week still had a number of important data points to consider. First, the non-farm payroll data, helping reveal the situation of pay versus inflation data giving an overall description of the state of the economy in the future.  Among that, the manufacturing data has shown to be contracting the past year, with the first signs of relief this month. Lastly, trade data has shown that the trade deficit has grown bigger than expected with Q1 coming to completion. 

All of these are broader indicators of the state of the economy and the most important data is to come this week, as inflation data will firmly decide when and where rates may be cut in the future. It appears to be becoming increasingly unlikely we will see a rate cut decision by the Federal Reserve in Q2. Many of the Federal Reserve’s Chairman had spoken last week, illuminating a resolve to resist rate cuts until “Inflation was under control.”

Non-farm Payrolls

March jobs report showing incredible strength of the job market in the U.S. with a 50% gap above the numbers expected. A strong job market is a strong economy.

U.S. Trade Balance

The numbers: The U.S. international trade deficit widened 1.9% in February to a seasonally adjusted $68.9 billion, the Commerce Department said Thursday. It is the third straight month with a wider deficit and the largest imbalance since last April. 

ISM Manufacturing

A barometer of business conditions at U.S. manufacturers turned positive in March for the first time in 17 months, in another sign that the industrial side of the economy is on the mend.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index

• 15-Yr FRM rates are seeing a decrease by -0.05% with the current rate at 6.06%
• 30-Yr FRM rates are seeing an increase by 0.03% with the current rate at 6.82%

MND Rate Index

• 30-Yr FHA rates are seeing a 0.06% increase for this week. Current rates at 6.45%
• 30-Yr VA rates are seeing a 0.05% increase for this week. Current rates at 6.46%

Jobless Claims

Initial Claims were reported to be 221,000 compared to the expected claims of 213,000. The prior week landed at 212,000.

What’s Ahead

CPI and PPI data will very much decide whether we will be seeing rate cuts this upcoming quarter, with little in the way of other reports.

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