Stephen Katz Mortgage Blog

Good news for both home sellers and buyers when it comes to opportunity at the end-of-the-year.  While it is still a sellers market, homebuyers are can take advantage of low mortgage rates while lenders are showing forgiveness for those who foreclosed in previous years. If you are in the market t...

Homeowners who wish to put 3% down on their home take note: Fannie Mae has announced that beginning on November 16th, they will increase the minimum down-payment requirement on conventional loans from 3 to 5%. Homebuyers who wish to purchase a house with 3% down still have time to obtain a Fannie...

What is the FHA Back To Work - Extenuating Circumstances program? The FHA Back To Work - Extenuating Circumstances program is the FHA's "second chance" for mortgage applicants who have experienced financial hardship as a result of unemployment or severe reduction in income. Can I use the Back to ...

The FHA's primary role is as an insurer of mortgage loans made by FHA-approved lenders. The FHA insures loans in all 50 states, all U.S. territories, and in the District of Columbia. Since its inception, the group has insured more than 34 million loans which makes the FHA the world's largest insu...

Consider moving mid-week!  It is typically less expensive to move during the week than during the weekend. Weekends are definitely the busiest days of the week for moving. Try to take time off work if possible. You could save a significant amount of money.
 Get multiple estimates! Try to get at l...

Americans believe owning a home is a good financial decision and a large percentage of renters say homeownership is one of their highest priorities for the future, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors®. The 2013 National Housing Pulse Survey also found that renters are th...

  To be successful in purchasing a home today, you will need a down payment of at least 3.5 percent of the purchase price. No more are the days of no down payment alternatives, down payment assistance and seller-offered programs to come up with the money needed to buy a home. Let's look at the wa...

Effective lighting is a big factor in transforming a house into a home. When homebuyers refer to a place as comfortable or cozy, it’s a safe bet that the homeowners have made an investment in their lighting. Here are five easy and low cost ways to light up your home:   Diffuse the light – Try to ...

1. Assess your Home! Take a look around your home, detecting spots as a burglar would. Address any issues that seem vulnerable.   2. Home Security Expert Ask for recommendations from an expert of steps you can take to deter your home against crime, including the installation of an alarm system.  ...

  If you're a first-time homebuyer, looking for a home can be an exhausting experience. It takes a lot of time and energy to find an affordable home that meets your needs. Consider the following tips to take some of the stress out of the home-buying experience. 1.Location and Type of Home The fir...