Real Estate is a Top Investment

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For the 7th year running, Americans have ranked real estate as a top long-term investment. Let's connect to discuss your real estate plans for this year.

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How FICO 9 May Increase Credit Scores

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  Information is brought to you by Hope Leitner Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties How FICO 9 May Increase Credit Scores How medical debt and other collection items are tallied in a credit score is changing, potentially increasing the credit scores of millions of people. Called the FICO 9, the new credit score changes how medical collections are treated from non-medical changes, such as credit cards. A medical debt will now damage a credit score less than paying a credit card bill on time, for example. FICO 9 came out in 2014, but the improved credit scores could just now be coming to fruition for many consumers because it can take a few years for banks and other lenders to implement the new system. The new FICO 9 score should give responsible borrowers better access to credit and lower rates on existing credit once the changes are accepted by the industry. Part of the thinking behind the changes is that for many people facing medical debt collections, it isn’t s...
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Taking the Fear Out of the Mortgage Process

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Taking the Fear Out of the Mortgage Process A considerable number of potential buyers shy away from the real estate market because they’re uncertain about the buying process – particularly when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage. For many, the mortgage process can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be!   In order to qualify in today’s market, you’ll need a down payment  (the average down payment on all loans last year was 5%, with many buyers putting down 3% or less) , a stable income, and a good credit history. Once you’re ready to apply, here are 5 easy steps  Freddie Mac   suggests  to follow: Find out your current credit history and credit score – Even if you don’t have perfect credit, you may already qualify for a loan. The average FICO Score® for all closed loans in September was 737, according to  Ellie Mae. Start gathering all of your documentation – This includes income verification (such as W-2 forms or tax returns...
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Falling Mortgage Rates Are Bringing Buyers Back

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  If you’ve been hesitant to   list your house   because you’re worried no one’s buying, here’s your sign it may be time to talk with an agent. After months of high rates keeping buyers on the sidelines, things are starting to shift. Rates are already coming down due to a number of economic factors. And yesterday the  Federal Reserve  cut the Federal Funds Rate for the first time since they began raising that rate in  March 2022 . And while they don’t control mortgage rates, this sets the stage for mortgage rates to fall even further than they already have – especially since more cuts from the Fed are expected into next year. And lower  mortgage rates  are bringing more buyers back into the market. Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at  Bright MLS , says: “A drop in the cost of borrowing will help fuel more homebuyer demand . . . Falling rates will also bring more sellers into the market.” The best part? You can  take advantage  of th...
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