What Rising Mortgage Rates Mean for the 2021 Housing Market
If you’ve been keeping an eye on mortgage rates over the past year, you may have noticed they’ve recently started ticking up for the first time in several months. Rates had remained under the 3% mark throughout much of 2020 due to the economic downturn. They appear, however, to have hit their low-point in mid-February…
Read MoreTop Tips for Home Buying Prep in 2021
Credit Scores, Budgeting, Loan Pre-Approval, and More! Buying a home is a huge financial and emotional investment, and if you’re thinking about buying your first home, the to-do list can be daunting. Taking the time to plan ahead will be key to making practical decisions that set the stage for a successful home buying experience…
Read MoreRecognizing Hometown Heroes with the Portland Trail Blazers
The world is full of heroes, healing us, protecting us, inspiring us to do more. They come in many forms, showing up to do what’s right, bravely making an impact in their own communities and in the world at large. Whether it’s a healthcare worker on the frontlines of COVID, a member of our armed…
Read MoreFall in Love With the Season! 6 Fun October Activities
Leaves are rustling, pumpkins are appearing on porches and there is a familiar chill in the air. Autumn is officially in full swing! Here are a few simple ways to have fun and make memories this fall, all while keeping a safe social distance or staying close to home. Classic Outdoor Activities Solve a Corn…
Read MoreRent vs. Buy: Which is Better & When to Make the Switch
When should you buy a house? The answer is different for everyone. If you’re currently renting but hope to become a homeowner in the future, this simple guide will help you understand when the time is right to buy your own house. The Pros and Cons of Renting Finding a place to live is a…
Read MoreMortgage Calculator Reality Check: How Accurate Are They?
Mortgage calculators are useful, but they do have some limits. Learn more about how to interpret what a mortgage calculator tells you, and what you can do to get the detailed information you need to make a homebuying decision. The Value of a Mortgage Calculator Should you use a mortgage calculator? Yes! We offer a…
Read MoreThe 20% Myth: Understanding Down Payments
Most would-be homeowners believe that it’s necessary to pay 20% up front as a down payment when you purchase a home. This would be a major hurdle to homeownership for most people, but the good news is that it isn’t always true. Learn more about the 20% myth so you can better plan to buy…
Read MoreThe Homebuying Process from Beginning to End
Buying a home is the most significant investment most of us will make in our lifetimes. Given this, it may not come as a surprise that the process involved with becoming a homeowner is much more complicated than the everyday purchases we make at the grocery store or even the car dealership. If you’ve never…
Read MoreWhat Does a Rate Cut Mean for Mortgages? How to Interpret News Stories About Interest
The Federal Reserve often responds to major economic events by raising or lowering interest rates. While these moves have a big impact on the economy as a whole, they have a different impact on consumers than they do on financial institutions. Learn more about how to interpret interest-focused news stories with this guide. Financial News…
Read MoreFollowing the Ups and Downs: Making Sense of Mortgage Industry News
What’s the best way to stay up to date on mortgage industry news? This guide covers everything from analyzing source reliability to understanding predictions so you can make well-informed decisions about your financial future. Want to Get Reliable Information? Start at the Source When it comes to major financial decisions, it’s essential to arm yourself…
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