Mortgage news, tips and tools – Page 15
The PennyMac Mortgage Blog is where you'll find unbiased, useful info to help save you money, time and peace of mind during the mortgage process. If you have a mortgage or are about to get one, we think you'll find info here you can't always get elsewhere.
03.13.17
Do you know the return on investment (ROI) of your renovation project? Not all renovations automatically make your home more valuable. In fact, some projects may provide very little or no return value at all. It’s important to research and plan ahead before you begin so you can make sure you’re spending your money wisely.
Read more about Home Remodeling ROI: Is Your Project Worth the Money?
03.09.17
Should you paint your bedroom red or blue? Ask a design psychologist. Since the 1960s, environmental or design psychologists have studied how our physical surroundings affect our well-being, from healthcare to the workplace. While we all respond as individuals, our emotions can be influenced by colors, shapes, textures and more.
Read more about Peace of Mind: A Design Psychologist Gives Tips on Making a Happier Home
03.07.17
When it comes to comparing mortgage lenders, many new homebuyers confuse the annual percentage rate (APR) with the interest rate. In truth, these rates measure two very different things. Understanding the role that each of these numbers play in the total cost of your mortgage isn't only important for personal knowledge, it could save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
Read more about APR vs. Interest Rate: What's the Difference?
02.28.17
During the home buying process, you’re likely to be introduced to a wide variety of mortgage types. While it might seem logical to select a mortgage based upon what your friends or family have chosen, it’s more important to weigh whether or not a mortgage plan fits you and your individual lifestyle.
Read more about The Pros and Cons of Adjustable Rate Mortgages
02.27.17
A conventional loan is a type of mortgage that is not part of a specific government program, such as Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) loan programs. However, conventional loans are commonly interchangeable with "conforming loans", since they are required to conform to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s underwriting requirements and loan limits.
02.08.17
With some mortgage experts projecting rates to remain near historically low numbers, it’s no surprise that refinancing continues to be a popular home loan option. Before you start comparing lenders, however, it’s important to take a 360-degree view of your options.
Read more about Your Mortgage Refinancing Checklist: Ready to Refi?
02.01.17
Deciding whether to renovate your current home or buy a new house can be emotionally fraught and financially complicated. As well, there may be aspects of the "stay vs. go" equation you may not have contemplated.
01.04.17
While many think of summer as "home improvement season," winter can offer easier scheduling, better contractor choices and stronger negotiating power. To discover which home improvement and maintenance choices to focus on in winter, we spoke with Don Vandervort, the founder and resident expert at hometips.com and who has written more than 30 books on home improvement.
Read more about Winter Improvement, Summer Enjoyment: Home Fixes for Right Now
03.12.13
America's mortgage industry is slowly recovering. But, according to real estate site Zillow, 16 million homeowners still owe more than their homes are worth. And, while taxes may not be top of mind for these underwater homeowners, there are some helpful advantages afforded to these borrowers via the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act.