Mortgage news, tips and tools – Page 9
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.
04.11.18
If you’re struggling to pay your mortgage, the threat of foreclosure is never far from your mind. You feel anxious, frustrated, and possibly even embarrassed. Then, just when you’ve given up all hope, someone swoops in offering a miraculous solution to your impossible problem. You’re saved! ...or are you?
04.09.18
Many Americans have been keeping an eye on the 2018 tax bill and thinking about how it affects their finances. However, if you own a home, or are planning to buy in the near future, you have probably paid extra attention to mortgage interest deduction reforms. The 2018 US tax bill does include changes to this popular deduction, as well as a few other updates that may mean big changes for homeowners. Here’s what you need to know.
04.08.18
"As spring approaches, so do certain contractors – in fact, they may even knock on your door. Scammers posing as legitimate contractors often target cities and communities in areas hit by natural disasters, according to the Federal Trade Commission’s consumer education arm. Shady contractors may dupe homeowners into paying upfront for work they’ll never perform, or low-quality work carried out by unlicensed or unqualified employees. They may also target older individuals or a specific neighborhood."
02.27.18
The good news is that you have found (and been offered) your dream job. The bad news is that it’s located way beyond commuting distance. The decision to relocate for your job is a tough choice that many of us will face during our career. Here are tips on how to evaluate your options, and how to make your potential move as painless as possible.
02.26.18
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three national credit bureaus. However, not all credit reports are truly “free,” so it’s important to get your credit report right from the source.
Read more about How to Get a No-Strings-Attached Free Credit Report
02.25.18
When applying for a home loan, prospective homebuyers find themselves tracking down a mountain of paperwork for the lender. Income statements, tax returns, credit reports, and so on—with so much to collect, the application process is intimidating. Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone.
Read more about Home Loan Applications: What Documents Do I Need?
02.25.18
"Nationwide, more than 371,000 homeowners associations (HOAs) benefit community members, according to HOA-USA, an online resource for U.S. townhome, condominium, and single-family homeowner associations."
02.17.18
Researching your family history can reveal family honor (and perhaps a few secrets) but what about your home? Even homes can have mysteries – perhaps you don’t know who built your house or when. Why that strange cupboard is in the kitchen? As a child, did a celebrity practice their “no-paparazzi” wave in the foyer?
Read more about Your Home’s History: Digging into Resources, Finding Treasure
02.15.18
"Nearly 80% of Americans receive a tax refund every year, averaging about $3,000 per filer. We can all find ways to spend some extra cash, but how can you take full advantage of your refund? Depending on your financial situation, paying down your mortgage could be a great option."
Read more about Should I Use My Tax Refund to Pay Down My Mortgage?