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Debunked: 5 Down Payment Myths You Probably Still Believe

Despite the large percentage of the population that has successfully gone through the homebuying process, it remains a mystery to many citizens.

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3 Sources of Down Payment Funds that Aren't Your Savings

For many, saving up for the down payment is the most challenging hurdle to overcome.

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Home Inspection Hints to Help You Make a Good Investment

It’s very easy to make a simple mistake with the home inspection that could wind up costing you more money in the long run.

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What You Need to Know Before Buying a Flipped Home

Don’t assume your flipped find is the finest option, though. Before finalizing the purchase and taking out a residential mortgage, double-check these aspects.

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USDA Income Limits Have Increased

The 2018 income limits for USDA loans have increased. The income Eligibility calculator in the Eligibility website have been updated to use the new income limits.

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Is Refinancing My Mortgage a Good Idea?

Sometimes refinancing costs you more than you expect.

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Why School District Matters, Even if You Don't Have Kids

School district is one of the most influential factors for resale value.

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How to Find the Perfect Real Estate Agent

Finding a real estate agent that you like to work with and has your best interests in mind is the first step many people take in their house-hunting journey.

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Homebuyers Are Seeking Out Larger Homes

Instead of tiny homes and condos in the city, homebuyers are looking to spread out in larger homes.

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Don't Believe These 3 Credit Score Myths

Not only are many consumers unaware of what their credit score is or how to find out, but many hold false notions about what the score means.

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Your Credit Score Questions, Answered

Before you take out a residential mortgage, your lender will need to review some financial information with you, one piece of which is your credit report.

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3 Smart Solutions For a Low Credit Score

Having a higher credit score can open the door to more financial opportunities.

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Can You Buy a Home Without Seeing it First?

If you find yourself considering buying a home without seeing it in person first, here are some tips to help you through the process.

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4 Factors Mortgage Lenders Consider When Determining Mortgage Rates

There are several pieces of information underwriters review before deciding what rate is appropriate. The good news is, it’s all information you can find and review, too.

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3 Common Concerns Sellers Have About FHA Borrowers

Here are some concerns sellers have about FHA loans, and the truth behind them.

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Here's What Buyers Need to Know About Home Square Footage

Square footage is a complicated number, and it’s one that confuses many homebuyers. Here are answers to your most pressing square footage questions.

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Tips for First-time Homebuyers

Employing certain strategies can make buying your first home much easier.

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5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Home

Here are five questions to ask yourself before you apply for a mortgage and start packing.

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2018 Loan Limit Increases

Good news! FHFA, FHA, and VA loan limits will increase in 2018.

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How Does the New Tax Law Impact Homeownership?

The new tax law, effective January 1, 2018, impacts some important benefits of homeownership.

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Loan Program Cheat Sheet

There are many programs available that may help you get the financing you need to purchase a home. Here is our quick and easy guide to some of the more popular programs!

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The Credit Score Minimum is Reduced to 580 for Some VA Loans

Effective for VA Loans locked on or after March 7, 2018, Academy’s minimum required FICO credit score will be reduced from 600 to 580 for loans that are approved through the automatic underwriting...

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How Does the New Tax Law Affect Your Home Equity Loan?

Some home equity loan interest deductions on federal tax returns are now a thing of the past. But Academy Mortgage offers a solution that may still provide a tax benefit.

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Who Pays What?

Buyer and Seller Charges by Loan Type

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Comparison Table of Fannie Mae Conventional

On July 29, 2018, Freddie Mac will launch HomeOne℠, which will have the same benefits and features as our current Fannie Mae Conventional 3% Down Loan, as shown in the table below.

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HomeReady® Income Limits Increase

HomeReady® income limits will increase in most areas on June 23, 2018! HomeReady® is for low- to moderate-income borrowers, so the increased limits will help more borrowers qualify. Income limits will...

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Home Inspection Checklist

Property inspectors do a great job on home inspections (discuss the process with your real estate agent). However, it is always a good idea to check as many things as possible on your own.

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Fed Raises Interest Rates

Fed raises interest rates and signals two more increases this year. Now is a great time to lock in your mortgage rate before rates increase again.

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How Technology Is Changing the Mortgage Industry

The landscape of lending and working with a Loan Officer has altered significantly since the Internet became the standard for worldwide communication.

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RATE DROP! 7 Reasons to Refinance Your Home Now

Interest rates haven’t been this low since January 2018! At the end of March, mortgage rates had the largest one-week drop in 10 years.

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Generation Z on Homeownership and the American Dream

Generation Z. The youngest of the generations just entering adulthood, figuring stuff out. Some of us really get it, and know, like Whitney Houston did way back when, that they’re the future.

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The Benefits of Working with a Local Lender

The current trend in the mortgage industry is for banks and lenders to consolidate operations and service offsite. All processing may be handled in one location, all underwriting in another, etc. This...

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Q&A: How Academy Is Responding to Market and Coronavirus Developments

You’re probably wondering: How did the March 15 Fed rate cut and the coronavirus outbreak affect mortgage rates and/or my mortgage application or pre-approval? Here are 3 quick Q&As with all you...

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GREAT NEWS! Mortgage rates hit record lows, and home purchase applications...

Mortgage rates drop to another all-time low. Purchase applications reach highest level in over 11 years due to pent-up demand and an improvement in consumer confidence. Refinances are also up.

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Mortgage rates remain at all-time low; purchase demand has rebounded quickly

Mortgage rates are remaining low, and purchase demand has rebounded quickly. The promise from Federal Reserve to maintain low rates through 2022 provides further impetus to the market.

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Rates again fall to all-time low; top markets for millennials

Freddie Mac reports that mortgage rates have again fallen to a new all-time low. The NAR recently identified the top ten metro areas with the best conditions for millennial homebuyers.

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Summer heats up with record low rates and increasing demand

Once again, mortgage rates fall to an all-time low and continue to spur demand for houses.

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Mortgage rates fall below 3%; new home construction jumps 17.3%

Mortgage rates fall below 3% for the first time in 50 years; new home construction jumps 17.3% in June

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New home sales jump to a 13-year high; mortgage applications increase by 4.1%

Low mortgage rates and pent-up demand drive sales of new houses to the highest level since 2007; mortgage applications increase by 4.1%

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Mortgage rates drop to second-lowest levels; homeownership rate rises to...

Average mortgage rate dips to just below 3%; pending home sales increased 17% in June; homeownership rate soars to highest since 2008

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Rates again drop to new lows; mortgage applications are up 22%

Mortgage rates drop to new lows; mortgage applications are 22% higher than a year ago

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New listings rise above pre-pandemic levels; rates still at historic lows

New listings increased for the first times since the start of the pandemic; homebuyer demand remains strong, with rates still at historic lows

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Existing-home sales are booming; purchase demand continues to accelerate

Existing-home sales post a second month of record gains; rates are still near historic lows; purchase housing demand continues to accelerate

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Mortgage rates fall again; sales of new homes and pending home sales increase...

Housing market continues to exceed expectations; sales of new homes in July surpass 13-year high; pending home sales increase for third straight month; new refi fee delayed until Dec. 1

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2021 loan limits increase for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA mortgages

The FHFA and FHA have announced new loan limits for 2021. The Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac limit will be $548,250 for one-unit properties in most areas, and the FHA limit will be $356,362. Higher limits...

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New Uniform Residential Loan Application

For the first time in more than two decades, the Uniform Residential Loan Application (URLA) form underwent a significant change.

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