By Douglas Katz – 06/30/2022 So everybody is talking about rates. Clients call me and that is their first question, especially in the current environment, but oddly enough it is not the rate that matters. It is the payment. I know that a comment like that has the ring of a used car salesman, but …
By Douglas Katz – 06/30/2022 HIGHLIGHTS New construction has many important considerations that add cost and stress to a deal. Buyers have very little control and bear most of the risk for higher costs, higher rates and an extended timeline. Planning and understanding if the important variables will assist you in having a good transaction …
Deconstructing New Construction – The Caveats for Buyers Read More »
By Douglas Katz – 06/28/2022 HIGHLIGHTS Title vesting defines ownership and who has claim to the property. Proper vesting is essential to ensuring that ownership passes the way you want after your passing. All vesting types have benefits and drawbacks that you need to consider especially during times of change in your situation like marriage …
Ownership, Title and Vesting – More Important Than You Might Think Read More »
By Douglas Katz – 06/27/2022 Veterans in Illinois can save up to 100% of their real estate taxes. Savings depend on their disability rating and the county. Caps and different policies can drastically change the benefit for different situations. Some veterans either lose it soon after getting it or do not even get it as …
The Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities – What You Need To Know. Read More »
Per Freddie Mac: Fixed mortgage rates have increased by more than two full percentage points since the beginning of the year. The combination of rising rates and high home prices is the likely driver of recent declines in existing home sales. However, in reality many potential homebuyers are still interested in purchasing a home, keeping …
Weekly Mortgage Rate Update – Mortgage Rates Continue to Move Up Read More »
By Douglas Katz – 06/23/2022 So now that I have your attention, no we are no talking about your appendages. We are talking about adjustable rate mortgage (ARMs) and their use is on the rise again. CNBC just published an article titled Demand for adjustable-rate mortgages surges, as interest rates make biggest jump in 13 …
Mortgages Explained – The Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) Read More »
By Douglas Katz – 06/23/2022 First let me get this out of the way. I recommend strongly that you delete, throw away and disregard any forecasts more than 30 days old. Too much has changed in the markets and, more importantly, in the sentiment of real estate and mortgage professionals, buyers and sellers. Rates have …
By Douglas Katz – 06/23/2022 Mortgage rates have been at the height of discussion and media coverage lately. After a long period of the lowest rates in recorded mortgage history. rates have spiked. This freaked out buyers, killed all refinances and generally created a mild panic. What is interesting, however, is that many prospective buyers …
By Douglas Katz – 06/21/2022 U.S. News and World Report recently published a great article titled Ways You’re Making Your Divorce More Expensive, which had some amazing advice. While not focused on any part of the process, they had some fantastic advice that aligns closely with what I as a Certified Divorce Lending Professional and …
Managing the Home Disposition Costs During Divorce Read More »
By Doug Katz – 06/20/2022 It is no secret that the housing and mortgage markets are changing and not for the better. As expected, there has been a deluge of articles of new programs and other ways to juice your purchasing power to still be able to buy a home. I am deliberately leaving out …
Have a Personal Budget Defined BEFORE You Buy a Home! Read More »
