What Influences Mortgage Interest Rates?

Mortgage RateIf you are in the market for a house — or even if you just have friends that are — you have surely heard about interest rates everywhere you turn. Just a few months ago, these rates were at an all-time low but now they are picking up again, which begs the question: what’s influencing them? When you are looking to buy a house and are figuring out your budget, interest rates are always in mind, but we often consider them in terms of “what’s the lowest rate I can get?” rather than delving into what influences them. There are myriad factors that go into establishing not only the national interest rate but also what you specifically will need to pay. In today’s blog, Family Home Loan Texas explains the factors that influence mortgage interest rates and how they can affect you. (more…)

Have A Great Weekend In North Texas

community blogIt is heating up quickly in the DFW Metroplex, so it can be difficult to find the motivation to leave your air-conditioned, cool home. However, there are lots of worthwhile activities and events going on around North Texas this weekend. In all of our community blogs, we strive to highlight the best goings-on around the area, and this week’s edition is no exception. There is a lot going on, so you should definitely check some of it out. In today’s blog, Family Home Loan Texas showcases some of the best events going on around DFW this weekend. (more…)

What Impacts Your Credit Report?

Credit ReportA lot of factors can affect your credit score, and there are some new, surprising changes that will benefit lots of individuals. The three major credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — are making significant adjustments to the way they report medical debt. This marks a notable change and could maybe even signal other updates in the future. In today’s blog, Family Home Loan Texas discusses these changes to medical reporting in addition to other factors that impact your credit score. (more…)

Should You Rent Or Buy A Home?

Buying a homeRenting an apartment or a house is how most of us spend our early adulthood. After all, not many 19-year-olds can afford a down payment on a house, and renting provides the flexibility that most young adults require. Whether you are a college student moving from one apartment to the next as roommates come and go or you have a  job that requires you to travel, there are numerous reasons that make renting a great option. As you become older, however, the need for this flexibility lessens, and owning a home starts looking increasingly alluring. While everyone has unique needs — especially financially — that influence whether owning or renting a home is viable, there are certain concrete criteria that you should consider when deciding which route to take. In today’s blog, Family Home Loan Texas looks at and talks about what you need to keep in mind when figuring out if you should continue renting or opt to buy. (more…)

Don’t Miss Out On DFW Events This Weekend

community blogIt is Friday, which means we are back with a new community blog. Looking at the weather for the weekend, it seems like it will be cloudy yet not raining, so the temperatures shouldn’t feel too exorbitantly toasty. This provides a great opportunity to get out and about with your family and take in some great events happening across the metroplex over the next couple of days. Family Home Loan Texas highlights several of the most promising events occurring this Saturday and Sunday in today’s community blog. (more…)

How To Budget When Buying A Home

home budgetLooking at home prices — particularly in North Texas — can be a shock. While you are surely aware that you do not have to pay the total cost of the house upfront, the numbers are still staggering. Many of us consider the costs broken down into two parts: the down payment and monthly mortgage payments. While this is certainly true, there are additional costs that you need to be aware of. Therefore, it is important to understand all of the things you should expect to pay for and budget appropriately. In today’s blog, Family Home Loan Texas discusses what you need to budget for when buying a home.  (more…)

Why You Need Title Insurance

title insuranceBuying a house is incredibly exciting; after all, you are finding a place that you love enough to call home. While this is certainly true, the actual purchasing process can be tricky and stressful. From navigating escrow to finding appraisers to more, there is a lot that buyers have to keep in mind. An often overlooked part of buying a house is protecting yourself should any issues arise with the seller’s title to the home. There is nothing to worry about in most cases, but you still want to protect yourself should a problem with the title arise. Luckily, title insurance can keep you safe and worry-free. In today’s blog, Family Home Loan Texas discusses title insurance and how it can protect you if problems with the sale occur. (more…)

Escrow’s Role In The Home Buying Process

escrowThe home buying process can seem daunting, especially for those who have not been through it before. It is admittedly complex, and there are more steps involved than you may expect. Because of this, it is essential to learn as much as you can before beginning this journey, so you do not find yourself overwhelmed or scrambling once it is underway. One of the steps that cause confusion for buyers is escrow. This occurs between the time the seller accepts your offer and when you get the keys to your new home. In today’s blog, Family Home Loan Texas discusses escrow and what you need to know about it before beginning the home buying process.  (more…)