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☆ Your Credit Score Affects Your Mortgage Rate—Here’s How to Improve It
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: +9 min

How does your credit score affect your mortgage rate? “There is no single, specific credit score that will automatically qualify you for a mortgage.”What else determines your mortgage rate? How to check your credit scoreTo get your credit score, check your banking or credit card dashboard if you have one. Many come with automatic credit score monitoring, allowing you to check your score at any time. Make on-time paymentsThe best way to improve your credit score is to avoid late payments—particularly on student loans, credit cards and other types of debts that get reported to credit bureaus.

During the pandemic, mortgage rates plummeted below 3%, flooding the real estate market with homebuyers trying to snag a good rate. "Mortgage rates have trended down in the past couple of months," he says. So... [for] someone waiting for a 3% or 4% mortgage rate, it's not going to happen." For example, Rocket Mortgage is currently offering a mortgage rate buydown program called Inflation Buster. Evaluate whether you're buying for the right reasons and determine if you and your budget are ready for this important milestone.

A slow real estate market is the most straightforward reason to consider an interest-rate buydown. If you're in a strong financial position and want to sell your home quickly, consider a buydown. People also ask whether they should sell and cash out on the appreciation of their real estate over the last few years. If selling some real estate is in your financial plan for 2023, though, then an interest-rate buydown, or seller buydown, might be worth offering. You're selling a 'starter home'While most first-time homebuyers anticipate staying in their first home for several decades, many typically stay in their home for five to 10 years.

Buyers love interest rate buydowns because they come with reduced interest on their mortgage. That has led to an uptick in interest rate buydowns — money paid upfront to secure a lower interest rate. Jones saw interest rate buydowns increase last year, particularly in the second half of 2022. But interest rate buydowns can also be good for sellers even if buydown points come at a cost. To lower the interest rate permanently, each point costs 1% of the loan and usually lowers the interest rate by 0.25%.

☆ In 2022, UWM became the top US mortgage lender and its CEO bought an NBA team. Against the odds, it expects to grow more.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-23 | by ( Alex Nicoll | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

United Wholesale Mortgage became the country's largest originator in 2022. Mortgage rates soared at their fastest rate in decades, halting refinances and slowing home purchases to a crawl. In a way, UWM's strategy is much more old-fashioned than other mortgage players, including Rocket Mortgage. "The idea that you can go on a computer, click a button, and there's your mortgage, that's foolish," he said. To Rocket Mortgage, that's a fundamental misunderstanding of its business.

☆ 12 ways to save on groceries during inflation
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-23 | by ( Jamie Johnson | Jamie Johnson Is A Kansas City-Based Personal Finance Writer Whose Work Has Been Featured On Several Of The Top Finance | Business Sites In The Country | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

12 ways to save money on groceriesGroceries are an unavoidable purchase, but by shopping strategically, you can avoid paying full price at the store. You can also use loyalty programs to save money at your favorite stores. Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger all offer membership programs where you can earn free delivery for groceries, save money on gas, and learn about in-store promotions. Buying in bulkYou can save on groceries during inflation by buying household products in bulk at warehouse stores like Costco and Sam's Club. Get organized and plan aheadOne of the best ways to avoid overspending is to go to the grocery store with a plan.

☆ Exclusive: Rocket CEO: Housing isn't a buyer's or a seller's market. Now it's even
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-13 | by ( Matt Egan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Jay Farner, who presides over America’s largest mortgage lender Rocket Mortgage, says the days of sellers holding all the power are over. Buyers can take a bit more time,” Farner, the CEO of Rocket Companies, told CNN in an exclusive interview. But the Rocket CEO isn’t prepared to declare this a buyer’s market, at least not yet, because inventories remain historically low. The Rocket CEO is less optimistic about the direction of the overall economy. Asked if he’s worried about a major debt ceiling crisis, Farner pointed to history as a guide.

The bottom line: Pentagon Federal Credit Union is a solid choice for conventional, FHA, or VA mortgages thanks to its competitive rates. Pentagon Federal Credit Union vs. Navy Federal mortgagesPenFed Credit Union Navy Federal Credit Union Types of home loans Conforming, jumbo, FHA, VA, HELOC Types of home loans Conforming, jumbo, VA Standout feature Power Buyer certification Standout feature Alternative credit data Get Started Compare RatesPenFed and Navy Federal Credit Union are both solid options if you want a lender that emphasizes services and products for military members or families. How Pentagon Federal Credit Union mortgages workPenFed is featured in our best banks and credit unions for military members and their families guide. Is Pentagon Federal Credit Union trustworthy? Pentagon Federal Credit Union mortgage FAQWhat credit score do PenFed mortgages use?

☆ Wells Fargo, once the No. 1 player in mortgages, is stepping back from the housing market
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-10 | by ( Hugh Son | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

watch nowWells Fargo is stepping back from the multi-trillion dollar market for U.S. mortgages amid regulatory pressure and the impact of higher interest rates. It's the latest, and perhaps most significant, strategic shift that CEO Charlie Scharf has undertaken since joining Wells Fargo in late 2019. Following those once-huge mortgage players in slimming down their operations has implications for the U.S. mortgage market. Today, Wells Fargo is the third biggest mortgage lender after Rocket and United Wholesale Mortgage. Wells Fargo employees have speculated for months about changes coming after Scharf telegraphed his intentions several times in the past year.

☆ Wells Fargo is retreating from the mortgage market it once led
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-10 | by ( Matt Egan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Wells Fargo, long one of the biggest players in the mortgage business, is taking a big step back. Wells Fargo said it will also exit its correspondent business, which buys loans made by other lenders, and reduce the size of its mortgage servicing portfolio. The retreat will likely cause Wells Fargo to lay off at least some employees, though the bank did not announce any specifics. The move comes as Wells Fargo continues to be in trouble with regulators. In late 2017, Quicken Loans toppled Wells Fargo as America’s largest mortgage lender.

☆ KBW's best trades for 2023, including a short bet against Coinbase
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( Tanaya Macheel | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

In the meantime, KBW has shared a list of several names to trade in 2023, many of which are short bets. Perhaps the most high-profile name on the list is Coinbase – and the firm has it down as a short bet, thanks to deteriorating volumes and regulatory overhang. The firm has an underweight rating on Coinbase and a price target of $37. Its price target of $6 is 18% below its Thursday closing price. The firm's price target on Allstate is 11% above where the stock closed Thursday.

The minimum credit score that you'll need to buy a house varies by lender and loan type. What credit score is needed to buy a house? Minimum credit score: No minimum, but with a credit score of at least 640 you could qualify for streamlined credit analysisIt's important to point out lenders are free to set higher minimum credit score requirements than what the loan-backing organizations require. When it comes to your credit score, your bank or credit card issuer may provide your score for free. If not, you can also use a free credit score monitoring tool like Credit Karma or Credit Sesame.

☆ NBA roundup: Nets sink Cavs for 9th straight win
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

While Garland made 14 of 20 shots and finished with his fourth 40-point game of his career, Donovan Mitchell was held to 15 points. Kevin Durant scored 32 points but fouled out for the sixth time in his career when he bumped Garland with 1:54 remaining. Isaiah Stewart had 21 points, Killian Hayes tossed in 18 with 10 assists and Jalen Duren added 15 points and 12 rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin put up 15 points and Myles Turner scored 14 to lead the Pacers, who finished a 2-1 road trip. Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 32 points and 12 rebounds.

☆ Why do I owe taxes this year? 6 reasons you may not get a refund
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( Jamie Johnson | Lisa Niser | Jamie Johnson Is A Kansas City-Based Personal Finance Writer Whose Work Has Been Featured On Several Of The Top Finance | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Common reasons include underpaying quarterly taxes if you're self-employed or not updating your withholding as a W-2 employee. Let's look at six common reasons some people could owe money to the IRS. Editor's Rating 4.6/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Editor's Rating 3.7/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Editor's Rating 4.5/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Learn more On Tax Slayer's website Learn more On Liberty Tax's website Learn more On H&R Block's website1. If you underpay your quarterly taxes — or fail to pay them — you could owe money at the end of the year. If you haven't paid any income taxes on the benefits you received, you may owe money when you file.

☆ These are the best U.S. states to raise a family if you make over $70,000 a year
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Celia Fernandez | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Rocket Mortgage's November report ranked the best states to raise a family based on data from U.S. News and WalletHub. A new report from Rocket Mortgage used data from U.S. News and WalletHub to rank states according to several criteria: family funhealth and safety concernseducation and childcare possibilitiesoverall affordabilitysocial and economic factors Overall, the report found that the best states in the U.S. to raise a family are home to major cities that are continuing to grow in population size and emerging industries. 1 best state to raise a family if you make over $70,000 a year: MassachusettsTotal score: 65.21 Massachusetts is a state that offers everything from the Berkshire Mountains to the beaches of Cape Cod and a major city like Boston. Boston is home to two of the best hospitals in the country: Massachusetts General (rank: 5) and Brigham and Women's (rank: 14). 5 best U.S. states to raise a family if you make over $70,000/year

The Department of Veterans Affairs doesn't set a minimum credit score for VA loans, but lenders typically do. VA loan borrowers need to meet minimum service requirements set by the VA, as well as minimum credit requirements set by their lender. VA lenders that accept low credit scoresAs you prepare to apply for a mortgage, look for lenders that have low minimum credit score requirements or are willing to work with borrowers who have rocky credit histories. If you currently have no credit score, you may be able to use non-traditional credit with certain lenders to prove your creditworthiness. Lowering your credit card balances will also decrease your credit utilization ratio, which can increase your credit score.

Pros Check mark icon A check mark. If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards customer, you can get discounts Check mark icon A check mark. Pros Check mark icon A check mark. Advanced tool for seeing personalized rates and payments Check mark icon A check mark. Variety of home loans, including a specialized buydown loan or I CAN loan Check mark icon A check mark.

You must be eligible to join Navy Federal Credit Union to get a mortgage Dash icon A dash. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightThe bottom line: Navy Federal Credit Union is one of our best VA mortgage lenders. Compare rates On Rocket Mortgage's website Compare rates On AmeriSave Mortgage Corporation's website Compare rates On New American Funding's websiteNavy Federal Credit Union Mortgage: Overall Lender RatingFeature Insider rating (out of 5) Loan types 4 Affordability 5 Customer satisfaction 4.8 Trustworthiness 4 Total 4.45Navy Federal Credit Union Mortgage: Pros and ConsPros Cons VA and conventional mortgage optionsNo-down-payment mortgage optionCan apply with alternative credit dataEasy online application processCompetitive rates Unable to apply for a FHA mortgage, USDA mortgage, construction loan, or reverse mortgageNeed to meet eligibility requirements to become a Navy Federal memberCan't see personalized rates before applying for preapprovalNavy Federal Credit Union Mortgage Interest Rates and FeesWhen you select "Mortgages" on the Navy Federal website, you'll scroll down to see sample rates for its loan options. Is Navy Federal Credit Union Mortgage Trustworthy? Navy Federal Credit Union FAQIs Navy Federal good for a mortgage?

☆ 5 of the best places to raise a family if you make over $100,000 a year
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( Kelsey Neubauer | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Rocket Mortgage found five midsize cities that are some of the best places to raise kids. The schools in these cities, where median incomes are mostly over $100,000, are ranked highly. Here's what to know about each city, including the median home price, median income, and population. Midsize cities with moderate costs of living, suburban feels, and good schools are the best choices if you're buying a home with kids in mind, a new Rocket Mortgage report detailing some of the best states and cities for raising a family said. To be sure, the factors identified by Rocket aren't the only ones to consider, as the report's authors noted.

☆ Padraig Harrington: Golfer gives fans $100 to buy beers for moving out of shadows
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( Jack Bantock | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Surging towards an emphatic victory at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship – the PGA Tour Champions season finale – drinks were already set to flow for the Irishman, but Harrington seemed determined to start the party early. Approaching one fan at the sideline, Harrington handed over a wad of cash – to be spent specifically on beers. In May, Justin Thomas admitted to being blown away by the eye-watering $18 price of beer at the PGA Championship in Tulsa, and it seems similar calculations were on Harrington’s mind in Arizona. In carding 27-under, the Irishman matched the PGA Tour Champions record score in relation to par, equaling Jack Nicklaus’ effort at the Kaulig Companies Championship in 1990. Harrington poses with the Charles Schwab Cup Championship trophy.

☆ Wells Fargo mortgage staff brace for layoffs as U.S. loan volumes collapse
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Hugh Son | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Mortgage volumes at Wells Fargo slowed further in recent weeks, leaving some workers idle and sparking concerns the lender will need to cut more employees as the U.S. housing slump deepens. The bank had about 18,000 loans in its retail origination pipeline in the early weeks of the fourth quarter, according to people with knowledge of the company's figures. Homebuyers have been squeezed and the pace of refinancing has plummeted as borrowing costs surged to more than 7% for a 30-year loan from about 3% a year earlier. And rates may climb further as the Fed is expected to boost its benchmark rate again Wednesday. Among the six biggest U.S. banks, Wells Fargo has historically been the most reliant on mortgages.

☆ Mortgage Giant Rocket Plunges Back to Earth, Hit by Rising Rates
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-31 | by ( Ben Eisen | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The mortgage industry turned from feast to famine faster than America’s largest home lender anticipated. Rocket Mortgage harnessed a generation of low rates to refinance millions of homeowners. Last year, it racked up more than double the refi volume of any other lender, accounting for more than $1 of every $10 lent out during a boom for the mortgage industry.

A fixed-rate mortgage locks in your interest rate for the entire life of your loan. To determine how much interest you'll pay and whether your rate will change later, you'll choose between two types of mortgages: a fixed-rate mortgage or adjustable-rate mortgage. Fixed-rate mortgagesWith a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate remains the same for the entire life of the loan. Adjustable-rate mortgagesWith an adjustable-rate mortgage, commonly referred to as an ARM, rates and monthly payments remain the same for a set period of time, then change periodically. Calculate your monthly mortgage paymentUse our free mortgage calculator to see how different rates could affect your payments over the years.

☆ Vishal Garg wants you to understand why he's still Better's CEO, even after getting ridiculed for brutally laying off 900 people via Zoom
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-03 | by ( Alex Nicoll | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +14 min

Vishal Garg, the CEO of Better, spoke out nine months after laying off hundreds of people over Zoom. "I would regularly tell my team that I think I'm the right founder for this company," Garg said. For his younger employees, Queens might be known as a hip borough with diverse populations and menus. But to Garg, Queens was something to be embarrassed by, leading him to pour even more energy into his work. Now at the helm of a slimmed-down Better, Garg is firmly looking forward to the future, SPAC or no SPAC.

☆ Couples ask wedding guests for cash rather than gifts to help them buy a house, report says
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-25 | by ( Jyoti Mann | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Some couples are using wedding registries to help fund down payments, Financial Times reported. Wedding registry websites have seen a spike in couples asking for cash from their guests. Zola and The Knot, two wedding registry and planning websites, told the Financial Times that more couples are using their registry to ask for help with raising funds for a deposit or other housing costs. Zola said that three quarters of couples using its services ask for money and that the number of cash funds relating to housing has shot up since 2019. In August the national median mortgage payment amounted to $1,839, data from Mortgage Bankers Association shows, while there was a 33% increase in monthly payments in the first eight months of this year.

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