Getting to know ESCROW
If you’re a current homeowner or in the process of buying a home, you’ve probably heard the word “escrow”. It’s one of those mortgage terms that gets used often but isn’t always clearly explained. So, let’s break it down. More
PMI: The Not-So-Secret Cost of Putting Less Down
Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest hurdles to buying a home. For many buyers (especially first-time buyers), coming up with 20% upfront just isn’t realistic. The good news? You don’t always need to put that much down to buy a home. The catch? You may ... More
Preparing For a Home Sale or Purchase in Winter
Winter may not be the first season that comes to mind when you think about buying or selling a home, but for many homeowners and buyers, it can be one of the smartest times to make a move. At Summit Mortgage, we work with clients year-round and see firsthand ... More
Summit Perspectives: USDA/ Rural Development Loans
When most people hear the term “rural home loan”, they picture remote farmland or a life far from modern conveniences. In reality, USDA / Rural Development loans are one of the most powerful (and often misunderstood) home financing options available today. At Summit Mortgage, we believe great home financing decisions ... More
Longer Terms, Lower Payments? Understanding the 50-Year Mortgage Debate
As home prices continue to rise and affordability becomes one of the biggest hurdles for buyers, a new idea has re-entered the national conversation: the 50-year mortgage. Supports argue that longer terms could ease monthly payments and help more Americans achieve homeownership. Critics warn it could make housing even more ... More
Pros And Cons of Buying and Selling in the fall and winter
As the leaves change color and Fall begins to set in, the air isn’t the only thing that begins to cool. The real estate market also experiences this seasonal shift. While spring and summer are traditionally considered the “busy season” for home buying and selling, there are actually plenty ... More
The Impact of Falling Rates on Refinancing and Home Buying
After years of rate hikes that stretched affordability thin, mortgage rates are finally showing signs of easing. For homeowners and buyers alike, this shift opens the door to opportunities that felt locked just a short time ago. But what exactly do lowering rates mean for your bottom line? Read on ... More
Rising Homeowners Insurance Costs: How They Impact Mortgage Affordability—and What You Can Do
For years, the focus on home affordability has been dependent on two things: mortgage rates and home prices. Recently, a third factor has been quietly - but significantly - eating into monthly budgets: homeowners insurance. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average annual homeowners insurance premium in the ... More
