Deborah Kearns

3 weeks ago | rismedia.com | Deborah Kearns

Homebuyers can’t seem to catch a break on home affordability. On top of high home prices, mortgage rates and homeowners insurance, property taxes on single-family homes across the United States jumped 2.7% in 2024, reaching $4,172 per home, according to a new report from ATTOM, a property data and analytics firm. The total amount levied on single-family homes nationwide decreased to $357.5 billion, down 1.6% from 2023, even as the average tax bill per home increased.

3 weeks ago | rismedia.com | Deborah Kearns

A federal judge has stepped in again to stop President Trump’s administration from firing more than 80% of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) employees after the agency announced a drastic reduction to its mission and scope of work.

4 weeks ago | mortgageresearch.com | Deborah Kearns

The Bottom Line Paying title insurance usually falls on the homebuyer, but this can vary by location. Title insurance fees are a third-party closing cost you can shop around for — and negotiate with the seller on who foots the bill. Title insurance is one of those closing costs in a home purchase you don’t love spending extra cash on but are grateful for when issues crop up. Lenders require borrowers to take out a title insurance policy in case there’s an ownership dispute after closing.

1 month ago | mortgageresearch.com | Deborah Kearns

The Bottom Line IPCs can substantially lower your out-of-pocket expenses at the closing table, but each loan program sets its own limits on how much sellers can contribute and what the funds can cover. Finding ways to reduce your upfront costs when buying a home can sometimes mean the difference between closing the deal and walking away without the home of your dreams. Interested Party Contributions (IPCs) are a powerful tool to help lighten the burden and make homeownership more affordable.

1 month ago | mortgageresearch.com | Deborah Kearns

The Bottom Line Using a buyer’s agent for new construction provides valuable expertise and guidance. However, recent commission changes mean you might have to negotiate and pay your agent’s fee yourself. When you buy a brand-new home, you’ll mostly deal with the builder’s sales agent at a model home or sales center. But as you negotiate your new construction purchase, should you rely solely on the sales rep or have your own real estate agent in the mix to help negotiate this major purchase?