Gary Pierpont Blog

Laura Kusisto writing for the Wall Street Journal explores the current challenges with home financing. Rentals are up, and there are a number of reasons why a portion of the middle class can’t qualify to buy a house. More, here.

 

Brena Swanson has shared an infographic on HousingWire showing phone usage statistics, and reiterating the importance of being mobile friendly in real estate. More, here.

 

ABC News shared 5 questions to ask yourself when considering refinancing. It’s mostly common sense, but always good to have a refresher. More, here.

 

National Mortgage News has a piece on down-payment assistance programs. The article features Jeb Hensarling, the House Financial Services Committee Chairman, among others criticizing the current state of affairs. More, here.

 

The Seattle Times has an informative piece on the pros and cons of setting up an escrow account, here.

 

CBS News has some ideas for first-time homebuyers to overcome obstacles when it comes to financing. More, here.

 

Hal Bundrick at NerdWallet has some valuable advice on self-employed borrowers getting approved for a mortgage and buying a home. More, here.

 

Last week, the Internal Revenue Service increased the amount of deduction unmarried cohabitants of a home can claim. Tony Nitti, writing for Forbes, has a synopsis, here.

 

Ilyce Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin writing for The Washington Post, highly recommend taking your real estate agent’s advice to upgrade your home prior to selling. Read more, here.

 

The Washington Post reports on the increase in mortgage rates. Though there’s no immediate cause for concern, rates are expected to continue climbing. More, here.