The Fed, Policy Rates and Inflation – What This Means For Mortgage Interest Rates

The Fed, Policy Rates and Inflation – What This Means For Mortgage Interest Rates

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At their most recent meeting, the Federal Reserve moved policy rates up by 0.5%. The Fed’s announcement is the biggest increase to policy rates since 2000 and is an attempt to tame inflation. Because this increase was expected, interest rates…
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Mortgage Credit Score

Mortgage Credit Score

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Credit scores are used to determine the risk in lending money to a borrower. In other words, how likely it is a borrower will pay bills on time. Credit scores range from 300 to 850 and reveal how well a borrower has paid bills and managed debt…
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Unpacking-the-Mortgage-Process--Home-Inspections,-Appraisals,-&-Closing

Unpacking the Mortgage Process: Home Inspections, Appraisals, & Closing

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Home inspections, appraisals, and closings, oh my! Aspects of the homebuying process can seem frightening, so knowing what to expect can prepare you for what’s ahead. Here’s a breakdown of three vital parts of the process. Home Inspection …
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Senior Mortgage Banker, Shannon Bradshaw,

Senior Mortgage Banker, Shannon Bradshaw, receives seventh Five Star award

BankSouth Mortgage Senior Mortgage Banker, Shannon Bradshaw, has been named a 2022 Five Star Mortgage Professional award winner, marking her seventh such recognition in 10 years. Bradshaw is the only Georgia-based loan originator to have…
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Fighting-Inflation,-Rate-Impact

Fighting Inflation, Rate Impact

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Looking to purchase or refinance a home? It may pay to act before rates rise further! Here’s why: On November 22, President Joe Biden announced the re-nomination of Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell. Both said they are focused…
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What Can Cause Inflation?

What Can Cause Inflation?

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CAUSE: More money floating around the economy EFFECT: Rising prices on goods and services (recent example: lumber) Inflation impacts the housing market because rising prices on good and services often results in a higher base house price.…
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Aerial-Row-of-Houses

Assessed Value Vs. Appraised Value Vs. Market Value: What’s the Difference?

If you’re in the market to purchase a home, you’ve probably seen an assessed value, appraised value and a market value in addition to the home’s sales price. What’s the difference? Simply put, an assessed value is the value determined…
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Telemarketing-Calls-for-Mortgages

Telemarketing Calls for Mortgages: Why They Occur and How to Prevent Them

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Why am I getting calls for mortgage offers? Occasionally, we hear from customers that they receive unsolicited offers from other lenders after they apply with us. Their first question is always, “Did you sell my information?” The answer…
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Protect Against Wire Fraud

Protect Against Wire Fraud

Mortgage wire fraud occurs when a criminal impersonates a real estate closing firm, a lender, or a real estate agent and provides false wiring instructions to a borrower. The goal of this fraud is to have the funds wired directly to the criminal…
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the-cost-of-waiting-to-buy-a-house

The Cost of Waiting to Buy a Home

Waiting to Buy Can Decrease Your Purchase Power In this uncertain real estate market, many buyers may be playing the waiting game when it comes to purchasing a home. There are advantages and disadvantages to this strategy. Waiting could mean…
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home-buying-mistakes-to-avoid

Home Buying Mistakes to Avoid

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If you’re thinking about buying a new home soon, you’ve taken the first step to homeownership! Are you excited? You should be! Homeownership is an exciting journey. After all, the home you’ll be in will be YOUR home, not your landlord’s.…
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Forbearance--Separate-Facts-from-Fiction

COVID Forbearance: Separating Fact from Fiction

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What You Need to Know FACTS As part of the CARES Act, the federal government states that borrowers with loans owned, guaranteed, or insured by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, and USDA can apply for forbearance for up to 6 months initially…
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