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Articles by Shachi Bhardwaj

Understanding Home Insurance vs. Flood Insurance

As we enter storm season, it's a good time to clarify some key differences between home insurance and flood insurance, especially as many homeowners might be surprised by what is—and isn’t—covered. Home Insurance vs. Flood Insurance Home…

Is Now the Time to Refinance? Let’s Find Your Sweet Spot

Are you waiting for the “perfect” rate to refinance? If so, you’ll find this information especially helpful. With the current market volatility, rates can fluctuate multiple times in a single day, and waiting too long might mean missing…

The Fed Rate Cut: Why The Mortgage Rate Didn’t Follow

I’ve recently been explaining to many of my clients why mortgage rates didn’t drop after the Federal Reserve cut the fed funds rate by half a percent. It’s a common misunderstanding, so I decided to address it in this week’s Weekly Update! When…

Annual Escrow Breakdown: What You Really Need to Know

As fall rolls in, it’s also time for county property tax bills to become due. If you’re escrowing, your mortgage servicer will handle the tax payment directly to the county. Around this time, your mortgage company will also review any…

Your Guide to Comparing Lender Quotes

You’ve found your dream home and completed your due diligence by interviewing different lenders. Now it’s time to evaluate and compare the quotes they provided. As you may have already realized, the challenge with this task is that quotes…

Exciting News on Mortgage Rates & Smart Refinancing Tips

You may have already heard that mortgage interest rates are starting to edge lower. This is great news for prospective home buyers and current homeowners alike! The yield on the 10-year Treasury has moved into a range we haven't seen since February…

Navigating the Mortgage Process: Key Steps for a Smooth Closing

I was chatting with a realtor friend last week, and he mentioned that one of his buyers missed his closing date because he didn't acknowledge the receipt of the Closing Disclosure (CD) in time. That got me thinking about how important it is…

Home Insurance Essentials: Protect Your Home and Meet Lender Requirements

Home Insurance Overview: Home insurance, also called homeowners or hazard insurance, covers losses and damages to your private residence and its contents, such as furniture, valuables, clothes, and electronics. The coverage amount depends on…

Should You Lock Your Mortgage Rate Today?

The CPI inflation data came in lighter than anticipated on Thursday. This meant that prices didn't rise as much as expected, which is usually good news for mortgage rates. Interestingly, while initially, the bond market reacted positively, by…

Home Appraisal vs. Home Inspection

I am always right, but I do want to concede and give credit where it is due. My dear husband, Alok, pointed out something important after reading last week’s update. I missed addressing the difference between a home inspection and an appraisal.…

Understanding Home Appraisals vs. Inspections

I often find myself explaining to first-time buyers the importance and relevance of appraisals and how they differ from home inspections. It's your lucky day because I’ve decided to share that wisdom with you too. Home appraisals play a…

How to Successfully Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment

You all must have started receiving the dreaded property assessment notices from the county. I just addressed a question about appealing a property tax assessment in our neighborhood WhatsApp group, and I figured it’s an appropriate topic…

How Cash-Out Refinancing Can Help You Beat Credit Card Debt

As you may have seen in the news, the Federal Reserve has decided to hold its key interest rate steady, opting for stability as it evaluates ongoing economic indicators. With recent economic conditions, many Americans are struggling with…

Selling Your Home? How a Mortgage Recast Can Save You Money

Are you selling a home and planning to use the proceeds for a significant down payment on your new home? What if your old home doesn't sell before you close on your new one, and you only have enough for the minimum down payment? No worries—a…