Understanding Contingencies in Real Estate: A Guide for Sellers and Buyers
If you’re selling your current home and buying a new one, navigating the process can feel overwhelming—especially when your funds are tied up in your existing home. That’s where contingencies come in! At Liberty Star Mortgage, we’re here to help you understand how contingencies and leasebacks can simplify your real estate transaction. What is a…
Read MoreWire Fraud Alert: Protect Yourself During Your Mortgage Transaction
At Liberty Star Mortgage, we take your safety seriously and we want to help you protect your hard-earned money during your homebuying journey, and we need to talk about something that could cost you big—wire fraud. What is Wire Fraud? Wire fraud occurs when a scammer tricks you into wiring your money to the wrong…
Read MoreBuying a Home When You’re Self-Employed: What You Need to Know
At Liberty Star Mortgage, we understand that being self-employed can make the homebuying process a bit more complex. But with the right preparation, you can secure the mortgage you need. Here’s what you should know if you’re self-employed and looking to buy a home. Key Documents Your Lender Will Need As a self-employed borrower,…
Read MoreThe Recent Fed Rate Cut And What it ACTUALLY Means!
By now you may have heard that the Fed cut rates on September 18th by half a percent. But what does that ACTUALLY mean for mortgage rates? Unfortunately, it’s not an automatic cut in mortgage rates— but it does mean we are in the right direction for lower mortgage rates. Read more in Dan’s article…
Read MoreDon’t Let a 20% Down Payment Freeze You—Explore Your Home Buying Options!
Does the thought of a 20% down payment have you frozen in fear? You’re not alone! Many first-time homebuyers mistakenly believe they need to save a full 20% of the home’s price to make their dream of homeownership a reality. The good news is, that’s not the case! There are plenty of options that require…
Read MoreA First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide to Home Warranties
As a first-time homebuyer, you’re likely overwhelmed with all the decisions you need to make. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of buying a home is understanding what a home warranty is and why you might want one. What is a Home Warranty? A home warranty is a service contract that covers…
Read MoreThe Benefits of Refinancing Your Mortgage
Are you looking for a way to reduce your monthly mortgage payments or potentially access some of your home’s equity? Refinancing your mortgage could be a powerful tool to help you achieve those goals. Let’s explore what refinancing is, its benefits, and how it could be a game-changer for you. What is Refinancing? Refinancing involves…
Read More6 Tips For After You Close On Your New Home
Congratulations on closing your new home! This is a huge milestone, but the journey doesn’t stop here. To help ensure your transition into homeownership is smooth and stress-free, here are six essential tips to follow after you’ve closed on your new home. 1. Request Both Paper and Electronic Copies of Your Closing Documents When…
Read MoreUnlock Savings: Essential Tips for Mortgage Rate Locks
When it comes to mortgage rates, many people assume that once they start talking to a lender, they’re locked into a fixed rate. However, mortgage rates are far from static. Just like the stock market, they’re constantly fluctuating, and understanding how rate locks work can make a significant difference in your financial savings. The Truth…
Read MoreIs Your HOA Payment Included in Escrow?
When buying a home, there’s often confusion about what’s included in your escrow account, particularly regarding Homeowners Association (HOA) dues. Many people assume that, like property taxes and homeowners insurance, their HOA fees will be collected monthly as part of their escrow payments. However, this is a common misconception. HOA Payments and Escrow: What’s the…
Read More