mortgages: Does Private Mortgage Insurance Make Sense For You? - 09/05/18 12:12 PM
If you are reading this article, it’s entirely possible that you are considering buying a home. It’s also likely that you are weighing certain financial options between a sizable down payment or taking on the expense of mortgage insurance.
It’s important to understand that private mortgage insurance (PMI) helps mitigate the lender’s risk. It has little benefit to the homeowner, other than help facilitate the mortgage approval process. Home buyers would be well advised to understand the complexities of PMI because not everyone needs or can afford the additional cost.
Do You Need PMI?
PMI reduces the lending institution’s loss in the event a … (1 comments)

mortgages: What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 4th, 2018 - 09/04/18 04:21 PM
Last week’s economic releases included readings from Case-Shiller on home prices, pending home sales and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released.
Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth, Pending Home Sales Dip
Home price growth slowed in June according to Case-Shiller’s national home price index. Home prices rose 0.30 percent from May and were 6.30 percent year-over-year as compared as compared to 6.40 percent. In May. Analysts have predicted stabilizing home prices for months and June’s reading indicated that home prices may slow after surpassing inflation and wage growth in recent times.
The 20-City Home Price Index rose 0.10 percent … (0 comments)

mortgages: Buying A Home? Take Stock Of These Things - 08/31/18 06:13 AM
What are some of the most important factors that buyers take into consideration when looking for a new home? There are the obvious things like price, square footage, location and lot size. Those are the basics. Other things that are often weighed are garage size, how updated the kitchen and baths are and whether or not the basement is finished.
All of these are very important to consider, but there are other more “hidden” aspects of a home that many prospective buyers may not take into account. And it’s these aspects that could really come to bite them where it hurts if … (0 comments)

mortgages: Millennial Home Buyers: What You Need To Know - 08/29/18 09:23 AM
In the past, you’ve likely read about how the Millennial generation is opting to rent rather than buy property. While this still holds true for many Millennials, the fact is that a growing number of this generation is making the leap into buying.
In fact, according to Inc., Millennials today represent the largest demographic of new home buyers, responsible for about 35 percent of all real estate purchases. (For comparison’s sake, Gen X’ers are responsible for about 25 percent of the buyer’s market.)
What’s more is the Millennial home buyers have been trending upwards for about four years now, and this trend is … (0 comments)

mortgages: New Home Construction Boom Expected - 08/28/18 01:22 PM
The housing market has been trending in a positive direction and economic indicators point to new home construction going vertical.
Following the housing bubble and sluggish post-recession economy, construction companies largely turned their attention away from new homes. Diminished values, high regulatory and materials costs served as deterrents to home-building.
But the economic revival the country is experiencing – coupled with a housing shortage – has builders poised to jump back into the single-family home game. Here are three reasons new home construction is expected to boom.
1: First-Time Buyer Lifestyles
Consider that the last big new construction boom occurred 12-16 years ago. Those so-called … (0 comments)

mortgages: What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 27th, 2018 - 08/27/18 07:36 AM
Last week’s economic readings included reports on sales of new and previously-owned homes, and weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims.
Sales of New and Pre-owned Homes Falter in July
Home sales were lower in July, with new and pre-owned home sales falling short of projections and June sales. According to the Commerce Department, new homes sold at an annual rate of 627,000 sales as compared to 640,000 new home sales projected and a pace of 638,000 homes sold in June.
Downward revisions for previous months contributed to a lower sales pace reported in July; but the average price of a new … (0 comments)

mortgages: 4 Things To Know About Homestead Exemptions - 08/24/18 09:15 AM
Homeowners are well aware that peripheral costs swell over time and can put a strain on incomes. Utility bills increase, home insurance creeps up annually and taxes rise with the cost of schools and road repair.
That’s why many communities have enacted homestead exemptions that can help stabilize and even lower tax bills in some cases. Although these exemptions are not well publicized, knowing how they work and how to apply could save you a good deal of money.
Understanding The Homestead Exemption
A homestead exemption helps homeowners lower and/or fix the amount you pay in local taxes. Qualifying property owners can have a … (1 comments)

mortgages: Easy Decor Tricks That Make Any Home A Standout - 08/22/18 09:31 AM
If your home’s style currently wouldn’t win any awards, there’s no reason to put off a redo indefinitely. With a little ingenuity and a few hours of time, it’s possible to transform a “Plain Jane” into a trendsetter.
Here’s how:
Paint and Pattern
Almost any designer will tell you that color is the best way to alter the character of a room. It doesn’t have to be dramatic; even a subtle change of tone, texture or pattern on a single wall can be a distinctive focal point. If your home lacks architectural detail, you might consider adding wood paneling to one wall or to … (2 comments)

mortgages: When It Makes Sense To Buy An Ugly Duckling - 08/21/18 01:44 PM
“Move-in ready” homes are desirable — there’s no doubt about it! But sometimes it makes better financial sense to opt for a house with dated decor and a less than trendy kitchen or master bath. You may not get your dream home immediately, but the opportunity to transform a property into your own swan can be rewarding. It can also be easy on the pocketbook.
When looking at Ugly Ducklings, however, look first to structural integrity and the condition of major home systems. including plumbing and septic, driveway and drainage. A home inspection is invaluable, even though no inspector can guarantee trouble-free … (3 comments)

mortgages: What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 20th, 2018 - 08/20/18 08:51 AM
Last week’s economic reports included readings from the National Association of Home Builders and Commerce Department releases on Housing Starts and Building Permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were released, along with a monthly report on consumer sentiment.
NAHB: Home Builder Housing Market Index Drops 1 Point
August’s reading for the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index dropped one point to 67. This was the lowest reading for home builder confidence in housing market conditions in 11 months. Analysts said that trade wars are causing concern among builders due to higher costs for building materials. Higher … (0 comments)

mortgages: Outdoor Projects That Will Help You Sell Your Home - 08/17/18 11:33 AM
First impressions matter when you’re selling your home. Curb appeal is what draws potential buyers to your home. It can make or break a home sale.
Attractive landscaping or an appealing entryway can determine whether or not buyers walk through your front door. If the outside of your house is poorly kept up, they probably won’t bother to see the inside.
You don’t have to have a large budget or tons of time to make your home look appealing from the outside. Here are some easy outdoor projects that will help you sell your home.
Get Rid Of Clutter
Getting rid of clutter and garbage … (0 comments)

mortgages: Myths About Buying A Vacation Home - 08/16/18 01:16 PM
Are you thinking about buying a vacation home? Maybe owning two homes is part of your retirement dream. Maybe you’d like to have a second home in your favorite holiday locale.
If you are thinking about taking this step, you might have talked to family and friends about it. Unfortunately, many people give well-intentioned, yet poor advice when it comes to buying a vacation home. Here are some myths — and the truth — about buying a second home straight from leading real estate experts.
You Can Buy A Vacation Home With No Money Down
You have probably seen advertisements about buying a vacation … (0 comments)

mortgages: 4 Important Reasons To Install A Home Generator - 08/02/18 08:43 AM
Home improvements are key investments when it comes to quality of life and property value. While decks, solar panels and smart technologies are trendy options, installing a home generator may be even more valuable. That’s because backup generators not only improve market value, they also protect you and your home during severe weather incidents.
Consider these four reasons why a home generator makes good sense.
Protect Against Severe Weather
The impact of severe weather can reach catastrophic proportions. Thousands of people are left without electricity for days — even weeks — after storms. Heat waves also put an inordinate strain on the power grid … (1 comments)

mortgages: Should You Buy A Fixer Upper? - 08/01/18 09:37 AM
Popular TV shows like Fixer Upper and Property Brothers have brought the charms of owning a fixer upper to light. A fixer-upper can be a great option if you are prepared for the experience of owning a house that needs work and time.
A house that needs work can be a great investment if you are ready to invest the time and money into it. On the other hand, buying a fixer upper might be a problem if you are not aware of what you are getting into.
Not sure if owning a fixer upper is worth it? Here are some considerations to … (0 comments)

mortgages: What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 31st, 2018 - 07/31/18 01:58 PM
Last week’s economic readings included reports on sales of new and pre-owned homes, mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims.
New Home Sales Slide; Pre-owned Home Sales Meet Expectations
Commerce Department reported lower sales of new homes in June. Sales were expected to reach 666,000 sales on a seasonally adjusted annual basis, but the actual reading slipped by 5.30 percent to a pace of 631,000 new home sales. Analysts cited higher building costs, home prices and mortgage rates sidelined some buyers.
Concerns over inadequate inventories of available homes also impacted sales of newly-built homes. New homes sold at a rate 6.90 percent higher year-over-year, but … (0 comments)

mortgages: Top Real Estate Predictions You Should Know About - 07/27/18 11:27 AM
Whether you are a homeowner looking to get the maximum return on investment, a buyer interested in fair market value or an industry insider grappling with the moving parts of the real estate industry, these are some trends and predictions you should know about.
Lower Home Supply Causing Significant Value Growth
Indicators point to a U.S. economy that has settled into a nice growth period. Unemployment rates have touched some record lows, wages appear to be on the rise and Millennials are entering high earning and home-buying years. Couple these factors with the fact that last year’s tax reform laws will likely put … (0 comments)

mortgages: Selling Your Home? 4 Ways To Get Your Garage Ready - 07/26/18 12:01 PM
The garage is often the last thing on seller’s minds when it comes to home staging. It is prudent to make sure your kitchen and bathrooms are perfect for showings. Make sure that you don’t neglect your garage when getting your home ready to sell.
A good-looking garage can be a great selling point. Has your garage become a greasy, junk-filled space that you don’t like to visit? If so, then buyers won’t want to see it either. Fortunately, it is easy to get your garage in top shape before your showings. Up the appeal of your garage with these easy tricks.
Get … (2 comments)

mortgages: Check Out This Great Next Gen Kitchen Technology - 07/25/18 01:08 PM
There’s perhaps no better indicator that we are living in the technology age than Smart gadgets infiltrating the kitchen. Whether they are little conveniences or big-ticket items, the chef in every home can benefit from the devices that help improve cooking, storage and food preparation. These are some of the next generation kitchen items that are making life a little easier and homes a tad more valuable.
Samsung Family Hub Smart Fridge Provides Constant Contact
This big-ticket Samsung line has definitely taken refrigeration to the next level. It features a touchscreen that you can connect to with handheld devices to connect with your … (0 comments)

mortgages: 3 Generations Top Housing Market Trends - 07/24/18 12:39 PM
Historians like to say that those who do not learn the lessons of the past are doomed to repeat them. In the real estate industry, the chances of that happening are slim because agents and other professionals follow market trends closely.
That being said, a careful examination of 2017 market trends and other factors can help highlight where the housing market is headed. Consider these top trends when deciding about whether to buy or sell a property.
Millennials Scooping Up Homes
According to resources such as Zillow, the low inventory and emergence of Millennials in the home-buying market helped break records last year. Millennials … (0 comments)

mortgages: Home Buying: Repair Requests After A Home Inspection - 07/20/18 02:30 PM
The perfect home has been found, the one in the right neighborhood with the right amount of bedrooms and bathrooms. The home inspection is complete, but a few issues have been found. At this point, a home buyer has decisions to make. 
What Repair Requests Can Be Made After a Home Inspection?
Structural defects found during a home inspection are the responsibility of the seller and must be fixed. In addition, Realtor.com states that the following must also be repaired by the seller:
Water penetration such as mold or wet basement/crawlspace Any code and safety violations like unstable decking or missing handrails Cosmetic … (1 comments)

 
Joe Gonzalez, NMLS# 126036 (610) 739-6563 (CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC NMLS #3029)

Joe Gonzalez

NMLS# 126036 (610) 739-6563

King of Prussia, PA

More about me…

CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC NMLS #3029

Address: 625 W. Ridge Pike, Building C, Suite 100, Conshohocken, PA, 19428

Office: 610.355.8039

Mobile: 610.739.6563

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