Are you a Mortgage Lender’s Headache?

We are taught very early on in business that the customer is always right and every measure needs to be taken to make certain that the client is satisfied. As the mortgage client, you have a great opportunity to assist your lending team to facilitate a smooth transaction. Don’t be a difficult borrower; use this guide to learn how to be a transaction facilitator and not a roadblock for your new home purchase. Read more…

Down Payment Assistance for 1st Time Home Buyers in Massachusetts

For many first time home buyers coming up with a down payment is the most challenging aspect of the home buying process. Saving the down payment needed is the reason that many otherwise qualified applicants continue to spend money on rent that could be used to build equity of their own. Don’t let the down payment deter you from taking advantage of a historically low interest rate environment. Read more…

Mortgage Pre-Qual Letter or Pre-Approval Part 1 “Pre-Qual Maybes”

The Mortgage Buddy fields a lot of questions from prospective home buyers about the difference between obtaining a mortgage pre-qualification letter and a mortgage pre-approval letter. There are significant differences and understanding these differences will help you better prepare yourself to be ready for this year’s spring real estate market. Read more…

Protect your Home and your Family from the Dangers of Lead

The Mortgage Buddy would like to welcome guest blogger John A. Saari to the site. Mr. Saari has spent his whole working life in the various fields of construction management, development, and architecture. In John’s line of work it’s imperative that he is up to date on all of the federal and Massachusetts building codes and housing laws. In this article John discusses the importance of knowing the lead laws so you can better protect your family and your investment. Read more…

Landlord Lease Agreements and Insurance

The Mortgage Buddy would like to welcome contributing author Charles Downey to the site. Charlie Downey is the President & CEO of the Downey Insurance Group which services all of New England via their Marlborough Massachusetts office. Established in 1928, in a small office in downtown Marlborough, Downey Insurance has grown for over 70 years to its present location. Now one of the oldest insurance agencies in Marlborough and three generations later, they have gained the experience necessary to be one of the best full service insurance agencies in the area. With the spring housing market right around the corner, the Mortgage Buddy has been directing its’ focus on providing information to potential real estate investors, Read more…

How to Buy Rental Property with Confidence

Many Mass. first time home buyers consider purchasing a multi-family property to help defray the cost of home ownership. By living in one unit and renting the remaining unit(s), the rental income received can be used to help pay the mortgage and lower your monthly housing expense. However, buying a multi-family property is not as simple as cashing the rent check every month. There are several additional issues to keep in mind if you decide to buy a multi-family property rather than a single family property or condo. Read more…

Bullet Proof your Home Inspection from the Dangers of Mold

The Mortgage Buddy would like to welcome guest blogger Ed Nowak to the site. Ed is the President and founder of Jees Environment Services and his company has the reputation of being the top environmental testing and consulting company in the area. He has been featured in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Jees Environmental Services covers Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.  Read more…

Essentials for New Landlords Looking to Buy Properties

The Mortgage Buddy would like to welcome Attorney Scott Wrenn as a guest blogger this month. Attorney Wrenn is a real estate attorney that is centrally located in Auburn, MA in the heart of the Commonwealth. His practice helps people with real estate conveynancing, land lord, and tenant law, as well as will and estate planning. He is well know for is litigation prowess and helping Massachusetts residents protect themselves and their most important investment, their home. Read more…

New Mortgage Regulations Look to Protect Borrowers and Strengthen the Financial System

Mortgage banking regulatory reform is a necessary component of maintaining a healthy lending environment and real estate market. We may not agree with how far the pendulum of regulation has swung or believe all of the changes are necessary, but if we can educate ourselves we will be able to take the new guidelines in stride and be armed with the knowledge to educate ourselves and our clients. On January 10th 2014, the mortgage world as we know it will be changing Read more…