What You Need to Know About the FHFA’s LLPA Changes (Updated as of April 6, 2025) If you’re thinking about buying a home in 2025, you’ve likely heard talk about changes to mortgage fees – specifically, something called Loan-Level Price Adjustments (LLPAs). These changes, implemented by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), have been the […]
“Date the Rate, Marry the Home” – Why That Advice Could Hurt You By Ed Stojancevich, Co-Owner, SouthShore Region Mortgage Group You’ve probably heard it before – “Date the rate, marry the home.” It’s a catchy phrase often thrown around in the real estate and mortgage world. The idea is this: find the home you […]
Why Credit Karma Scores Differ from Lender Credit Reports If you’ve ever compared your Credit Karma score to the score a lender pulls, you may have been surprised (or frustrated) to see they don’t match. There are several reasons for this discrepancy, and it’s important to understand why – and to be aware […]
How Much Home Equity Have You Gained? The Answer Might Surprise You! Have you ever paused to think about the hidden wealth you’re building just by being a homeowner? It’s like planting a tree – over time, it grows, providing shade, beauty, and value. Similarly, as home values rise, so does your net worth. If […]
How the Next Federal Reserve Meeting Could Impact Northwest Indiana’s Housing Market The Federal Reserve’s upcoming meeting on January 28-29, 2025, is generating plenty of buzz. While the Fed’s decisions about interest rates influence the broader economy, they also have an indirect impact on the housing market. For homebuyers and sellers in Northwest Indiana, understanding […]
New Rules on Medical Debt and Credit Scores: What Homebuyers Need to Know When applying for a mortgage, your credit score plays a crucial role in determining your eligibility and the terms of your loan. For many Americans, medical debt has been a major obstacle, dragging down credit scores and creating barriers to homeownership. But […]
The #1 Reason People Move: To Be Closer to Family and Friends The #1 Reason People Move: To Be Closer to Family and Friends From SouthShore Region Mortgage Group Have you ever thought about packing up and moving to be closer to the people who truly matter? Maybe you’re longing for shorter drives to visit […]
Understanding the Federal Funds Rate Cut and Its Impact on Mortgage Rates Tomorrow, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell will be discussing a potential cut in the federal funds rate. If you’re asking yourself, “What exactly is the federal funds rate, and will this affect mortgage rates?” – you’re not alone. Let’s break down these […]
📉 **The Fed Cut Rates Today, But Here’s What You Need to Know About Mortgage Rates!** 🏡 You may have heard that the Federal Reserve cut interest rates today, and while this is great news for short-term loans and things like credit cards, it **does NOT directly impact mortgage rates**. 🤔 Here’s why: Mortgage rates […]
The Home Search Starts Here: Why Your First Step Should Be Talking to a Local Lender It’s exciting to think about buying a new home. Many people start by browsing online listings, imagining themselves living in different neighborhoods, or even touring open houses. But what if we told you the best first step in your […]
