by Brian Ziemer | Oct 12, 2026 | Buying a Home
Quick answer: A DSCR loan, or debt service coverage ratio loan, is an investment property loan that qualifies you mainly on the property’s rental income instead of your personal income. Lenders divide the rent by the monthly mortgage costs, and many want a ratio of at...
by Brian Ziemer | Sep 26, 2026 | Refinancing & Rates
Quick answer: On September 16, 2026, the Fed raised its target rate a quarter point to 3.75% to 4.00%, its first increase since July 2023. Prime rose to 7.00%, so HELOCs and credit cards tied to Prime get more expensive, while fixed mortgage rates, which follow the...
by Brian Ziemer | Sep 10, 2026 | Mortgage Know-How
Quick answer: Lenders now review the condo project, not just you. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines look at the association’s finances, reserves, deferred maintenance and master insurance. A strong borrower can still be turned down if the condo project does not...
by Brian Ziemer | Aug 25, 2026 | Refinancing & Rates
Quick answer: When the Fed holds its rate steady, Prime-based rates such as HELOCs and most credit cards generally do not change. Fixed mortgage rates can still move, because they follow the 10-Year Treasury yield rather than the Fed’s short-term rate. Savings and CD...
by Brian Ziemer | Aug 10, 2026 | Mortgage Know-How
Quick answer: A hybrid closing mixes electronic signatures with some in-person signing. A virtual closing uses Remote Online Notarization (RON), so eligible documents are signed and notarized online by video. Availability depends on the loan, the property location and...
