The Element Mortgage Blog
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Our #dontdoitbackwards Program In California
Element Mortgage’s #dontdoitbackwards Program What if we told you that we feel the traditional way of home-buying is backwards? It’s true! For many years, we witnessed and experienced the traditional home-buying experience and realized that something didn’t seem...
COVID-19’s Impact and Available Resources in California
COVID-19’s Impact and Available Resources in California The impact of COVID-19 has upended lives all over the world. You may think that because of everything going on in the world, you have to cancel or delay your dream of buying a home in California. Fortunately,...
How Gen Xers can improve their debt-to-income ratio
Gen Xers have fallen a little behind when it comes to the generation that’s slowest-moving within the real estate market. One of this generation’s two biggest hurdles is low credit standing and high debt-to-income ratios, according to a report by the National...
Mario’s Early Toast set to open second location in Roseville
Mario’s Early Toast is coming to Roseville this spring, according to the Sacramento Business Journal. The region’s second Mario’s will cater to food enthusiasts and keep them coming back with its warm and relaxing atmosphere. The restaurant uses hand-selected local...
How to stick to a budget to make homeownership more feasible
Becoming a homeowner means playing by a new set of financial rules. Aspiring homeowners can try to position themselves for success by fully engaging in a budgeting and financial plan that’s sustainable. No matter where you stand in your financial journey, we hope you...
Do you know your interest rate? You should check it because you could refinance
For most homeowners, their mortgage payment is the largest monthly expense in their budget. Yet, more than a quarter of homeowners are unaware of how much that monthly payment is actually costing. According to a survey conducted by Bankrate, some 27 percent of...
$34 million event center opens in Roseville, according to ABC 10
Roseville residents are now able to enjoy a new event center that’s unique to Northern California. The Placer Valley Event Center, which has been under construction for over a year, has made its debut, according to ABC 10. The 150,000-sqaure-foot facility, which...
How the strong real estate market is benefitting buyers
The real estate market continues to sizzle, but this reality isn’t necessarily putting a squeeze on home affordability. Low interest rates to close out 2019 supported the largest single-month acceleration in home prices in several years, according to Black Knight....
5 tips for selling your home this spring
With one month already in the books for 2020, the home-buying season is closer than ever. Spring can be an optimal time for real estate activity as inventory can soar during this time of the year. Aspiring homeowners, generally, prefer to shop for a home between April...
More first-timers striving for homeownership, according to National Association of Home Builders
The number of potential first-time homebuyers is on the rise. Would-be first-time buyers made up 63 percent of prospective buyers in the final quarter of 2019, according to the National Association of Home Builders. In fact, for most of the year, the number of...
New loan caps raised or eliminated, providing more flexibility to future homebuyers
As more people invest in real estate, loan limits are also skyrocketing. For the first time, future homeowners can get approved for million-dollar loans with a competitive interest rate. Limits on home purchases, known as conforming loans, have been raised in 2020 by...
Roseville’s Roundhouse Deli makes Yelp top 100 list of places to eat
Roseville’s very own Roundhouse Deli is listed on Yelp’s “America’s Top 100 Places to Eat in 2020.” Unlike similar lists, Yelp’s top 100 places include hidden gems and food trucks, along with well-established fine dining locations. Roundhouse Deli ranked 15th on the...
Tips on purchasing a home in 2020
If becoming a homeowner in 2020 is one of your New Year’s resolutions, here are three tips to help you on your journey in the Roseville area. Start with a balance sheet Buying a home is a big deal, and you’ll want to put together a balance sheet to review finances....
Yes, you can maximize a home sale during winter
For sale signs are much more prominent during “selling season,” which has traditionally been during spring and early summer. Bad weather, the holiday season and end-of-year obligations may discourage people from home shopping and selling in winter. Yet, it’s not...
Home equity continues upward trend, according to CoreLogic
The collective amount of equity held by homeowners grew by more than $450 billion in the third quarter, an annual increase of more than five percent, according to CoreLogic. For the average homeowner, that’s a significant gain of more than $5,000 in home equity. Your...
Our #dontdoitbackwards Program In Colorado
Element Mortgage’s #dontdoitbackwards Program What if we told you that we feel the traditional way of home-buying is backwards? It’s true! For many years, we witnessed and experienced the traditional home-buying experience and realized that something didn’t seem...
COVID-19’s Impact and Available Resources in Colorado
COVID-19’s Impact and Available Resources in Colorado The impact of COVID-19 has upended lives all over the world. You may think that because of everything going on in the world, you have to cancel or delay your dream of buying a home in Colorado. Fortunately, this is...
First-time buyer? These 3 loan options may be ideal
Buying your first home is exciting. It can also be challenging. With so many real estate questions, you and your family may be left wondering about a loan program that suits your needs. If you’re thinking about buying your first home in Fort Collins, here are three...
Music lineup for Taste of Fort Collins unveiled
The first week of June will be rocking in Fort Collins. The music lineup for Taste of Fort Collins will feature Collective Soul, Silversun Pickups’ Brian Aubert and Nikki Monninger, Spin Doctors and Good Grace on June 5 through 7, according to the Coloradoan....
Fort Collins moves forward with exciting residential developments, according to the Coloradoan
A large residential subdivision on 60 acres of vacant Fort Collins farmland is on the verge of development, according to the Coloradoan. The 205-home area will be located on South Timberland Road after it was approved by a hearing officer for the city of Fort Collins....
Home builder confidence soars, according to National Association of Home Builders
The confidence of home builders remains at elevated levels. According to the National Association of Home Builders, its index that measures the health of the building industry stood strong at 74 points, representing the most optimistic outlook since 2017. Factors such...
Homebuying season arrives early, according to Mortgage Bankers Association
The real estate groundhog saw its shadow. The prime time for homebuying season – sometime in March – appears to have gotten off to an early start, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Perhaps it’s the continuation of falling interest rates that are driving...
Current market giving buyers more power, according to Mortgage News Daily
After a brief cooling of home priced appreciation last summer, new data from Black Knight is showing a different picture. An examination of December mortgage performance data shows prices were appreciating at a slower annual rate, falling from 7 percent to 3.8 percent...
Fort Collins bar to undergo big transformation, according to the Coloradoan
For nearly 15 years, The Drunken Monkey was a fixture in Fort Collins. Now, a multi-faceted concept will take its place. The Bar District will consolidate the current setup into four bars under one roof, according to the Coloradoan. It is set to open this spring. The...
Fort Collins continues to be a popular real estate market
The Fort Collins real estate market is sharing success with its neighbor 65 miles north. From here to Denver, housing demand is on the rise – and Fort Collins is attracting an increasing number of people who are looking for a great place to live. Real estate...
Four sneaky, but effective ways to improve your credit
Lending standards tightened slightly to end the year, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The Mortgage Bankers Association said the news is a reversal from the previous several months of credit loosening. The news doesn’t necessarily mean homeownership is...
Fort Collins restaurant makes top 100 list of restaurants in U.S.
Chimney Park of Fort Collins earned a coveted spot on Open Table’s Top 100 restaurants in America. The prestigious designation is for restaurants that regularly inspire their customers with delicious food, excellent customer service and set the stage for an...
Axe-throwing bar arriving in Fort Collins, according to the Coloradoan
Having an axe to grind will be about having a good time once Fort Collins’ newest pub opens its doors. Axe and Ale will become the city’s first axe-throwing bar, according to the Coloradoan. Axe-throwing bars are a fast-growing entertainment trend of sport and drink...
Fort Collins makes list of booming real estate markets, according National Association of Realtors
Fort Collins and nine other housing markets are being recognized by the National Association of Realtors for their potential to outperform the rest in 2020 and beyond. The areas include: Dallas-Fort Worth, Las Vegas; Tampa; Charlotte; Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North...
Mortgage credit availability increasing, according to Federal Reserve Bank of New York
The availability of credit rose this year and is expected to keep that pace entering the new year, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The proof is in the rejection rates for credit cards, mortgages, and refinance applications – all of which tumbled...
Our #dontdoitbackwards Program In Hawaii
Element Mortgage’s #dontdoitbackwards Program What if we told you that we feel the traditional way of home-buying is backwards? It’s true! For many years, we witnessed and experienced the traditional home-buying experience and realized that something didn’t seem...
COVID-19’s Impact and Available Resources in Hawaii
COVID-19’s Impact and Available Resources in Hawaii The impact of COVID-19 has upended lives all over the world. You may think that because of everything going on in the world, you have to cancel or delay your dream of buying a home in Hawaii. Fortunately, this is not...
Roll in energy efficiency with VA loan
Roll in energy efficiency with VA loan As a member of the military, you may be aware of all the many benefits available through a Veterans Affairs loan. What you may not know is a VA loan also makes it possible to install home energy improvements at an affordable...
5 VA loan benefits to be aware of
The mission of the Veterans Affairs is to serve the nation’s military personnel. The VA’s loan program extends to eligible servicemembers and Veterans a direct pathway to homeownership that’s packed with features that make it easier to get into a home. If you serve...
As real estate bidding wars heat up, here’s how to stand out
More and more offers for home purchases are being met with stiff competition. Last month, in fact, a majority of bids faced multiple offers, according to Redfin’s mortgage service and online platform. It’s low rates and modest inventory that’s creating a more...
What no VA Loan limit actually means
New this year, eligible Veterans, servicemembers and reservists entering the real estate market have more resources on their side than ever before. When servicemembers and their families decide to purchase a home using a VA loan from the U.S. Department of Veteran...
Number of mortgage refinances on the rise, according to Mortgage Bankers Association
The number of people deciding to refinance their home mortgages increased once again early this month. The Mortgage Bankers Association noted that the volume of mortgage applications rose by more than 1 percent while the purchase index tumbled slightly. Although it is...
FHA loans grow in popularity for new home purchases, according to National Association of Home Builders
FHA loans have always given individuals a chance at homeownership because they empower people with less-than-ideal credit. And, they can even help future homeowners with down payment assistance. The National Association of Home Builders says the use of FHA loans to...
5 places to eat in Waikiki you have to try
Waikiki, despite its heavy tourism and foot traffic, is one of the best areas in Oahu to find some great places to eat. Among the high-rises and hotels, food enthusiasts can enjoy a slew of options. From imported Tokyo chains to steakhouse franchises, there's plenty...
Home sales in Oahu surge to finish out 2019, according to Pacific Business News
A steadier real estate market closed out the year strong in Oahu. There was a 19 percent boost in single-family home sales in Oahu, which pushed sales by 4 percent for the entirety of 2019, according to Pacific Business News. The market’s stabilization and health is...
Honolulu makes list of top-paying American cities, according to U.S. News Reports
A new survey reveals America’s highest-paying cities – and Honolulu made the cut. Based on information from other data sets by U.S. News Report rankings, such as best-paying jobs and best jobs, two California cities and New York landed on the list, along with Seattle,...
New rules for VA-backed home loans now in effect as of Jan. 1
Limits on Veterans Affairs home loans are officially a thing of the past thanks to the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, which went into effect on Jan. 1. Prior to the new rules, Veterans with full VA loan entitlement who exceeded loan limits were required to pay...
Honolulu’s Choco Le’a named on ‘best of’ list for 2019, according to khon2
Choco Le’a has been named Best Local Food Company. It was honored in the 2019 edition of Honolulu Magazine’s “best of” list, according to khon2. Choco Le’a sees chocolate as a way to bring people together. They hope that someone who’s vacationing in Hawaii will return...
Mortgage rates expected to drop further in 2020, according to Fannie Mae
Mortgage rates in 2020 will not stay as they are at the end of 2019 – and that’s actually a good thing. Mortgage rates may continue to fall, according to a forecast by Fannie Mae. In fact, future homebuyers may look forward to further declines to mortgage rates in...
VA loan program to see changes in Oahu in 2020
Veterans will be pleased to learn about some positive changes to the VA loan program. Already, it is one of the most effective and user-friendly loans around. They are backed by the federal government and allow qualified buyers to skip on the down payment and monthly...
Our #dontdoitbackwards Program In Washington
Element Mortgage’s #dontdoitbackwards Program What if we told you that we feel the traditional way of home-buying is backwards? It’s true! For many years, we witnessed and experienced the traditional home-buying experience and realized that something didn’t seem...
COVID-19’s Impact and Available Resources in Washington
COVID-19’s Impact and Available Resources in Washington The impact of COVID-19 has upended lives all over the world. You may think that because of everything going on in the world, you have to cancel or delay your dream of buying a home in Washington. Fortunately,...
Low rates lead to historic surge to mortgage applications
Reaching a level not seen for more than a decade, mortgage applications soared 55 percent in the month of March. The Mortgage Bankers Association said that this activity includes a larger demand for mortgage refinances, as well. The sudden burst in mortgage...
Mortgage applications increase as interest rates decrease, according to Mortgage Bankers Association
The economy is responding to the current uncertainty with some good news for borrowers: interest rates continue to fall. Applications for loan refinances surged during this time. The refinance index increased by 26 percent to close out the month of February, according...
Levels of new home sales on the rise, according to Department of Housing and Urban Development
The sales of new homes ended on a high note to close out 2019. New home sales in December of last year were at an annual rate of more than 700,000, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development and U.S. Census Bureau. That performance is 23 percent...
Rates for closing, refinancing mortgage loans continue to soar, according to Ellie Mae
The closing rate for home purchases jumped to open the year, boosted by the continuation of falling mortgage loan rates, according to Ellie Mae’s Origination Insight Report. The decrease in mortgage rates also led to a 46 percent refinancing share of closed loans in...
More and more homeowners are growing wealth through equity
An astonishing number of homeowners across the United States are poised to reap the benefits of equity-rich properties. Nearly 15 million homeowners currently are in a position where they owe less than 50 percent of the estimated market value on their home, according...
Mortgage applications at 6-year high as rates continue to fall, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association
The volume of mortgage applications increased to its highest point in six years as lower interest rates continue to fuel the market. The five percent gain is also attributed to the strength of refinancing in the market, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association....
Freddie Mac reports strong home refinance activity
Freddie Mac's total mortgage portfolio increased by more than 15 percent, thanks in large part to consumers taking out more home refinance loans, according to Mortgage News Daily. The government-sponsored enterprise has a balance of $2.33 trillion, representing a...
New FICO scoring models to be introduced, according to Fair Isaac Corporation
Paying your bills on time? This is of great importance to most consumers. And now, Fair Isaac Corporation, the company behind FICO scores, which measures creditworthiness, is planning on introducing new FICO models. The company will incorporate credit bureau data,...
Favorable mortgage rates get even better, according to Freddie Mac
The new decade started with more promising news for future home buyers. The historically low mortgage rate fell to a three-month low. Freddie Mac reports that today’s rate is also 81 basis points under what it was at this point a year ago. Both favorable rates and the...
More people feeling positive about real estate market, according to Fannie Mae
As part of Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index, people were asked their reasons for now being a great time to enter the real estate market. Favorable interest rates was the most frequent response in the December survey measuring consumer sentiment about buying...
Pending home sales rebound to close year, according to National Association of Realtors
Pending home sales strongly rebounded to close out 2019, following a 1.7 percent decline in October. The National Association of Realtors said the Pending Home Sales Index gained steam in November. It rose 1.2 percent that month and was up nearly 8 percent year over...
Why you should start with a pre-approval if buying a home in 2020
There are several ways to begin the process of buying a home. First, you must dream it. Then, you should get a pre-approval. Buying a home is an exciting time, and some soon-to-be homeowners may be unsure about the first strategic steps that should be taken. When you...
Builder confidence reaches 20-year high, according to National Association of Home Builders
Builders will enter the new decade more confident than they have been in twenty years, a new National Association of Home Builders survey found. Their confidence starts with consumers, who are driving positive home sale trends while enjoying historically low interest...