Category: News

Alabama Army: Redstone Arsenal, Anniston Army Depot Air Force: Maxwell Air Force Base, Gunter Annex Alaska Army: Fort Wainwright, Fort Greely Air Force: Eielson Air Force Base, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Arizona Army: Fort Huachuca Air Force: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Luke Air Force Base Marine Corps: Marine Corps Air Station Yuma Arkansas Air Force: Little Rock Air Force Base Army: Pine Bluff Arsenal California Army: Fort Irwin, Presidio of Monterey Air Force: Edwards Air Force Base, Travis Air Force Base, Beale Air Force Base Navy: Naval Base San Diego, Naval Base Coronado, Naval Air Station Lemoore Marine Corps: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow Colorado Air Force: Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, Buckley Space Force Base Army: Fort…

Happy Veterans Day to all the brave men and women who served our country and fought for our freedom! You are appreciated beyond words. Take this day to reflect, honor, and remember that freedom is not free! Be sure to thank a Veteran close to you today and every day.

The Federal Reserve's recent decision to cut interest rates has brought a sense of cautious optimism to the housing market and broader economy. On Thursday, the Fed reduced its key benchmark borrowing rate by a quarter percentage point, bringing the target range to 4.75-5.0%. This marks the second consecutive rate cut, following a similar reduction in September, indicating a measured shift in monetary policy aimed at supporting economic growth. While the Fed's rate cuts influence various consumer lending products, their effect on mortgage rates isn't always direct. Mortgage rates tend to follow the 10-year Treasury yield more closely, which responds to a variety of economic factors. However, the recent Fed action has contributed to a modest downward trend in mortgage rates. The average 30-year mortgage rate has eased to 6.50%…

Refinancing to a 15-year mortgage is an option many homeowners consider when interest rates drop. This type of refinance allows you to pay off your mortgage faster, potentially saving on long-term interest costs. While the appeal of faster equity-building and reduced interest is strong, refinancing to a shorter term does come with trade-offs. Here’s what to consider if you’re thinking about making the switch. Before making the leap, it’s essential to assess several key factors. First, check if you’ve held your current mortgage long enough to refinance; lenders often require a set period before allowing this, known as “seasoning.” Another critical aspect is your financial comfort with the potential increase in monthly payments. Refinancing to a 15-year loan from a 30-year loan can significantly raise your monthly payment, even if…

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) for 2024 have been updated to reflect the higher costs of living around the base, ensuring service members have the necessary support for local housing. Here is a breakdown of the 2024 rates for all ranks, divided into "with dependents" and "without dependents." Enlisted Rates E-1 to E-4: $2,235 with dependents, $1,683 without dependents E-5: $2,430 with dependents, $1,908 without dependents E-6: $2,724 with dependents, $2,055 without dependents E-7: $2,805 with dependents, $2,241 without dependents E-8: $2,892 with dependents, $2,493 without dependents E-9: $3,003 with dependents, $2,574 without dependents Warrant Officer Rates W-1: $2,742 with dependents, $2,175 without dependents W-2: $2,841 with dependents, $2,490 without dependents W-3: $2,949 with dependents, $2,586 without dependents W-4: $3,027 with dependents, $2,739…

A zombie mortgage is a haunting financial surprise that can emerge years after a homeowner thought their mortgage was fully paid off or discharged. This second mortgage, often linked to loans from the early 2000s housing bubble, resurfaces with demands for repayment, even though the borrower believed it was settled. Many of these loans were part of "piggyback" financing, where a borrower took out a first mortgage for 80% of their home’s value and a second mortgage for the remaining 20%. Over time, confusion around modifications and loan terms has led some homeowners to mistakenly believe the second mortgage was forgiven or discharged, only for it to rise again—hence the term "zombie mortgage." Zombie mortgages tend to resurface when market conditions improve, and investors seek to collect on old debts.…

When it comes to mortgage rates, the Federal Reserve plays an influential but indirect role. The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates directly, but its decisions around interest rates significantly impact the financial landscape, including the cost of borrowing to buy a home. Understanding the Fed’s role in monetary policy is key to grasping how mortgage rates fluctuate and what might drive up or lower the rate on your home loan. The Federal Reserve primarily influences short-term borrowing costs by setting the federal funds rate, which is the interest rate banks charge each other for overnight loans. When the Fed raises or lowers this rate, it affects the broader economy by influencing rates on credit cards, car loans, and home equity lines of credit. While fixed mortgage rates aren’t directly tied…

Mortgage rates have dropped once again, offering a unique opportunity for both homebuyers and current homeowners, with rates at their lowest rate in over 18 months. For homeowners, this may be the perfect time to consider refinancing—replacing their existing mortgage with one that has a lower interest rate. If you’ve been holding off on refinancing due to high rates, now could be your chance to lock in savings. In recent years, refinancing activity plummeted as rates surged from 3 percent during the pandemic to as high as 8 percent in late 2023. However, with rates starting to dip, some homeowners who took out mortgages during the rate hike may find it beneficial to refinance now. For homeowners with adjustable-rate mortgages or those locked into higher rates, the current market conditions…

While it’s true that mortgage debt can feel like a burden in retirement, it’s important to remember that your home remains a valuable asset. According to a recent study from the Michigan Retirement and Disability Research Center, many retirees with mortgages still have the potential to thrive financially—it just requires some thoughtful planning. For those who find their mortgage payments manageable, there’s no need to worry. If you love your home and your mortgage fits within your retirement budget, there’s no reason to change a thing. The idea of paying off your mortgage before retirement has long been a goal, but times are changing. Today, many people are buying homes later in life or taking advantage of low interest rates to refinance. This means more retirees are entering their golden…

This week marks a positive shift for prospective homebuyers, as mortgage rates have stayed below the 7 percent threshold. This is the first time since February that the average 30-year fixed rate has dipped into the sub-7 range. The catalyst for this decrease is the growing optimism that the Federal Reserve might cut rates in the near future, providing a glimmer of hope for those looking to secure a mortgage. Currently, the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.90%, slightly down from 7.02% four weeks ago and 6.98% a year ago. For those considering a shorter-term commitment, the 15-year fixed mortgage stands at 6.24%, and the 30-year jumbo mortgage is at 6.97%. These rates include an average total of 0.28 discount and origination points, which are fees paid…