GREENWAY BLOG

A greener look at a mortgage process unlike anything you have
experienced before. Where experience, efficiency & integrity meet.

Understanding Rate Locks: Why Longer Locks Come with Higher Costs

Understanding Rate Locks: Why Longer Locks Come with Higher Costs

  Understanding Rate Locks: Why Longer Locks Come with Higher Costs When you apply for a mortgage, one of the most crucial decisions you'll face is locking in your interest rate. But why do longer rate locks tend to cost more? It all comes down to risk—both for you and the lender. The Role of Interest Rate Fluctuations Between the time you apply for a loan and the moment you close, interest rates will fluctuate. Sometimes, these changes are subtle, but they can also be quite volatile, even shifting from one minute to the next. Locking in your rate serves as a safeguard against rising rates, much like purchasing an insurance policy....

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MarketMinute | Are rates impacting sales?

MarketMinute | Are rates impacting sales?

Minutes from last month's Fed meeting showed most members felt a policy rate cut would be appropriate at the next meeting. Markets are already fully pricing in a September cut, which would be the first since the emergency easing in the early days of the pandemic. Unemployment applications barely rose last week. The 4-week average, which smooths out some volatility, fell to its lowest level in a month. Fannie Mae economists say the recent decline in mortgage rates is not enough to increase the number...

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Cutting the Rate on Consumer Debt Can Pay Off

Cutting the Rate on Consumer Debt Can Pay Off

  When people think about refinancing, they often focus on lowering their mortgage interest rate. But what if the opportunity to lower your interest rate applied to your consumer debt rather than your mortgage? While it’s natural to be hesitant about altering a low mortgage rate you currently enjoy, consider this: credit card rates have surged, averaging 22.76% as of May 2024.* This increase in rates can make managing consumer debt a financial burden, even if your mortgage rate remains low. Here’s where refinancing can offer significant benefits. If you have substantial consumer debt and sufficient home equity, refinancing your mortgage to a higher,...

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MarketMinute | Inventory and Mortgage Applications Are Up!

MarketMinute | Inventory and Mortgage Applications Are Up!

Retail sales accelerated in July by the most since early 2023, coming in much higher than expected and signaling a resilient economy. Inflation data showed a drop in both consumer and wholesale inflation. The Consumer Price Index fell below 3% for the first time since 2021. Jobless claims fell for a second week to the lowest level since July, signaling the labor market isn't weakening as much as speculated. Builder confidence declined in August despite falling mortgage rates. Housing affordability...

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When Does It Make Sense To Refinance?

When Does It Make Sense To Refinance?

  An old rule of thumb suggested you would need a 1% rate drop to make refinancing worthwhile. This adage was from a time when average loan amounts were far smaller. However, in today's market, even a smaller decrease in your interest rate can lead to significant savings over the life of your loan. To determine if refinancing will save you money, look at the following 3 factors: How much will it cost?  Refinancing isn't free—there are closing costs, fees, and possibly other charges involved. These costs can vary depending on the size of your loan and the terms of the refinance. It’s essential to know exactly how much it will...

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