Loan With Jen podcast

Are you thinking about buying a home but unsure if now is the right time, or if waiting might be better? With home prices continually shifting, it's normal to question if they might drop soon, especially with changes in interest rates on the horizon. It's also crucial to consider the current housing inventory — is there an abundance of homes available, or are options limited?

Another important aspect to consider is how foreclosures...

Are you considering adding a co-signer to your loan application to improve your chances of approval? Incorporating a co-signer can indeed increase the apparent income on your application, potentially making you a more attractive candidate to lenders. However, the criteria for who can serve as a co-signer can vary significantly depending on the type of loan you are applying for.

For those looking into government-backed loans such as...

Exciting news for homeowners! President Biden's recent proposal promises big savings on refinancing by eliminating title fees for low-risk borrowers. This change, announced during the State of the Union Address, could significantly lower refinancing costs, especially in states where these fees are a major expense.

If you bought or refinanced your home in 2022 or 2023, you're in luck. With expected interest rate drops later this yea...

Ever thought owning a home was out of reach because your income isn't sky-high? Well, we've got some great news for you. The federal government has got your back with a special program that's like a helping hand to make your homeownership dreams come true, especially if your budget is tight. It's all about the USDA's 502 Direct loan, a gem that might just be your ticket to a place you can call your own.

We're going to dive into wha...

Have you ever felt that pang of regret when a chunk of your investment gain ends up with the tax folks? Well, let's chat about the 1031 Exchange, a nifty strategy that might just be your new best friend in the investing world. Imagine keeping more of your hard-earned money to invest in the next big opportunity. That's the magic of the 1031 Exchange— allowing you to grow your investments instead of trimming them down with each sale.

If you're in the middle of deciding whether to bring a realtor into your home buying or selling adventure - Realtors® are instrumental in securing the best price for a home, uncovering the ideal property to call home, or simplifying the intricate paperwork involved.

The thought of compensating a realtor® with a commission might initially cause hesitation, as they do receive a significant portion of the sale. However, it's importa...

When will mortgage rates dip in 2024? It could be earlier than you anticipate. Last December 2023, J. Powell, the head of the Federal Reserve, announced the end of rate hikes. Looking ahead, we're anticipating at least three rate cuts starting around May. While the Feds rates don't exactly match mortgage rates, they definitely influence them.

So, why the shift towards lower rates, especially with inflation still above target? Powel...

In this episode, we dive into housing predictions for Houston, Texas in 2024. Jen interviews a 25 year veteran of the homebuilding industry about  the market conditions for builders last year and an upcoming proactive approach some home builders are implementing to keep ahead of market trends. Jen and guest Benita Owens of Meritage Homes explore local housing market dynamics, including interest rate trends and buyer behavior. They...

Will the housing market crash in 2024? We address a common misconception: those anticipating a steep drop in home prices may find themselves disappointed. Fluctuations don't necessarily indicate a market crash, as defined by a rapid and significant drop in prices due to an oversupply of homes and a lack of buyers.

We also discuss Federal Reserve policies, their influence on interest rates, and the broader implications for the hou...

In this episode, we delve into the topic of increased loan limits for 2024. We explain the role of financing agencies like FHA (Federal Housing Administration) and FHFA (Federal Housing Finance Agency) in adjusting loan limits annually in response to inflation and rising home prices. 

What is the importance of these changes for homebuyers and the consistency of loan limit increases over the years.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

If you own real estate in Texas, whether residential or commercial, this episode will give you the behind the scenes as to why you should protest your property tax.

We interview an expert with Home Tax Shield, a company in Texas that protests taxes for property owners. Craig is an industry expert and releases statistics and valuable information you need to know as a homeowner.

If you would like to inquire to use Home Tax Shield for...

On December 13, after the  Federal Reserve meeting, interest rates started to fall! It became evident that the Fed will likely stop raising interest rates, and start to lower the fed funds rate in 2024! The market needed this news so badly!

In this episode I will help make sense of some complex financial terms and focus on what this means for the average person. Whether you're an investor or contemplating buying a home, understandi...

In this episode, we delve into the dilemma faced by sellers in the current real estate market: should they sell their homes now or rent them out in hopes of better values in the future? The episode features Lyndel Johnson from Real Property Management Luxury in Houston. 

We also focus on the importance of landlord-tenant relationships, which not only ensures tenant satisfaction but also preserves the property’s value.

The episode i...

In this episode, we offer an in-depth analysis of FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans, particularly highlighting the aspects of mortgage insurance premiums. Created during the Great Depression, FHA loans facilitate homeownership with a minimum down payment of 3.5%.

It's clear that FHA loans pack a lot of value, especially for those stepping into homeownership. The mortgage insurance premium, both upfront and monthly, might s...

In this episode, I explain what is a Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC), a valuable federal tax credit for first-time homebuyers seeking to ease the financial burden of purchasing a home. 

I will cover the eligibility criteria, calculation, distribution, and the overall impact of the MCC on homeowners. Who qualifies for the MCC, what are some benefits as well as the downside, including income restrictions and the potential recaptur...

In this episode, we're joined by real estate and mortgage veteran Tarl Anderson to discuss the rise in Texas foreclosures for 2023. We hit the ground running with some straight talk about today's wobbly housing scene. We dove into the big question on everyone’s mind—should you grab that set of shiny new house keys now, or is it smarter to cool your heels and rent for a bit?

We also got down to brass tacks on property value trends, ...

This is Part 2 of our podcast episode where Jen is a guest on Not Just a Daydream podcast by Kristi Winfree, Owner & Transaction Coordinator at Legacy Transactions.

We share more valuable tips for a smoother home buying process. We emphasize the importance of referrals, to expect inevitable bumps in the road, but  stresses that with the right team, including a reliable realtor, lender, and title company, these challenges can be...

In this podcast episode, Jen is a guest on Not Just a Daydream podcast by Kristi Winfree, Owner & Transaction Coordinator at Legacy Transactions.

We share eight valuable tips for a smooth home buying process - starting with beginning early, many mistakes happen when people rush the process at the last minute. Next is being prepared in submitting necessary documents as these are crucial for lenders to assess your financial situa...

In this podcast episode we discuss the importance of having a will for homeowners. John Strohmeyer, a licensed attorney, probate and estate issues, emphasizes the significance of having a will or an official document to clarify property ownership and inheritance. We will also address the misconception that wills are only necessary for those with significant assets - highlighting the importance of having a plan in place as soon as y...