Welcome to Your Homebuying Hub! Where Dreams Come Home!
We are dedicated to serving everyone in their homeownership journey, from first-time homebuyers to recurring homeowners seeking assistance. With tailored mortgage solutions and exceptional service, we make your dreams a reality. Explore our website for valuable resources, competitive rates, and a seamless application process. Let us be your trusted partner in achieving your homeownership goals. Welcome to a brighter future, welcome to Your Homebuying Hub.
Navigating the mortgage process can feel a little daunting. But don't let the jargon and paperwork spook you! All of our experienced mortgage consultants in the Total Mortgage Monroe branch is your partner in homeownership. Let's make this process smooth and stress-free. Reach out today to chat about your financing goals!
#DontSpookYourLO #MortgageFinancing #Homeownership ... See MoreSee Less
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Fed Slashes Rates 50 Basis Points
Great news! The Federal Reserve finally cut the benchmark interest rate by .50% in last week’s FOMC meeting. This is the first time we’ve seen a rate cut since March 2020, and the benchmark rate now ranges between 4.75% to 5%.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said they are confident inflation is moving down to the 2% goal, but they have not declared victory in the battle against inflation yet.
In recent weeks, mortgage rates have been edging down in anticipation of the Fed’s pending decision to lower rates. The question was, how low would they go? Some economists believe they should have started cutting rates last month by .25%. Since they held off on cutting rates in August, they could afford to drop the benchmark half a point in September.
The Fed plans to lower rates twice more by the end of the year.
How Will This Affect Mortgage Rates?
Following the Fed decision, the average benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage fell from 6.20% to 6.09%. A 15-year fixed loan dropped to 5.15%, down from 5.27% the week prior.
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) could also come down, as ARMs are often tied to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), which closely follows the Fed's rate changes. When the Fed raises or lowers the Fed Funds Rate, the SOFR typically moves in the same direction.
Normally, late spring and early summer are the busiest seasons for home sales, but lack of inventory and high mortgage rates have kept many potential buyers on the fence this year. We expect home sales to pick up as mortgage rates decline.
Rates change continuously, and we always have our eye on the market to get you the best rates possible. If you are interested in buying a home or refinancing, please give me a call to explore your options! My team and I are ready to help you reach your financial goals. Contact us at 203-526-9345. ... See MoreSee Less
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A significant obstacle to homeownership is a potential homebuyer’s inability to qualify for the purchase of a home due to student loan debt. For a limited time, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority will offer the Smart Rate Program to help those households overcome the obstacle of being able to afford their first home.
The rate reduction will help offset the borrowers’ student loan debt, thereby reducing their total debt- to-income ratio and providing opportunities for qualifying for a mortgage.
Contact me today if you would have student loan debt and need to get qualified for a mortgage. Audra Santos, Branch Manager, asantos@totalmortgage.com or 203-526-9345. ... See MoreSee Less
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Now that September is here, we wanted to share some home maintenance tips to consider before cooler weather sets in.
Home Exterior
Check gutters, drain spouts, and roof
Inspect your chimney
Seal cracks and repaint
Clean and lubricate your garage door
Home Interior
Seal windows and doors
Check smoke detectors
Inspect your furnace or HVAC
Check filters in appliances
Lawn and Garden
Prune hedges and trees
Pull weeds and mulch
Plant fall flowers
Secure or store outdoor furniture
Need a little maintenance on mortgage planning? Mortgage rates are becoming more reasonable, and my team and I are here to help you. Please give me call if you would like to review your options at 203-526-9345 or asantos@totalmortgage.com. ... See MoreSee Less
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Here’s an All Agency Comparison Chart that outlines the water testing requirements for well water. When purchasing a home, it's crucial to determine whether water testing is needed to ensure compliance with health authority standards. Understanding this can help you make informed decisions and ensure the safety of your home. ... See MoreSee Less
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In their recent meeting, Federal Reserve officials decided to keep short-term interest rates steady. The good news? Inflation is getting closer to the Fed’s target, which might pave the way for future interest rate cuts. Is now the right time to refinance?
Keep an eye out, because dropping rates could be your ticket to significant savings! Stay tuned for more updates, and don't miss out on the potential opportunities ahead.
Please call me if you have any questions about refinancing your current loan 203-526-9345 or asantos@totalmortgage.com ... See MoreSee Less
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The Federal Reserve is expected to cut the benchmark interest rate by .25% in their next meeting, coming up September 17-18. This meeting will include a Summary of Economic Projections.
Many prospective home owners are waiting for this rate drop to take place before making a home purchase, but is it a smart move?
Beat the Competition
A quarter point is not a tremendously significant drop in rates, but it is predicted that there will be more competition in late September because of this anticipated rate cut.
Mortgage rates are currently at a 15-month low. If you’re looking for a home, and you’re still on the fence about rates, consider this: You may want to secure your home purchase now, before you are out-priced by competitive bidding wars that we expect to see in September.
Remember, the Federal Reserve’s decisions about the benchmark interest rate does not directly affect all mortgage interest rates. The Fed has a more direct effect on equity lines of credit and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), while fixed-rate mortgages are tied to the 10-year Treasury yield as long-term, low risk debt.
If you – or anyone you know – is in the market to buy a home, you need a diligent mortgage professional to research all your options. Please feel free to give me a call at 203-526-9345, because that is indeed our area of expertise. We’re ready to help you meet your financial goals!
Equal Housing Lender. Information is subject to change without notice. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. Total Mortgage Services, LLC, NMLS ID# 2764• NMLS Branch ID# 2606881• Audra Santos NMLS#49570, 731 Main Street, Unit 101, Monroe, CT 06468 ... See MoreSee Less
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Many clients ask if the property they want to purchase qualifies as a second home or an investment property based on their needs. I put together this chart so you can see the differences and the guidelines. Scroll through to see the distinctions. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at 203-526-9345. Total Mortgage provides solutions for a wide range of unique loan scenarios. ... See MoreSee Less
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I had the pleasure of collaborating with listing agent Erika Windisch and buyer's agent Kimberly Braun Levinson on this new construction project. Navigating the multiple levels of approval for new builds can be challenging, but together we made our homeowners' dreams come true. There are still more units available in this complex at a great price. I'm thrilled to have been part of this journey! ... See MoreSee Less
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Awesome!