Maria Wickett - Loan Officer

09/11/2024

If you're waiting to buy/refi after the Fed Meeting this month, don't! Here's why:

The market is already pricing in the Fed rate cut after the last meeting, and remember, the Fed rate remained untouched during the last meeting. We saw rates go lower because the Fed gave every indication it would start to cut in September. I have been saying this for years now: it's a speculation game and not a reaction game.

The only rate you'll see lower is the Fed Rate, and remember, the Fed does not set mortgage rates. If the Fed decides to drop their rate by .50 instead of the .25, we'll see movement, but there isn't any indication that will happen especially after today's CPI report.

Questions? Call me!

06/12/2024

📢 Extra, extra read all about it 🗞️

The VA is now allowing Veterans to pay “reasonable and customary amounts” for any buyer-broker charges with some stipulations.

The Official VA Circular regarding Buyer-Broker charges is out, and per usual, there is already copious amounts of misinformation circulating the internet 🤦🏻‍♀️

But no need to fear 🦸🏻‍♀️ I have read the actual Circular straight from VA’s website (not a FB group or a headline), so here are 🖐️☝️(dare I say fun 🤔) facts straight from your favorite VA Loan Gal:

1️⃣ This does not go into effect until August 10, 2024, so my agent friends, please be mindful of this between now and then.

2️⃣ The buyer-broker representation agreement must be a part of the sales contract provided to the lender as this will be needed to order the VA appraisal.

3️⃣ The Circular is temporary. A more permanent policy will come into effect later once all the dust settles.

4️⃣ Commissions cannot be financed into the loan amount. The VA funding fee remains the only allowable fee that can be financed into the loan for a purchase.

5️⃣ Lenders must include the charges, so we will need to verify there are enough liquid assets to close the loan with this added charge.

6️⃣ The seller is still allowed to pay the buyer’s agent, and VA does not include this as a part of the 4% seller concessions guideline.

Boom 💥

🔗 for the Circular in the comments if you’re interested in checking it out for yourself. As always, I’m here to answer any questions 😊 Would love to know your thoughts!

10/02/2023

🔍🏠 Ever played a high-stakes game of ‘hide and seek’? That’s kind of like buying a home without title insurance! 🙈 Without it, you might end up in a pickle over who really owns your new digs.

Title insurance is that knight in shining armor 🛡️ protecting you from ancient claims, forgery, undisclosed heirs, and even spooky liens!

Unlike other forms of insurance like auto or home, title insurance is a one time fee and stays with you for as long as you own the home.

So, next time you’re in the market for a new home, remember to bring along title insurance – your ultimate hide and seek champ!

09/26/2023

🚨 Interest Rate Float Down 🚨

Last week of the month special! While rates have some afraid to take the leap, we’re here to help with a - Interest Rate Float Down. This paired with our bounce back refi program, you can’t lose! Interested in more information? Let’s chat!

Financial service

09/07/2023

Ah, the closing process – the final stretch before homeownership bliss. You’ve already tackled mountains of paperwork and downed gallons of coffee, but the end is near. Before you pop that celebratory bottle of bubbly 🥂, here are a few things to keep in mind:⁣
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🔸𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬. I mean, a LOT. You’ll need to sign your name so many times, you’ll start to forget what it even looks like. Some banks allow for electronic signatures (like this gal here 🙋🏻‍♀️) so be sure you check to eliminate as much paper as possible.⁣
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🔸𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. If something doesn’t make sense, speak up! It’s better to ask for clarification than to sign something you don’t understand.⁣
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🔸𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬! You’ll need to pay for things like closing costs and taxes, so make sure you’ve got the funds ready to go. Check with your closing agent on how they will accept funds, but usually a wire or cashier’s check is the way to go. Most will not take personal checks over a certain amount.⁣
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BTW….Don’t forget to celebrate! You’re officially a homeowner now, so pop open a bottle of bubbly and raise a glass to yourself (and your new mortgage).

Cheers!

09/05/2023

🏡 Popping THE big question today: ‘Is my job and income stable enough for the type of home I dream of?’ 🤔💭

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered in this exciting episode of !

Q: Can I buy the castle-like mansion with my current job and income level?’ 🏰💰

A: Well, if you’re Bruce Wayne or Tony Stark, sure! 😜 But for us mere mortals, it’s all about balance! ✨

Consider your income stability: Is your paycheck as predictable as a sitcom rerun? Or does it have more plot twists than a thriller?

Size up your dream home: Is it a cozy cottage or a sprawling estate?

Do the mortgage math: Take a peek at your budget. Can it handle the mortgage, taxes, and maintenance along with your current debts? Or will it be crying out for mercy?

Remember, in the epic saga of home buying, being a financial superhero means knowing your strengths and working within your limits! 💪

Now, are you ready to find a home that doesn’t just suit your taste, but also your wallet? Let’s do this! 🔑🏡

08/23/2023

🚨2023 Onslow property tax bills are out!

***Remember*** You will get a copy of your bill in the mail. If your property taxes are escrowed into your mortgage payment (more than likely it is), you do not have to pay this bill. November is about the time the bills get paid from your escrow, so keep an eye out as they are technically not considered delinquent until January 5th 2024.

You can look up your account and check if yours has been paid on the county’s website:

https://tax.onslowcountync.gov/ITSPublicON/TaxBillSearch

📲As always any questions, call your girl 🙋🏻‍♀️

07/05/2022

Green means go! We're seeing a bit of a rebound in rates after the overreaction we saw with the inflation data last month. Today may be the only day this week we see this with the economic data set to come out this week.