Purchasing a Home

What’s Labor Got to Do with It?

February 14, 2012 by Jeff Thomas · Leave a Comment 

The Impact of the Job Market on the Housing Market Being unemployed, under-employed, or afraid of losing a job is never easy. One of the first things many people do in these situations is batten down the hatches and minimize their spending. Certainly, the last thing on their minds is making a major purchase like [...]

2012 Is Here

January 6, 2012 by Jeff Thomas · Leave a Comment 

Forecasting What May Be Ahead for Home Loan Rates Fairfax, VA – The good news–despite what the Mayan calendar may say–is that the world probably won’t be coming to an end in 2012. But like 2011, this coming year may bring some significant challenges here in the US and around the world. Read on to [...]

New FHA Flipping Regulations

December 27, 2011 by Jeff Thomas · Leave a Comment 

Fairfax, VA – FHA lenders had reason for cheer and mirth at the end of last week. “In an effort to continue stabilizing home values and improve conditions in communities experiencing high foreclosure activity, Acting FHA Commissioner Carol Galante will extend FHA’s temporary waiver of the anti-flipping regulations.” With certain exceptions, FHA regulations prohibit insuring a [...]

The Scoop on Inflation And Its Impact on Home Loan Rates

November 4, 2011 by Jeff Thomas · Leave a Comment 

Fairfax, VA CPI, PPI, PCE…sounds like a nice bowl of alphabet soup. But did you know that what lies behind these letters impacts not only YOU every single day…it also bears a very heavy influence on the direction of home loan rates? So pull up a chair, grab a spoon, and let’s dig in to [...]

What happens to my loan if the government shuts down?

July 19, 2011 by Jeff Thomas · Leave a Comment 

Fairfax, VA – When was the last government shutdown? 1995 was the year. What happened? It was very painful to get through, but no one panicked. And we shouldn’t panic this time. I can assure you 1st Commonwealth Bank of Virginia has prepared all of the loans in our pipeline and we preparing for a [...]

When the property is an FHA “flip”

July 19, 2011 by Jeff Thomas · Leave a Comment 

Fairfax, VA – When the property in question is an FHA flip. Seller has been on title for less than 90 days. If the sales price is 20% or more above seller’s acquisition cost and the increase in value is due to improvements/renovation to the property:  1. The appraiser is required to verify the repairs [...]

I’ve Got 4 Key Questions about Your Home Loan Situation

June 13, 2011 by Jeff Thomas · Leave a Comment 

Fairfax, VA – The start of summer is nearly here, which means things like baseball, hotdogs, and apple pie are on our minds. But that’s not all the arrival of summer means: 2011 is almost halfway over. That makes now the perfect time of year to make sure your home loan is working for you. [...]

It’s a Small World After All

March 7, 2011 by Jeff Thomas · Leave a Comment 

Globalization’s Impact on Home Loan Rates Fairfax, VA – Today we live in a global economy, an interconnected world where goods and capital move freely at lightning speed across countries. The widely accepted view is that globalization not only benefits all countries across the world but lends itself towards the betterment of the economy as [...]

Google Drops Real Estate Listings

January 28, 2011 by Jeff Thomas · Leave a Comment 

Google doesn’t give up on much. But it did with this product. http://www.inman.com/news/2011/01/26/google-drops-real-estate-listings

Home (of Your Own) for the Holidays?

December 24, 2010 by Jeff Thomas · Leave a Comment 

Now May Be the Perfect Time to Buy Fairfax, Virginia: There’s no place like home for creating memories. And no place like home for the holidays. While it may sound a bit crazy to add this to your shopping list…this holiday season could be the very best time in history to give yourself the gift [...]

‘Tis the Season For Great Home Loan Rates

September 10, 2010 by Jeff Thomas · Leave a Comment 

Fairfax, VA –  This summer has brought some of the best home loan rates on record. If you’ve been wondering whether you could benefit from today’s low rate environment, read on. There are two programs that may help you. What about My Home’s Value? Not only were home loan rates at their lowest in August, [...]

The First Two Steps in Buying a Home

June 1, 2010 by Jeff Thomas · Leave a Comment 

Fairfax, VA – Statistics suggest that the Internet is the first destination and source of information for potential home buyers. In fact, nearly 80% of potential buyers reportedly begin their home buying process online. And why not? The Internet has a wealth of information and resources that can aid in the beginnings of the home [...]

Rates Have Hit All-Time Low Levels Again

May 26, 2010 by Jeff Thomas · Leave a Comment 

Interest rates have rallied and improved dramatically on the heels of the recent European debt concerns…and what is most important is that due to the highly unusual set of circumstances that exist in the market, those who are acting quickly are saving.  In fact, Freddie Mac reported last week that rates have met either all-time [...]