Category: Blog
Archived Mortgage Rate Commentary
Historical mortgage-rate notice. This URL previously presented an older rate quote and short-term market forecast. Those figures and predictions have been removed. They are not current NorthStar loan terms or an indication of a rate available for any application. Mortgage rates can change, and a rate lock has a
Mortgage Company Offers Help In More Ways Than One
Archive note: This older interview refers to NorthStar Funding activities in 2012–2014. It was posted to this website in 2020; the original interview date has not been verified. Its comments about mortgage programs, credit timing, loan suitability, office location, and licensing describe an earlier period and a
Specialty Mortgage Planning: Explore Your Options
Not every mortgage question fits one standard checklist. NorthStar Funding helps borrowers compare conventional, government, jumbo, renovation, investment-property, alternative-documentation, asset-based, bank-statement, and other specialty options. The useful first step is identifying what is distinctive about y
Moving Truck Driving Tips
Many people choose to rent a moving truck rather than hiring professional movers in order to save money when they move. Make sure to review all safety information with the rental business before driving the truck.Here are some guidelines for safe truck driving. Drive defensively Practice these basic driving habi
FHA Compensating Factors and DTI Guidelines
Quick answer: FHA manual underwriting is a file-by-file review under HUD Handbook 4000.1. The FHA baseline manual ratio matrix includes 31/43 for borrowers with a minimum decision credit score below 580 or no score, and several higher tiers for eligible borrowers at 580 or above when required compensating factors
Archived Fannie Mae HomePath Mortgage Article
Historical article: This page originally discussed Fannie Mae's HomePath Mortgage and HomePath Renovation Mortgage, including old claims about appraisals and mortgage insurance. In its 2014 Selling Guide announcement, Fannie Mae said those two named financing offers would be discontinued. Do not rely on this arti
How Decreasing Migration Affects The Mortgage Market
Americans are staying put, both in their homes and in their jobs. The two appear to be related but which is the driving force? In a recent Urban Institute blog researcher Bhargavi Ganesh points to the decreasing incidence of state-to-state migration, a trend that started in 1990. Her cites research from Raven Mol
No Appointment Needed
Now this is interesting; new technology is allowing home buyers to view homes without the seller or realtor being present. It works like this, buyers simply enter a code on the door of the prospective property they would like to see, they then receive a text message containing an access code enabling them t
The Dos & Don’ts Of Credit Scores
Here are some important facts about credit scores you should know! Don't Apply For New Credit during the loan process. Every time that you have your credit pulled by a potential creditor or lender, you can lose points from your credit score immediately. Don't Close Credit Card Accounts. If you close a credit card
North Star Funding donates to the Youth Consultation Service
Northstar donates to the Youth Consultation Service for the 16th Annual YCS Festival of Flavors. Each day YCS provides services to thousands of New Jersey families who have children, birth – adulthood, with special needs. Some of the children in their group homes are separated from their loved one
Use The Slower Real Estate Market To Your Advantage
According to the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales rose strongly in September. But the winter and holiday months are typically a slower time of year for real estate. That can work to the buyer’s advantage, though. Fewer real estate transactions can translate to less compet
Archived Mortgage Rate News About the UK’s EU Referendum
Historical mortgage-rate news. This page formerly repeated a third-party report about bond markets and mortgage rates before the United Kingdom’s 2016 referendum on membership in the European Union. Its headline incorrectly said Britain had pulled out of the euro. The referendum concerned EU membership; the UK