Home Steps Help on Your Way Home

Get Ready for the Tax Deductions! The IRS is nice to homeowners, no kidding. Here are some of the tax breaks available. • Purchase Costs Deduction. In most cases, any loan discount points and origination fees are tax deductible for the buyer, no matter who pays for them. Any “daily interest” paid on the mortgage…

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Get comfortable with a reverse mortgage

The NEW Reverse Mortgage Better, Safer, Life Changing. Here’s the story of a pretty typical retiring American. This lovely couple came to me after trying to get approved by numerous lenders. They did what many loving parents did. They used their life savings to help their children start a business. As the business failed they…

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Mortgae Interest Rates

Dallas Texas mortgage rates increased roughly 0.50% this month.  Interest rates are almost 1% higher than their lowest point over the last 12 months.  The stock market, perceived tax cuts, and fears of inflation have all combined to impact interest rates negatively. If you are even remotely interested in purchasing a new home or refinancing…

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Mobile Mortgage Calculator for the Richard Woodward Team

Mortgage rates update for Dallas Texas for January 19, 2018. Mortgage rates climbed higher this week as a result of the bullish stock market. The stock market was pushed higher on economic optimism and as the recent tax plan buoyed stocks. Unfortunately, the bond market did not fare so well. The bond market determines interest…

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How does a mortgage inquiry affect my credit score

How does an inquiry affect my credit score for a mortgage. As a top Dallas Texas lender, I get this question all the time.  The fact is if you are shopping for a Dallas Texas mortgage, lenders have to pull your credit.  Let’s take a look at some basics.  What is an inquiry?  An Inquiry…

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How To File Your Texas Homestead Form

Now is the time to file your Texas Homestead form if you closed on your home prior to January 1st. I like to remind people in the latter part of January because hopefully you’re done with your Holiday bills and you’re starting to get your tax information ready. If you own a residence in Texas,…

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Year over Year Price increase

Dallas home value hit another record high in December 2017.  There has never been a better time to own a home in Dallas Texas.  According to Redfin, the median home sales price in Dallas Texas increased 5.66% as compared to December 2017.  I helped one homeowner in North Dallas purchase a home in 2014. She…

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Home improvement loans

Texas home improvement loans are a great way to finance upgrades to your existing home or to a new home that you wish to purchase. HGTV’s Fixer Upper, House Hunters and Property Brothers at Home are big hits for Texas television viewers.  Have you ever wondered how you could improve your house if you’re not sitting on…

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Why Get Your Reverse Mortgage From Richard Woodward of Service First Mortgage

How a reverse mortgage helped an 84-year-old retired schoolteacher purchase a home even with horrible credit.  She needed to sell her existing larger home so she could move closer to her grandchildren and save the expense of a large home. Many seniors try to help their adult children by cosigning credit accounts with them. Unfortunately,…

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