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Articles written by Laura Johnson


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  • Why predictions for lower mortgage rates haven't materialized

    Laura Johnson, contributing writer|Jul 6, 2024

    Mortgage rates have been a central concern for homeowners, prospective buyers and investors alike. Over the past few years, predictions of lower mortgage rates have often missed the markespite various economic forecasts anticipating a decrease, mortgage rates have stubbornly remained high. This article delves into the reasons behind this trend, examining the persistent factors driving mortgage rates and why the anticipated decline hasn't occurred. Persistent Inflation Pressures One of the...

  • Equity, equity where art thou, equity?

    Laura Johnson, contributing writer|May 11, 2024

    "The kitchen needs to be updated." "We need to build an additional room." "My roof needs to be replaced." "I have too much credit card debt." These are just a few of the comments I hear when a client wants more information on how they can access the equity in their home to make updates or pay off existing debt. Here are just a few of the options that Nations Lending currently can offer to help a client achieve their goal: One option is to consider a cash-out refinance. While there are differing...

  • 'Spring is a time for plans and projects' -Leo Tolstoy

    Laura Johnson, contributing writer|Apr 13, 2024

    Spring is the ideal time to begin searching for that new home. With the warmer weather and longer days, it is a great time to take advantage of viewing open houses to get a better idea of what type of property will suit your lifestyle and budget. However, the biggest challenge during the spring season of house hunting maybe be getting ahead of other prospective home buyers looking for that perfect home. To be one step ahead of competition, I suggest getting our Nations Lending Accelerated Edge...

  • When will interest rates drop...and is it worth the wait?

    Laura Johnson, contributing writer|Mar 16, 2024

    This is the question most asked when meeting with a potential borrower these days. The steady climb of mortgage rates over the last 3 years has made some borrowers hesitate to purchase, thinking rates will come back down into the 3% range or housing prices will crash. Many economists will agree that to see rates in the 3% range again, it would take a major economic event that we may not wish upon ourselves as rates tend to come down when there's negative economic news. While not a 100%...

  • How your tax refund can help you purchase a home

    Laura Johnson, contributing writer|Feb 17, 2024

    Benjamin Franklin once said that nothing can be certain, except death and taxes. Well, I am not a funeral director, but I am a mortgage lender and know how you can utilize your tax refund in a home purchase. Saving for a down payment can be a challenging task, with many unexpected expenses occurring along the way. Utilizing your tax return, however, can make that effort much less daunting. You may be able to fund most if not all your down payment depending on the total purchase price of a home...