News

This blog is a comparison between conventional loans, also called fixed-rate mortgages, and Federal Housing Authority Loans (FHA Loans). The other loan types–VA loans (for veterans) and USDA Loans (for rural development, or farms)–are a bit more straightforward in their intended audiences and qualifications.  Most people have an idea of what a conventional loan entails, but are less aware of the pros and cons of FHA loans. Since conventional loans are a good basis for comparison for any any other loan types, they’re a good way to understand exactly why one would opt for an FHA loan, if such an option presents itself. Definitions A conventional loan... Read More

To some, the word “refinance” has a stigma attached to it similar to bankruptcy; the idea of it brings about concern over the desperate state of the homeowner using their house as a means to get out financial trouble.  This is inaccurate, of course. For many, refinancing is simply a smart move, either to take advantage of home equity, to lower monthly payments, and/or to shorten or extend the length of their original home loan. Whatever the reason, it’s a common practice among homeowners, so you needn’t feel overwhelmed at the prospect of refinancing.  That said, refinancing isn’t a light... Read More

This month we move away from the general information and common sense tips provided in previous blogs to answer a more specific line of inquiry: why should I move to St. Louis? After all, the city is as much a part of the decision to move as the home itself, and one cannot claim to have performed due diligence without looking into its pros and cons.  This list is a refresher to buyers who have already lived near the arch and are trying to decide their next move, as well as out-of-towners who contemplate making St. Louis their permanent home.... Read More

We all want the safety, security, and convenience of a good mortgage on a new home. You’ve done your homework. You know you can afford the monthly rate because you’ve budgeted your expenses carefully. But what about the down payment? This up-front lump sum expense, typically between 3 and 5% of the purchase price, can easily be thousands of dollars out of your pocket. This is a non-trivial expense for most people and can cut significantly into your savings. How can you best save up and afford it? The most simple solution is to have the money already. When you... Read More

Most first-time home buyers approach the prospect of moving into their dream space with warranted enthusiasm; this is generally a good thing as enthusiasm often leads to diligence in performing necessary tasks. However, it can also lead to overlooking considerations that go beyond the front porch. Specifically, some fail to vet the neighborhood and weigh its potential to affect their family plans.  In this blog, we take a look at the homeowner’s association, a recurring part of every neighborhood of which every first-timer should be aware. What is a Homeowner’s Association? Put simply, a homeowner’s association, or HOA, is the... Read More

For first-time home buyers, a low credit score can place a lot of obstacles in front of what’s already a life-altering purchase. An ideal scenario would see buyers taking their time and making smart fiscal decisions over the years to build up the type of credit score that sellers go for, but life isn’t always ideal. Sometimes the buyer’s market comes around, and you know that dream home in the perfect location isn’t going to stay available for long. For these moments, we provide four low-credit tips for your homebuying checklist: Pay off any debts you can. Before you start... Read More

As we enter the holiday season and 2018 comes to a close, we can now look back at the year’s past real estate trends. As buying and selling homes often comes down to a matter of time, both sides should pay attention to what’s affecting the market. As we put together strategies to take advantage of upswings and avoid pitfalls next year, we’ve put together the top three things to look out for in 2019. 1. Millennial Movement Various initiatives to provide and improve housing for migrant millennials in second cities could lead to booms in 2019. Young families are... Read More

Liberty Lending Consultants is an excellent source for St. Louis VA Home Loans, Missouri USDA Rural Development loans and more. But outside of being a great place to get loans, Liberty Consultants continues to give back by helping fund KW cares, a local St. Louis charity.  KW Cares offers disaster and emergency funding to the families of its associates. This non-profit group is the result of St. Louis-based real estate company named Keller Williams.  The charity is now supported by associates all across North America. The charity has 503 status, which allows them to accept donations on behalf of those who... Read More