Author Archive

Justin McHood,

justinmchood

Justin McHood is America's Mortgage Commentator and lives in the Phoenix, Arizona area. You can find Justin on Facebook, Twitter, Zillow and LinkedIn. He is happy to answer any mortgage-related questions that you may have.

  1. investment property

    What You Need to Refinance an Investment Property

    Guidelines for refinancing investment properties is different than guidelines for primary residences. See just a few of the differences in 2011 here.

    Finance By Oct. 12 59 Responses
  2. iStock_000012554353XSmall

    Buy and Bail? Or, Bail and Buy?

    Thinking about buying a new home and bailing on your old one? It may be an option. What about bailing on your old home and buying after you bail? What to know about both.

    Finance By Oct. 4 144 Responses
  3. Lock Your loan

    3 Things To Ask Your Lender When Locking a Loan

    When locking your mortgage loan, be sure to ask these three simple questions to your loan officer – it can save you dollars and they make sense.

    Finance By Sep. 22 69 Responses
  4. iStock_000010136948XSmall

    Buying a Fixer-Upper? Learn More About the FHA 203k Loan

    If you are shopping for a new home and have at least one possible home that you like but is in need of repair, here are a few things to know about the FHA 203k loan.

    Finance By Sep. 7 172 Responses
  5. Family mortgage statement

    What’s In Your Mortgage Payment?

    What does your mortgage payment consist of? PITI. See what PITI means and a simple mortgage payment example.

    Tips & Advice By Aug. 24 34 Responses
  6. Soccer player receiving a red card from the match referee

    What is a Prepayment Penalty?

    Prepayment penalties on your mortgage mean you will pay a penalty if you pay your mortgage off early. Prepayment penalties aren’t always bad – be sure you understand them fully.

    Finance By Aug. 3 15 Responses
  7. Family mortgage statement

    Why Did My Escrow Payment Go Up?

    If you get a notice from your lender that your escrow payment went up, chances are it is due to a rise in your assessed property value and taxes.

    Finance By Jul. 27 78 Responses
  8. Bi-Weekly Payment Plan

    Should You Pay Your Mortgage Bi-Weekly?

    Bi-weekly mortgage payment programs make sense for most people because it is something that you can set up and quit thinking about it. The benefits outweigh the costs.

    Finance By Jul. 22 112 Responses
  9. mortgage burning

    Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?

    Does paying off a mortgage early make sense? It might. It really depends on your personal preference and not what any of the experts say. Six things to consider.

    Finance By Jul. 6 247 Responses
  10. Reverse mortgages

    Reverse Mortgage Lenders Exiting: Will They Come Back?

    At least 3 major lenders have recently exited the reverse mortgage business. For now. Will they get back in it at some point? Probably.

    Finance By Jun. 29 36 Responses