When the business press  took note of my website's education focus, I admit I was proud.  

But since then I've made Start With the House more user-friendly. The site now sports a new look and features a robust search tool. 

Trying to decide between an ARM and fixed-rate mortgage?

What about the "right" size down payment?

Simply plug in a word or phrase and you'll find several articles written from a Start With the House planning perspective.

I welcome your feedback for improvements.

It will take another two years before the regulations for implementing the new financial regulation bill will be finalized. Remember, the reform legislation doesn't address Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and these entities hold the greatest influence over mortgage products, prices and qualification requirements.

That doesn't mean we can't anticipate the future. As this analysis from the Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist Institute outlines, any regulations that increase the cost of mortgages  to lenders will be passed along to mortgage holders in the form of higher closing costs and interest rates. 

If you're not sure whether you should make a move on your existing mortgage, this guide will help. 

As outlined above, the cost of mortgages over time is likely to increase. What about the price you can fetch for your home?

Home prices will stay pressured from mortgage regulations, high unemployment and tougher lending standards. This will decrease the number of people in the market for your home, likely leading to lower values in the future.

My advice? If you're happy where you are, make sure you have the right mortgage to carry you through the goals you have at this time in your life. If you're not happy where you are, it might be a good time to buy while prices are moderate and rates are low.

At the beginning of the year most "experts" forecast rates would increase at least 1% but they're now lower than they were in the Spring.

What gives?

While we can speculate about what will happen with rates later, TODAY's rates are terrific.

If you have an ARM that's about to re-adjust, I'll be happy to help you evaluate the difference between it and what you could get in today's market.  

Even if I didn’t originate your current mortgage, I have software to create an accurate update of where you can be compared to where you are.

In Start With the House fashion, we'll talk about the role that your mortgage can play in helping you achieve your strategic goals.

Don't have a strategy? This guide will help.