Mastering Mortgage Math: A Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating Your Mortgage with Texas Republic Bank

Are you considering buying a house this year? If so, are you trying to figure out what your monthly payment will be? It should come as no surprise that the cost of living has been steadily increasing over the past few years. This means that taking out a new mortgage might be more expensive than […]

5 things to know about Balloon Mortgage Payments

If you’re in the process of buying a home, you may hear about something called a balloon mortgage payment. This is a term used to describe a mortgage payment plan that typically has one larger-than-usual payment at the end of the loan term, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. For the years leading up […]

First-Time Homebuyer Tips

You probably have many emotions as you plan to buy your first house. It is quite an accomplishment! Before you jump in headfirst, here are some important first-time homebuyer tips to remember. 1. Consider your Short and Long-Term Needs Buying a house is a significant investment, usually for the long term. As you look at […]

What is Mortgage Underwriting?

Are you ready to buy a house? Congratulations! Are you currently buying a house and considering refinancing? With interest rates so low, now is a great time to do it! Buying a home is a dream for so many people, and fulfilling that dream inevitably brings excitement. However, there are several components to buying a […]

How Much are Closing Costs?

Closing costs cover the cost to process and underwrite a loan. Each loan has different costs but understanding what the fees are for and when you pay them can help you prepare for the loan process. What are Closing Costs? Closing costs are the costs incurred to underwrite and process your loan. Borrowers pay closing […]

When Should I Think about Buying a House?

If you’re wondering if it’s time to buy a house, you have a lot to consider. Buying a house is a big commitment, but it can be one of the best investments you make in your lifetime. The housing market is still booming and now can be a great time to jump into homeownership. How […]

Understanding Different Types of Loans

                    Loans are used for various reasons, and you may need funding for different times in your life; each need calls for a different type of loan. Understanding the different types of loans, how they work, and how you qualify makes you an informed consumer who […]

Residential Real Estate Trends

2020 brought some of the craziest residential real estate trends we have seen in decades. Skyrocketing prices, bidding wars, and appraisal contingency waivers were more common than traditional sales. This means that most buyers paid more than a home was worth and were fighting to do it! Now that we are halfway through 2022, what […]

5 Reasons You Should Refinance Your Mortgage

According to Freddie Mac, rates for a 30-year mortgage are averaging 3.84% as of June 21, 2019, down sharply from 4.57% a year ago.  Here are 5 reasons why you should consider refinancing your mortgage: Your current rate is higher than the current market rate.  This is the number one reason you should refinance your […]

History of US Mortgage Rates

A mortgage rate is the rate of interest that a homeowner will pay over the duration of their loan, typically 15-30 years. Interest rates are influenced by many factors, including the fact that a lender expects a return on its mortgage lending investment, and that there are risks in making the mortgage loan. In 1971 […]