Matthew Underwood

NMLS # 1821760

509-481-1620

matthew@firstchoicemtg.net

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Why Do Mortgage Rates Go Up and Down?

Why Do Mortgage Rates Go Up and Down?

Mortgage interest rates fluctuate from week to week and they can make huge swings from decade to decade. In the early 1980s, for example, mortgage rates were as high as 18% while roughly 30 years later they are less than a third of that rate. What causes

Jan 30, 2019 | Interest Rates

3 Things You Need to Know About ARM Loans

3 Things You Need to Know About ARM Loans

Adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) loans always grow in popularity when interest rates are on the rise. Some borrowers think ARMs are the best way to save money on their mortgage in a higher rate climate. ARM loans can also be helpful for those who do not pla

Jan 23, 2019 | Adjustable Rate Mortgages Interest Rates

First-time Homebuyers should avoid these 5 Mistakes

First-time Homebuyers should avoid these 5 Mistakes

Buying a home for the first time is a very exciting adventure, but as with any new experience it can be easy to make plenty of mistakes. In order to make a satisfying purchase, try to avoid these 5 big first-timer blunders. 1. Get Pre-Approved before loo

Jan 16, 2019 | Purchasing a Home First-time Homebuyers Preapproval

Interest Rate vs. APR

Interest Rate vs. APR

Interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR)-those are the same thing, right? Unfortunately, too many mortgage buyers don’t realize the answer is no. The interest rate on your mortgage loan is different from the APR and understanding both is impor

Jan 09, 2019 | Interest Rates

The Ins and Outs of a Down Payment

The Ins and Outs of a Down Payment

Being able to purchase a home is often tied to how much of a down payment you have saved. If you have never bought a house before, you may not understand what a down payment is or why it is so important. Here’s the basics you need to know as you sav

Jan 02, 2019 | VA Loans FHA Loans Preapproval Purchasing a Home

Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC

Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC

For many people, their home is their largest asset. And its value generally grows over time, producing more equity for the homeowners. How can homeowners make use of this equity without selling their house? A home equity loan or a Home Equity Line of Cred

Dec 26, 2018 | Home Equity Credit