Mortgage News, Tips and Resources

Contour Pup Champ loves giving and getting kisses! Champ the VetDog, Contour Mortgage's service dog in training, paid a....

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in November 2018 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.

Yes,....

Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in April 2020 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.

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Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in November 2019 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.

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The first Annual Compassion Awards on October 11th brought to you by the Professionals & Animal Lovers Show (PALS), honored....

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in June 2017 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.

Did you....

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in August 2020 and has been revised to reflect industry statistics,....

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato joined Contour....

Play ball!

Dr. Murphy from St. Joseph’s Hospital treated his EMS and nursing staff to a Mets Game. A huge portion of the....

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in July 2018 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.

Contour Cares is honored to be a proud sponsor of the Empire State Ride LI 2022 at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay.

Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in April 2021 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.

If....

Together, we’re supporting mental health and recovery on Long Island

Whether purchasing or renovating a new home, or making improvements to your current property, government-backed loans can....

Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in April 2018 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.

While....

People relocate to other areas of the country for a wide range of reasons, including job opportunities, family....

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in September 2018 and has been revised to reflect industry statistics,....

It’s no secret the current real estate housing market is experiencing record-low inventories. With more prospective buyers....

Editor’s Note: his blog post was originally published in August 2015 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.  

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Just a short drive or train ride from the hustle and bustle of New York City, Long Island offers visitors and residents an....

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in March 2021 and has been revised to reflect industry statistics, trends,....

The diverse, family-friendly, and inviting communities that make up the area around Kalamazoo are having a moment. Both the....

With real estate inventory at its lowest levels since January 1999, this past year ended with an increase of existing U.S.....

Whether you’re looking for your first home, trading up, downsizing, or purchasing a vacation or investment property,....

Deemed one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, Greenville, South Carolina is on the move regarding culture,....

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in August 2018 and has been revised to reflect industry statistics,....

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in January 2021 and has been revised to reflect industry statistics,....

Founded in 1733 by British philanthropist and Parliament Member Gen. James Edward Oglethorpe, Savannah earned the nickname....

Atlanta’s nickname The Big Peach is fitting for so many reasons: its rich history, boundless charm, eclectic and traditional....

Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to the safety of our little trick-or-treaters. Fortunately,....

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in September 2020 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.

The....

Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in October 2020 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.

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With more and more house hunters seeking primary residences just in the last year, many are also expected to purchase....

When it comes to the real estate market, spring was traditionally the hottest time for buying and selling. Transactions....

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or want to utilize your home’s equity for improvements and upgrades, choosing the best....

Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in June 2016 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.

Long....

There are several consideration factors when choosing the right mortgage, such as qualifications, requirements, down....

With current real estate markets experiencing low interest rates, increased demand and multiple offers, buyers are seeking....

Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in February 2018 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.

....

Whether you are moving out of your parents’ house or want to become rent-free, there are several helpful options for....

With the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and related mandates, many consumers are naturally apprehensive about....

Equity is your home’s most important and valuable asset. 

It appreciates over time with each mortgage payment, and other....

When deciding what’s next for your living situation, one of the biggest questions has always been: Should I rent or buy? ....

In short, pre-approval is better than pre-qualification.

Whether the economy is humming along smoothly or faltering because of a national crisis, it can often be difficult to....

Life as we know it has changed profoundly amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Anyone who typically commutes to....

Home remodeling projects can get quite pricey when you figure in all of the associated costs. As such, if you’re considering....

The entities that have driven the American economy for decades—restaurants, airlines, hotels, etc.—are all at a standstill....

With the fallout from the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc on the global economy, the Federal Reserve twice....

As you age and achieve retirement, your personal income inevitably begins to slow down or stop altogether. This has the....

Of the five boroughs that make up the greater metropolitan area, none have seen a more drastic transformation over the last....

First-time home buyers face plenty of obstacles on the road to homeownership, especially when trying to qualify for a....

Buying a home can seem like a daunting task—and sometimes that’s exactly what it is, thanks to a seemingly never-ending....

Few cities have had a harder time overcoming its less-than-stellar reputation than Baltimore, Maryland. Whether born in pop....

The road to homeownership is fraught with unexpected twists and turns—some pleasant, and some, well, not-so-pleasant. The....

Update: Our original article from 2015 featured the 10 best Long Island neighborhoods for young families. Well, it’s high....

There are many steps involved when purchasing a home. The experience can be especially confusing if you’ve never gone....

For those who’ve never purchased a home before, taking the time to understand how the process works is extremely important.....

For those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military, Reserve or National Guard, as well as some....

On the move? Here's a few helpful tips to remember during this busy time!

Low-income home buyers with subpar credit may not believe refinancing their home mortgage is an option. There are other....

Here is a helpful list of items that should be on your first shopping trip after moving into your new home. 

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), guarantees a....

Before you even start looking at houses, one of the first things you need to think about is your down payment. If you can’t....

Many homeowners refinance their mortgage loans. Numerous senior homeowners inquire about reverse mortgages. Neither may be....

Most people rely on a mortgage loan to purchase a home. There are many aspects to the application and home-buying process,....

First-time home buyers on Long Island, as well as the rest of the country, are often faced with the same uncertainties. From....

You probably already know that budget is a huge determining factor when buying a home. As a result, it’s important to figure....

When you begin the process of purchasing your first home in the Sunshine State, you’ll quickly learn there are many factors....

Buying your first home can be an intimidating process, as there are many steps involved before you can move in and begin....

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans have similar, yet distinct....

Nowadays, you don’t need 20% down and an above-average income to purchase a home. With the right knowledge and an ....

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in August 2017 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.

Some....

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) designed a mortgage loan specifically for veterans, active-duty service members....

Those looking to obtain a home mortgage loan may be interested in applying for an FHA loan. This type of financing tends to....

A 203(k) loan is a type of mortgage loan that is guaranteed by the government agency Federal Housing Administration (FHA),....

Home ownership not only results in financial benefits as a great investment, but it’s also a rewarding source of personal....

Buying a house is a decision that will affect you for years to come, so it's important to choose the right loan, and the....

Offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA loans can be advantageous for many home buyers, whether they’re looking....

When you’re looking to get a loan from a mortgage lender on Long Island, you have the option to go to any one you want. In....

#MoneySavingMonday Getting ready for a family vacation? Check out these tips to avoid any unwanted guests to your home while....

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is a part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). While you....

When looking to secure a home mortgage loan, your credit score must be up to par. While some loans are more flexible than....

Buying a home can be competitive, whether it’s a buyer’s or a seller’s market. You may find the perfect property that checks....

The Federal National Mortgage Association, commonly referred to as FNMA or Fannie Mae, offers the HomeStyle^® Renovation....

The term “escrow” is applicable to various industries, but you’re probably most familiar with it in the context of buying a....

If you or your spouse has ever served or is currently serving in the military, you may be eligible for a VA loan. This type....

When it comes time to buy your first home or move into another that better fits your needs, getting a mortgage loan is a key....

There are significant advantages to securing a 203(k) loan, which is backed by the government agency Federal Housing....

For many people, they’re going to need some financial assistance in order to achieve their dream of homeownership. This is....

Whether you are a first-time home buyer looking to (finally!) move out of your parents’ house, or an experienced home buyer....

At first thought, people may think USDA loans are meant for those living way out in the country, far removed from city or....

If you're thinking of buying a house that could be more expensive than the average property in your area, you may need a....

Military veterans receive a wide range of benefits during and after their service. The opportunity to get a VA home loan is....

If you've already begun seeking out a mortgage and researching the different types of loan options available, you've....

When you need a mortgage, you will quickly learn that there are many different types available. Some mortgages are referred....

Whether you've found a great fixer-upper or if you simply want to renovate and update your current home, you're going to....

If you want to purchase a home worth $400,000 or more, you may need to get a jumbo loan to cover the cost. Jumbo loans offer....

Whether you're looking to buy a home for your family or planning to get into real estate, buying a duplex could be a good....

Summer is one of the most popular times to buy a house in most markets, second only to spring. Why is that, and should you....

Buying a house can seem complicated, but it's easier than you think. Here's how to buy a house in 10 steps.

If you own your home, but think you can get a better mortgage loan than what you have now, you might want to refinance.....

If you're in the process of buying a home, saving money any way you can is a good idea. Fortunately, you will be able to....

You’ve been working hard to secure good credit and saving to put down 20 percent on the home of your dreams. Now that push....

Knowing what questions to ask when buying a home can mean the difference between living in a wonderful house with affordable....

You’ve bought your first home. The closing date is set and as you pack up your belongings and prepare to move, you realize....

FHA 203(k) loans are designed to help people fund home remodeling projects. These loans can either be used to fund upgrades....

It’s more than likely you or someone you know has refinanced a home on Long Island. A refinance—replacing your current....

Buying your first home can be an exciting prospect, but also a challenge. With some knowledge of what to expect when you....

If you're a senior who owns a home that is paid off—or almost paid off—it's worth considering getting a reverse mortgage.

Closing costs are the administrative, legal and other fees associated with purchasing a home. Most experts recommend that....

A reverse mortgage is a home loan that allows you to borrow money against the value of your home. Here's all you need to....

Buying a multi-family home has its advantages. For instance, you can earn money from other tenants while your family lives....

Most home buyers must borrow money before they can buy a piece of property. Without a mortgage, it’s unlikely many have....

If you're considering buying a house, it's helpful to have an understanding of all the types of loans available to you. One....

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a process that determines whether you qualify for a home loan. It's important to do....

USDA home loans are available to low and very low-income borrowers in rural areas. If you aren't able to qualify for a....

Buying a home is an exciting venture, but can come with some pitfalls. To avoid unexpected expenses, you need to perform....

The best place to live depends as much on livability and job opportunities as it does on personal taste. However, economic,....

USDA loans allow borrowers of modest means to enjoy the security and stability of owning their own home. If you aren't able....

You will need to provide specific documentation when you apply for an FHA home loan or any type of mortgage loan because a....

Choosing the home you’re going to live in is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. Being a homeowner is....

For many people, purchasing a multi-family home is an investment opportunity—one that could help bring in extra monthly....

Refinancing their home mortgage is a viable option that many homeowners use when they want to reduce their monthly payments....

Buying a home, especially your first home, can be a fun experience with a touch of confusion and uncertainty. While you are....

Obtaining a debt consolidation loan is a great way to get a handle on your debt. By combining what you owe into one loan,....

Getting a reverse mortgage can be advantageous for many seniors looking for some additional capital. But just because you....

Kick off the New Year with a new mortgage.

The Holiday season is marked by warm get-togethers, seasonal cheer, and of....

Buying a duplex can be rewarding. Most people decide to purchase a duplex to reap the benefits of being a landlord:....

Before you make any important financial decision, you should always do your research. Refinancing your home mortgage is no....

Everyone knows that spring is the prime time to buy a home, right? Right?

Wrong.

In honor of Veteran’s Day this Friday, here’s an introduction to a home loan designed specifically with veterans and their....

Before you decide that you've found the perfect place to live in, take a close look at the property’s infrastructure with....

While some people have experience purchasing a home, others are just getting familiar with the process. Some first-time home....

When you're looking to refinance the mortgage on your home, you’ll have to provide certain financial information to your....

Reverse mortgages can help homeowners who are 62 years old or older receive a single payment or monthly payments based on....

Every year, countless Long Islanders refinance their homes. Usually people decide to do this so they can save money to pay....

People move every day—not just on Long Island, but around the world. Some travel to some place completely new while others....

Choosing a New York mortgage lender is a critical part of moving. You may think that all lenders are the same, but that....

Choosing a realtor to help you sell or buy a home may seem like a simple task, but that isn’t always the case. Unless you....

Some people are satisfied with a typical, conventional mortgage loan to finance their new home, but if they want help to....

Trying to make your home appealing to a buyer is a challenge no matter the season. You may think that your home is perfect....

Choosing to buy a multi-family home is a big decision, and with that commitment comes a lot of stress, especially in the....

As much as you love your present home, someday you may decide that it's time to downsize. Here's what you need to consider.

Although living at home with your parents does have its advantages (don't you love having someone else making you....

Buying a fixer-upper does have its advantages for those who are handy around the house, but taking on a project of that....

Owning a home is a lot of responsibility, but it can also be extremely rewarding. Home ownership comes with benefits.....

While some people prefer to buy move-in ready properties that don’t require a lick of work, others opt for fixer-uppers....

Choosing the right mortgage loan originator can be a tough task, but it’s a necessary part of the home-buying and....

As you get ready to buy a new home, not only do you need to hire a realtor, put your current home on the market and go to....

Consolidating your debt through your mortgage can help you get back on track to becoming debt free. But doing this doesn’t....

Owning a home is a big responsibility, but also an exciting endeavor that first-time home buyers are eager to work towards.....

With cable TV shows highlighting both the benefits and the hardships of buying and financing a fixer-upper home, some....

There’s a lot that goes into moving a business. Just like with a residential move, you have to set up a realistic budget,....

Reverse mortgages differ from other mortgage loans and require specific qualifications from loan applicants. Before making....

Debt is such an ugly word, isn’t it? Nobody wants to hear it. Unfortunately, too many people today have experience with it....

Buying a multi-family home can be a great investment opportunity, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a great option for....

“Refinance” is a word often used in the mortgage industry. Homeowners may want to refinance their mortgage for many reasons,....

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is probably one of the most important parts of the home-buying process. Without taking....

According to the April 2016 Housing Market Report released by the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR)—a....

Just thinking about all of the tasks you have to complete as you transition from your old home to your new one is probably....

Buying your first home on Long Island is exciting for any Long Islander. If you want, you can spend hours watching cable....

Long Island is the home to some of the finest real estate, so even the thought of moving can be overwhelming due to the vast....

Many people call Long Island home, but like every other place in the country, not every house on the market is move-in ready....

Mortgage rates seem to be in constant flux, so Long Island home buyers may be wondering what causes them to fluctuate, along....

A lot goes into buying a condo, or any other piece of property for that matter. First, there’s figuring out what you can....

It’s official. Millennials are all grown up, and though for a while it seemed like they would never be able to move out on....

Most people dread the long, tedious process of moving and want nothing more than to buying a new home and get settled in....

The great NFL quarterback, Joe Namath, forever known as Broadway Joe after leading the New York Jets to the Super Bowl,....

Many older homeowners look for ways to leverage their primary residence to cover their financial needs and fund their future....

Multi-family loans are sought by people who need help purchasing a multi-family property, which is a piece of real estate....

Commercial mortgage loans are a great way to secure business real estate. But, like any other type of loan, you should be....

Purchasing a home is a great investment. Paying a mortgage instead of rent allows you to build equity and, if you ever....

It can be overwhelmingly stressful when you have so many outstanding debts—student, car, medical, credit card—and you are....

Like any type of loan, an FHA loan is only provided under certain circumstances. It’s important to understand what these....

Buying a home to build equity is one of the main financial reasons prospective buyers jump into the market, but many people....

A non-warrantable condo is a piece of property that is not approved by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie....

Believe it or not, springtime is right around the corner—it’s less than six weeks away! But spring isn’t just the time for....

It was Jimmy Carter who introduced the idea of the American Dream as home ownership with the passage of the Community....

Being a Long Island Realtor is not as easy as you might think. Of course, it seems kind of glamorous, but the great ones are....

Part of the process in securing home financing is locking in your mortgage rate. Your mortgage rate is the interest rate....

When purchasing a home, buyers find that there are more aspects to the transaction than they might have originally assumed.....

Buying a home on Long Island is a smart investment across the board. But for millennials especially, real estate can be the....

It starts with a trip up into the attic and boxes recovered from what seems to be ages ago. The careful unwrapping of....

In the right circumstances, an FHA 203(k) rehab loan could mean the difference between buying a move-in condition house in a....

When purchasing or refinancing a home, your credit score is a crucial component of your financial health. With exemplary....

The holidays inevitably bring up the biblical adage, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Contour Mortgage....

Selling your Long Island home during the winter months is a tough proposition. LI winters are notoriously harsh, with snow....

The impending holidays bring about a lot of feelings: nostalgia, excitement, joy. But if I’m going to tell you the whole....

When shopping for a mortgage, consumers are often confused about the differences between a banker vs. broker. Some use the....

November on Long Island ushers in the crispness of the fall, delivering us into the holiday season and the winter wonderland....

On October 3^rd, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau enacted the new TRID rules (TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure),....

One of the most important questions borrowers ask when refinancing or buying a home is: Should I pay points toward my....

Finding and purchasing the right home is a team effort. No task that needs to be completed is done in a vacuum. From finding....

You can graduate high school, procure a prestigious college degree, recite a soliloquy from Hamlet, be able to calculate the....