MassHousing

Episode 20: Mortgage Insurance - why you need it and why you’ll love MassHousing’s

Let's face it, mortgage insurance doesn't get a lot of love. But most first time home buyers would not be able to buy a home without it! And MassHousing's mortgage insurance has consumer benefits you won't find elsewhere (hint: it can help a homeowner in tough times).  Our guest Lisa Fiandaca lays out the specifics of mortgage insurance in an easy-to-understand way. As a buyer, you'll most likely be paying for mortgage insurance, so empower yourself and learn all about it here!

Episode 19: ”It’s both an art and a science”

"It's both an art and a science" is how Massachusetts REALTOR Julian Addy describes his job as a real estate agent helping first time home buyers. Julian shares his deep knowledge of today's market, his personal experiences with buyers and sellers and helpful, behind-the-scenes advice that will leave you feeling more confident than ever as you make your way down the road to home ownership.

Episode 18: Which do I need, pre-qualification or pre-approval? And more!

In this 20-minute episode, we touch on the challenging market conditions here in early 2023; the critical difference between pre-qualifying for a loan and getting pre-approved; the importance of property taxes; and, a lively conversation with the always-upbeat Rocco Leone, one of our home buying professionals at MassHousing. Hit play and get motivated to achieve your home buying goals this year!

Episode 17: You can do this! Even in today’s challenging market.

Rising interest rates, fewer homes on the market.  What's a first time home buyer to do?  Keep at it! Rich Petisce, one of our home buying experts, provides clear, straightforward advice on how to move ahead with your home buying plans, even in difficult times.  First time buyers are still successfully purchasing homes and condos these days.  So can you. 

Episode 16: Ready to buy in Spring of ’22?

It may be freezing cold now, but the spring homebuying season is coming soon.  Are you ready to buy this spring? This episode goes over the steps you should have taken at this point to be ready to purchase in the spring of 2022. Even if you are not ready for this spring, there is plenty here to learn about for the day when you are ready, as well as some motivation to keep going in your quest to be a homeowner. It's only 10 minutes!  Jump-start your new year's commitment by giving this a listen!

”We‘re with you every step of the way”

That's the philosophy of Cathy Mercado, Executive Director of the Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership, a non-profit that provides first-time homebuyer classes. In this inspiring and engaging episode, Cathy shares her own personal story of overcoming life challenges, becoming a home owner, and dedicating her life to helping people with modest incomes realize their dreams of owning their own home. Cathy has helped hundreds of home buyers and she and her team can help you! And thanks to Zoom, whether you live in the Merrimack Valley or in Boston, Worcester, Springfield or anywhere else, you can take a homebuyer education course from these dedicated professionals who are with you every step of the way. To request a transcript of this podcast, please contact: egedstad@masshousing.com.

Episode 14 ”Brutal Honesty”

"Brutal honesty" is what you will get from one of MassHousing's top loan originators, Jamie Pollard. And when it comes to borrowing money for a home purchase, you don't want anything less. Jamie Pollard talks about his own family history and how it inspired him to start a career helping people with modest incomes buy their first home. Learn how Jamie establishes trust and rapport with people and gives them the tools to help them make smart choices. This is real talk, not a sales pitch, which is what a buyer needs in today's heated market. To request a transcript of this podcast, please contact: egedstad@masshousing.com”

Episode 13: Stay grounded during a hot real estate market. Empower yourself with down payment assistance, a better credit score and more!

The Massachusetts real estate market is hot. It's tough out there for buyers. Bidding wars and high prices can be intimidating. We talk about how to empower yourself with down payment assistance programs, a strong credit score and knowledge of what exactly you pay for every month when you write that mortgage check to your lender. To request a transcript of this podcast, please contact: egedstad@masshousing.com

Episode 12: An interview with Natasha Boye, one of our homebuying experts

Join us for a conversation with Natasha Boye, one of our team of homebuying experts at MassHousing. We talk about the rise in the number of people taking home buyer education classes; why there are so many home sales during a pandemic; the steps to take if you want to buy this year or next year; the pros and cons of buying a multifamily home and much more!

Episode 11: Down payment assistance, credit scores and why you should take a homebuyer education class soon!

One of our home buying experts, Angelo Nuby, talks about MassHousing's newest down payment assistance initiative, which provides as much as $25,000 in down payment aid for qualified buyers. We also talk about what it means to have good credit and what is a good credit score. Oh, and why should you take a home buyer education class? Angelo will tell you.