Mortgages

Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and refinancing your mortgage can be a smart financial move — if done correctly. Whether you’re looking to lower your monthly payment, reduce your interest rate, or tap into your home’s equity, refinancing can help you achieve your financial goals. At Middlefield Bank, we’re here to make the refinancing process easy to understand. This guide will walk you through how refinancing works, when it makes sense,...
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When you’re thinking about buying a home, one of the key factors lenders consider is your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. But what exactly is this ratio, and why does it matter? In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about DTI, including how to calculate it, why it’s important, and how it impacts your mortgage or home loan application. What Is Debt-to-Income Ratio? Your debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your monthly gross income that goes towards paying...
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The journey to owning your dream home is an exciting one, but it comes with an important decision: should you build a new home from the ground up or buy an existing one? Both options have their advantages and challenges, and the right choice depends on your personal preferences, timeline, and budget.  The Case for Building Your Dream Home Building a home from scratch is a thrilling prospect, allowing you to create a space that’s truly your own. Here are some reasons why building...
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Welcome to The Middlefield Banking Company, where dreams of home ownership come true with our exclusive mortgage solutions! As you embark on the exciting journey of purchasing your dream home, Middlefield is here to guide you every step of the way. Our home loan program offers a range of mortgage products designed to suit the unique needs of homebuyers. In this blog, we will explore the insights and benefits that Middlefield's mortgage options bring to the table.  A Mortgage with Middlefield 1....
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There are so many benefits to being a homeowner. A huge benefit of homeownership is the ability to utilize your home’s equity as a secret weapon. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) provides a convenient way for homeowners to access funds for various purposes, such as home improvements, debt consolidation, education, or unexpected expenses. In today’s blog, we’ll give you the basics of a HELOC and the best instances to tap into your home’s equity!  What Is a...
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When it comes to real estate The Middlefield Banking Company understands it’s a localized market. If you are in the market for a new home, it is extremely important to understand the advantage of working with a local mortgage lender. In this blog, we will outline the top advantages and benefits of working with a local mortgage lender.  #1 Local Expertise  When it comes to a profession, most would agree your knowledge is unique to the market you serve – that is...
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A Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit are both loans that use your home as collateral. Though they are very similar, they are different loans. Keep reading to learn what a Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit are, their differences, and their benefits!  What Are They and How Do they Differ?  A Home Equity Loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit, commonly known as a HELOC, are both loans which use your home as collateral. Both are fantastic options for borrowing...
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Buying a home is a big deal. Here are a few of the best-kept secrets you need to know before buying a house.  Secret #1 The first secret for purchasing a home is to scope out the neighborhood you are thinking of buying in and do it a lot. The reason you should do this is to see if it is an enjoyable place to be and that it is a neighborhood you could envision yourself and your family being a part of.  Driving by at different parts of the day is important to notice any commonalities....
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If one of your to-dos for 2022 is packing up your house and moving, you may be wondering how much that will end up costing you. While the amount varies greatly depending on how far, how much stuff you have and other factors, this blog will help you come up with an idea of what to expect. Average Moving Cost Local move: $1,250 Long distance move: $4,890 Factors Affecting the Cost The following factors are unique to your specific moving experience, meaning the price you pay varies: 1....
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If you’re preparing to sell your home, you’re in the right place. We’re here to provide you with 8 helpful house staging tips so you can make the most of your space and grab the attention of prospective buyers.  Focus on the curb appeal.  Curb appeal is huge when it comes to first impressions. Some good and relatively cheap ways to make the outside of your home more attractive are to repaint the front door, lay fresh mulch, add more greenery, get a new...
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