Mortgages

buyer Easy ways to build home equity   Home equity is defined by the difference between your home’s value and the amount you still owe on the home. Equity allows you to move forward with other properties and sell your current home.   As you pay down your mortgage, your home equity increases. Luckily, there are a few ways you can increase […]
buyer Top homebuying tips to add to your home purchasing plan   If you’ve decided to purchase a home, you may feel overwhelmed with all the moving parts of the real estate market. However, going into the world of real estate with the goal of purchasing a home becomes much smoother when you build a plan first.   Identify your home needs   A recent study […]
buyer A beginners guide to delinquent property taxes Homeownership comes with many responsibilities, one of these being the payment of property taxes. Property taxes are due each year and are used by local governments to pay for public resources such as parks, schools, public safety workers, and more. If you don’t pay these taxes and allow them to pile up, you’ll be noted […]
buyer Mortgage applications & your credit score   The mortgage application process can be stressful. One cause of stress is uncertainty about how multiple mortgage applications will affect your credit score. Luckily, the differences between prequalification and preapproval mean your mortgage shopping may not have the effects you expect.   Prequalification & preapproval   Mortgage prequalification and preapproval affect your credit in […]
buyer 3 Ways to pay off your mortgage early   Paying off a mortgage early is a dream of many homeowners. However, economic factors can make it seem like an unattainable goal. With some careful planning and initiative, however, there are ways to pay off your home loan before your term limit.   1. Refinance your mortgage   If you’re considering making larger payments […]
buyer Saving for a new home purchase   Preparing to purchase a home? It’s time to get your finances in order. Saving for your home will prepare you for a down payment and other costs of homebuying, but also any unexpected expenses along the way. Here are a few tips for saving for your new home:   Budget   Creating a monthly […]
Buying A basic guide to real estate investing       While real estate investing can be a lucrative opportunity, if you don’t know what you’re facing, things can quickly get out of hand.   To help you get started, here are some ways you can get into real estate investing:   Real estate investment trusts (REITs)   Consider these like mutual funds, […]
buyer A basic guide to lowering your homeowners insurance cost Among the many expenses associated with homeownership, homeowners insurance is one of the most significant. Insurance rates and premiums vary depending on your location, provider and the type of home you have, but there are almost always ways you can save money. Here are some tips for lowering your insurance costs: Choose a higher deductible […]
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appraisel What is an FHA loan & how does it work? If you’re a first-time homebuyer or simply searching for a mortgage loan to fit your financial standing, an FHA loan may be for you. With moderate requirements and longer loan terms, this mortgage type opens the door to homeownership for those who may be just beginning their financial journey. How does getting a FHA loan […]
refinancing 4 Things to sell prior to listing your home   When you start the process of selling your home, there may seem like there’s an enormous amount of things that need to get done. However, by selling old and unused items, you can save time on packing things away and make some extra money in the meantime.   Furniture   Moving large items in […]
buyer 3 Common reasons to refinance your mortgage   Homeowners refinance their mortgages for an assortment of reasons. Some reasons center around strictly wanting to pay off their homes faster and at better interest rates, while others may fall along practical life events or emergencies. If you find yourself asking, “should I refinance my mortgage,” try checking off a few boxes to help […]
buyer How to stay focused on home selling As a home seller, it can be tough to balance both short- and long-term goals. However, taking key steps can help you pinpoint areas needing the most attention to help you streamline the process. Establish a home selling timeline A home selling timeline can help take the guesswork out of your home selling journey. Making […]
buyer 3 Things homeowners wish they had done differently before buying a home Deciding to purchase your first home is a huge step, as it’s often a long term financial commitment. Studies have found, as much as 70 percent of homeowners have at least 1 regret regarding their property. Understanding common homebuyer regrets can help guide you during the homebuying process towards a home you can be truly happy […]
buyer Adjustable rate mortgages: pros & cons If you’re shopping for a mortgage, you’ll need to choose between a fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) and an adjustable-rate mortgage. An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) might seem like the best option because of low introductory rates and flexibility. However, there are some disadvantages to ARMs to consider carefully. Here are some of the main pros and […]
buyer 4 Tips to get the best deal on your first home purchase   As a first-time homebuyer, you may find yourself asking, “what can I do to get a great deal on my first home?” Purchasing a home is a financial decision that can potentially affect your finances for years to a whole lifetime.   To make sure you get an affordable home matching your homebuying goals, […]
buyer How to prepare for day of closing   At the end of a long homebuying process, you’ll finally reach your goal: the day of closing. However, even though you’re at the finish line, closing on a new home is a process itself.   There are many steps to finalize your home purchase and just as many opportunities for delay. To make sure […]
appraisel Property tax deferment: The basics   In some states, qualified homeowners can use a property tax deferment to save on annual expenses. While deferring taxes usually refers to a period of delay in paying taxes on an item until a later date, property tax deferment comes with some additional important factors. Here is a quick guide about property tax deferrals:   How […]
appraisel Pros & cons of no-closing-cost refinancing   Refinancing your home can have a plethora of benefits. Among lowering your monthly payment, refinancing your home can also allow you to borrow against your home’s equity. However, refinancing in the beginning can have significant closing costs, such as application fees, loan origination fees, mortgage insurance and interest – especially when involving mortgage points. […]
buyer The pros and cons of mortgage points   When buying a home, many homebuyers tend to search for the best mortgage interest rates available. While some may find that perfect rate, others may opt to take advantage of lender-provided options, such as mortgage points.   Mortgage points are designed to help buyers bring down their interest rates by paying them ahead of […]
Buying Home refinance: Costs to consider   Refinancing your home can have major benefits: a lower monthly payment, cash use of home equity for a variety of purposes, generate more appetizing mortgage terms, etc. However, there are a few things to remember when entering into a mortgage refinance, like refinance cost.   Here are a couple of cost options to remember […]