The Basics of a Jumbo Mortgage
Chances are, you know a little something about mortgages. But have you heard about their big brother, the jumbo mortgage? A jumbo mortgage — also known as a jumbo home loan — might sound expensive and downright financially daunting, but it’s not nearly as intimidating as it sounds. A jumbo loan is simply a big […]
Top 5 Myths About Putting A Down Payment on Your New House
Plenty of myths circulate about the home buying process. With conflicting pieces of information flying all over the neighborhood, how are you supposed to know what to believe? It’s time to provide some clarity about one of the more misunderstood parts of buying a home: The down payment. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you might […]
Breaking Down the Basics of Mortgage Refinancing
You found the house of your dreams. (Bonus: It came in mint condition!) Survived the mental stress of applying for a mortgage and the physical exertion of move-in day. Now, you’re sitting in your kitchen, sipping a cup of coffee, and listening to your kids play in the next room over. The four walls and […]
4 Habits of Smart, Successful First-Time Homebuyers
When you think about your first home – what comes to mind? Whether your first home is a future goal, or a trip down memory lane, let’s go there for a moment. Is it a big house on tree-lined street, white picket fence, attached garage, and 2.5 kids to fill it? Or something a bit […]
When the Lowest Mortgage Interest Rate May Not Be the Best Deal
You know the saying, “If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.” But when it comes to buying a home, which is one of the biggest expenses (if not the biggest) you’ll undertake, the mortgage lender with the lowest interest rate might not always the best […]
It’s a Good Time to Buy Your First Home. Here’s Why
Buying your first home is no walk around the Monopoly board. For most, it’s the biggest financial transaction you’ll ever make, and unfortunately, rainbow paper money is not a valid currency. If you’re on the (white picket) fence about purchasing a home of your very own, there’s no time like the present to make your […]
Where Americans Are Moving: The Top Real Estate Markets
Are “For Sale” signs popping up (and coming down) all over your neighborhood? Do you see a moving van rumble past your house every few days? No, it’s not your imagination. In many places across the U.S., the real estate market is on fire. Prices have been up an average of about 6.5 percent for […]
11 Terms to Know Before Applying for a Home Loan
So, you’ve decided to buy a home. You’ve found the perfect property and your offer was accepted. (Congratulations!) Now you’re ready to apply for a home loan. There’s just one small wrinkle: you don’t speak mortgage-ese. It’s not unusual to be confused by all the jargon, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. Lucky for you, […]
4 Reasons Why Homeownership Might Be Closer than You Think
Buying a home is one of the biggest milestones – and purchases – we can reach in our adult lives. It means that you’ve finally saved enough, are in control of your finances, and are ready to ‘put down roots’ – even if they’re not for forever. Looking back a few years ago, immediately following […]
When Does It Make Sense (and Cents) to Get PMI with Your Home Loan?
“You need at least a 20 percent down payment if you want to buy a home.” Sound familiar? If you’ve been thinking about buying your first home, you’ve probably heard that bit of wisdom a time or two (or 12). But is it true? Not necessarily. It’s absolutely possible to get approved for a mortgage […]
