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 […]
How You Can Think of Your Mortgage Payment as a Restaurant Check
When you go out for dinner, the amount you owe is based upon what you order off the menu. If you select a large entrée or one made with specialty ingredients and drink a cocktail or two, for instance, you’ll pay more than if you chose a couple small plates and a glass of iced […]
4 Reasons to Consider Refinancing Your Home
Owning a home is the American Dream, and if you’re like most, your mortgage payment accounts for a significant portion of your budget. Refinancing can help lower your costs and potentially save you money, but how do you know if it’s the right move? Whether refinancing makes sense hinges on what you stand to gain. […]
