Buying a home is an exciting, yet anxious time. It takes time, patience and persistance to find a new home, get through the closing and finally, move into your new home. Having a general overview of the home buying process will ensure you understand what's happening throughout the process. Get [...]
You’ve decided to go for it. Buying a home can be thrilling and nerve-wracking at the same time, especially for a first-time homebuyer — it’s difficult to know exactly what to expect. The learning curve can be steep, but most of the issues can be resolved by doing a little financial [...]
Several things can affect your credit rating. For some people, fair or poor credit is the result of not having enough credit history, while for others, major life events such as divorce or an illness take a financial toll. No matter your life story, a less than perfect credit history [...]
Many prospective homeowners like the idea of building because rather than settling, because they get exactly what they want. Others like buying something new, because no one else has ever lived in it. No matter the reason, home building is an increasingly popular option for prospective homeowners. But how does [...]
One of the things prospective homeowners worry about most is paying the closing costs. These are costs associated with closing on a home loan and building an escrow account for the payment of property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. Many homeowners choose to roll taxes and insurance into their mortgage, which [...]
One of the most common questions people have about home buying is this: “What credit score do I need to qualify?” The reality is there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your credit score plays a significant role in your ability to finance a home, but your loan application decision will be [...]
A reduction in your mortgage interest rate can translate into significant savings. The key is ensuring they aren't outweighed by the charges and fees involved. Here are some tips to help you determine whether refinancing your mortgage will pay off: UNDERSTAND THE FEES Lenders typically charge fees for the mortgage [...]
Buying a house is already stressful, and being ill-prepared heightens the anxiety. Why put yourself through this? Learn how to think like a lender and educate yourself on the best ways to get your mortgage loan approved: Know Your Credit Score It literally takes a few minutes to pull your [...]
First-time buyers, repeat buyers, homeowners looking to refinance—anyone who can meet the minimum program requirements is eligible for an FHA loan. Here are some great reasons to consider an FHA loan. Low down payment: Borrowers may only need a 3.5% down payment, rather than the 10% or even 20% you may [...]
Rates are creeping higher, but they're still near record lows. Consider these tips if you’re a potential homebuyer. Save for a down payment Although a 20% down payment on a mortgage is ideal, it's not mandatory. Many lenders expect buyers to put down at least 3%, aside from the Federal [...]