The 3 Economic Indicators We Watch Every Week (and Why They Matter to Mortgage Rates) If you've been following mortgage rates lately, you've probably noticed they seem to change for reasons that aren't always obvious. One week rates improve, the next they climb — even though the Federal Reserve hasn't [...]
How to Know When You're Ready to Buy a Home Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make — and for most people, it's also one of the best paths toward building long-term wealth. But that opportunity comes with real responsibility, which is exactly why [...]
What Do Mortgage Lenders Look At? Here's the Simple Breakdown: If you're getting ready to buy a home, you've probably heard a dozen different opinions about what it takes to qualify for a mortgage. The good news? Lenders are really just looking at five main things. Once you understand them, [...]
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 [...]
Many potential homebuyers believe the smartest move is to wait until mortgage interest rates drop before purchasing a home. While that idea sounds reasonable on the surface, waiting for lower rates can actually cost buyers more in the long run. Understanding how interest rates, home prices, and market timing [...]
Saving for a home doesn’t require extreme budgeting or giving up everything you enjoy. It comes down to understanding your numbers, building a few solid habits, and being realistic about what “affordable” actually means. Start with your real numbers: Before setting a savings goal, look at your last few months [...]
When it comes to buying a home, there are different types of loans offered by lenders to consumers. Of course, keeping track of them all can confuse homebuyers, especially if it's their first time purchasing a house. Fixed Vs. Adjustable All loans adhere to either a fixed or adjustable mortgage [...]
As the economy continues recovering, the face of homeownership is changing. Increasing numbers of people choose to rent rather than buy; especially young college graduates, newly married couples, or small families. The question of whether to rent or buy can get complicated because it depends on more than money. Choice [...]
Buying a new house is exciting; but it's also stressful. Luckily, you're not the first person to move! There are many tips you can follow to make life easier. Walking through a new home is a part of every move. Do a walk through prior to closing to ensure the [...]
Being a homeowner or renter is expensive for everyone. Conserving energy can be easy if you know a few quick tricks, and the money you save is worth it. Check out these easy fixes to figure out how you can start saving money right now. Invest in a programmable thermostat. [...]
