Spring is HERE! With the start of a new season comes a fresh opportunity to find ways to save energy and money. Here are just a few simple things you can do to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home as warmer temperatures arrive: Service your air conditioner. Easy maintenance such as routinely […]
Spring is upon us! This is the prime time of year for house-hunting. There is a host of information on how to make the purchasing decision. It is so easy to say yes! when the home of your dreams is sprawling at your feet. Here are some mistakes many first-time buyers make, so keep them […]
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 broker’s services, credit reports, a […]
Getting the exterior of the home ready for the cold winds, snow and ice is critical for keeping Old Man Winter out and keeping it warm and toasty inside. By being proactive, you’ll lower your energy bills, increase the efficiency and lifespan of your home’s components, and make your property safer. Windows and Doors Check […]
Fall is the perfect time to get all of your home maintenance and winter preparation projects done. It is the time of year when things cool off and it gives you the best opportunity for accomplishing all you need to before the cold winter months. Help get your home ready for winter with these fall […]
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 have heard you need. This […]
Reverse mortgages can provide retirees with an additional source of income that will not require them to sell their homes and move into smaller or less amenable residences. These unique products allow users to tap into the equity in their homes and convert it into monthly cash payments that they can use to meet their […]
There are many reasons why refinancing your home loan makes sense – opportunity to obtain a lower interest rate; chance to shorten the term of your mortgage; desire to convert from an adjustable rate mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage or vice versa; opportunity to tap into your home’s equity in order to finance a large […]
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 Housing Administration, which requires a […]
Unfamiliar vocabulary can make interpreting mortgage forms difficult. Here you will find most of the terms mortgage lenders use. You can refer back to this glossary whenever you need help determining the meaning of mortgage terminology. 1. Adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM — A home loan in which the interest rate changes periodically based on a […]