Home Buyers Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early Paying off your mortgage early has its benefits and is an option worth exploring. Use our tips to find out whether it is the best course of action for you.
Home Buyers Buying a Foreclosed Home Buying a foreclosed property can be your secret to getting a great deal on a home. Find out how you can get started!
Home Buyers What is Seller Financing and How Can You Take Advantage of It? Seller financing can help savvy real estate investors creatively finance their investments and work around the barriers that come with traditional financing
Home Buyers Should I Rent, or Should I Buy? So the time has come to start looking for a new home! The decision whether to rent or buy will differ from person to person, but regardless of what you do, your choice must be well informed.
Home Buyers The Importance of Housing Agencies For First-Time Home Buyers Many homebuyers are overlooking, or are simply unaware of, the home buying services at their disposal. HUD-approved organizations seem not to be widely talked about amongst people today, but they are there and should be utilized.
Home Buyers The Home Closing Process in the Era of COVID-19 How has the closing process changed and which changes are likely to stay? Let’s investigate this question and try to look into the crystal ball of completing home purchases in a socially distanced world.
Home Buyers Property Taxes Explained All property owners need to understand the property tax system and what they can do to mitigate their tax liability. Although many people don’t enjoy handling taxes, knowing how is important.
Home Buyers Discount Brokers Discount brokers can create a tricky situation for all parties involved. They receive a base salary and aren't always the most motivated to make successful transactions. What does this mean for you?
Home Buyers The Home Buying Process in 12 Steps Buying a home can be stressful. That's why you need this clear breakdown of the process of purchasing a home so you can understand every step along the way.
Home Buyers What Is a Home Equity Loan? A home equity loan is a way to leverage equity you've built in your home for cash. Learn about the pros and cons here.
Home Buyers Straight-Line and Mortgage-Style Amortization Mortgage amortization at a glance. A guide to the principal and interest payments for a home mortgage scheduled to be paid monthly or daily and how this impacts the total cost of a home.
Home Buyers What Is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)? Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is a type of insurance required for certain mortgages. Continue reading to find out when it is required and how much it costs.
Home Buyers Why Loan to Value Ratio Is Important for Investors Read here to learn more about mortgage investing and why the loan to value ratio is a significant factor in controlling investment risk.
Home Buyers Real Estate Debt and Derivatives A complete guide to real estate derivatives, how they work as an investment tool, and how they played a role in the U.S. Housing Crisis.
Home Buyers Loan to Value Ratio Explained for Borrowers As a borrower, having a good loan to value ratio will set you up for financial success in the long run. Continue reading to understand why it's so important and how to calculate it.
Home Buyers What Are Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac? What are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and how do they help homeowners? Find out how these programs work and why they're important.
Home Buyers Finding the Right Financing: Fixed-Rate and Adjustable-Rate Mortgages What's the difference between fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages? Find the right home loan for you.
Home Buyers What Is a Balloon Mortgage? A balloon mortgage does not fully amortize over the life of the loan, so borrowers should be prepared for when the final payment is due.
Home Buyers What Is a Jumbo Loan and How Can You Qualify? Jumbo loans are high-balance loans that help you finance luxury or high-value properties.
Home Buyers What Is an FHA Loan and How Does It Work? The FHA's home buying assistance program is popular with first-time home buyers and borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.
Home Buyers The Differences Between the 15- and 30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgages Borrowers can choose from a variety of mortgage types, but the most common are the 15- and 30-year fixed-rate mortgages.
Home Buyers What Do Millennials Want in a Home? The National Association of Home Builders analyzed research studies on what millennials look for in a home. Here's what we learned!
Home Buyers On the Fence: Deciding Between Affordability or School District Some home buyers are willing to pay top dollar for the best school district. Here are some of the benefits of selecting a home based on school performance.
Home Buyers Why Every Buyer Needs a Home Inspection The home inspection is a critical step that shouldn't be skipped. We discuss what every buyer and seller needs to know to minimize unwelcome surprises.
Home Buyers Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification: Which Should You Get? Though used interchangeably, mortgage pre-qualification and mortgage pre-approval are not the same. Here's what you should know.