Mortgages are like any other loan, except bigger. Getting a mortgage also comes with more up-front costs. What is a mortgage principal? The mortgage principal is the amount you are borrowing. How is mortgage interest calculated? Interest is the amount you pay for the...
In light of the recent settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the plaintiffs represented by class-action attorneys, home buyers need to be aware of new rules that will take effect nationwide on August 17, 2024. Here’s what you need...
When you create an offer on a house, the Seller is going to ask you to prove that your mortgage will close on time. All you need is a pre-qualification, right? Nope. You need a pre-approval. A pre-underwritten mortgage is even better! What’s the difference? A...
Short sales are often promoted as an easy way to buy a property at under-market value. That certainly works sometimes, but the majority of the short sale transactions present a very different reality to buyers. This report will help buyers objectively evaluate short...
Suppose you see a house that seems like a great deal. If it is too-good-to-be-true, it is time to figure out if it really is true. The house is listed on your local multiple listing service, or Zillow, or Realtor.com for much less than other houses of its size...
Acquiring the home of your dreams is an exhilarating experience, but this joy can turn into dismay when the specter of foreclosure looms six years later due to seemingly minor oversights, such as unpaid taxes. A homeowner in D.C. found themselves ensnared in this...
In the intricate world of home buying, even the most diligent researchers can find themselves navigating a maze of information. The intricacies of the home buying process, combined with the competitiveness of today's market, often prompt buyers to rush through certain...
In the realm of personal finance, exploring viable options for leveraging one's home equity can be a game-changer. A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) offers homeowners the opportunity to tap into the value of their property and secure a flexible line of credit. This...
Real estate has long been seen as a way to build generational wealth, and in today's rapidly changing economic landscape, the pursuit of financial security has become more important than ever. Real estate offers numerous advantages that can help individuals and...
Bankruptcy can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, but it can also be a fresh start. It may seem like the end of the road for your dreams of homeownership, but that is not necessarily the case. Despite the financial setback, buying a home after...
When you hear about savings of more than $15,000 over the course of five years with an adjustable-rate mortgage, it's hard to ignore. With that said, before making the decision to borrow with an adjustable-rate mortgage instead of a fixed-rate mortgage, you should...
Regardless of real estate market conditions, first-time home buyers need to know what loan programs and grants are available to help as they begin the home buying process. If you do your homework, there are many programs and grants available to first time homebuyers...