No matter where in the country you're buying, you're sure to encounter escrow at some point in the home transaction. If you're entirely new to buying a home, then buzzwords like this can sound scary at first. But don't worry, it's not as bad as it sounds. Escrow...
Home Financing
What is PMI? Private Mortgage Insurance Explained
Anyone looking to buy a home faces a major obstacle, coming up with that hefty down payment. The standard advice is to have a least 20% of the purchase price saved up, and for good reason. Sure, there are mortgage options that allow you to make a down payment of less...
The Mortgage Contingency Clause: What is it & Why is it a Bad Idea to Waive it?
Buying a home comes with a lot of risks. The process is lengthy and has room for many things to go awry. Thankfully, layers of protection within a contract help eliminate some risks. These layers of security are called contingencies and offer a safety net for...
What are the Pros and Cons of FHA Loans?
So you want to buy a home but don't have a lot of money for a down payment. Or, perhaps your credit score is less than stellar. Maybe it's both. Any interested home buyer who's in this situation will want to consider the FHA loan. This government-backed loan, through...
What are the Best Mortgage Options for Self-Employed Buyers?
Anyone who's self-employed and looking to become a homeowner faces an uphill battle. Just over a decade ago, it was much easier thanks to stated income loans. These allowed anyone with a social security number and average credit score to secure a loan. There was no...
The Full Guide to the Mortgage Application Process
So after a lot of time thinking it through, you're finally ready to commit to becoming a homeowner. Congratulations! You've got a lot to look forward to, but now you also have a lot of work ahead of you. One of the most confusing aspects of buying a home, especially...
Mortgage Pre-approval and Pre-qualification: What’s the Difference?
The home buying process has a lot of steps to it and one of the most confusing for buyers will be the mortgage process. But if you need a loan to buy your dream home then it's essential that you understand every step of the way. In your research, you'll likely have...
Closing Costs: What to Expect When Buying a Home
When buying a home, it's important that you factor in all costs when determining your budget. One important category of expenses you shouldn't overlook is closing costs. These are the fees you'll pay to facilitate the transaction on closing day. The closing day is the...
How Can I Compete When I’m Financing the Deal and Don’t Have Lots of Cash?
Nothing talks quite like money in real estate. The ability to put down an all-cash offer on a home immediately puts you ahead of those offers who are relying on financing. Why? Because it cuts out the time and hassle of the mortgage approval process. For those who...
Market Watch
The Wall Street Journal reported in early September that Standard & Poor's Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price index of real estate values increased this past quarter over the first quarter of 2009. This is the first quarter-on-quarter increase in three years....
Even Wikipedia Knows the Difference Between an Exclusive Buyer Agent and the Rest of the Realtors
National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents members work solely on behalf of home buyers in real estate transactions, ensuring trust and committed representation. Denver, CO (PRWEB) December 14, 2009—From its headquarters a few miles west of the epicenter of...
101. Europe’s Debt Crisis Means Reduced Mortgage Rates Across the Pond
Mortgage rates are at historic lows, thanks to the European debt crisis. The average rate for a 30- year fixed loan as of mid-May 2010 is 4.87%, according to Bankrate.com-the lowest rate for the 30 years since Bankrate started keeping track 25 years ago. Jumbo loan...