There are many obstacles when buying your first home. It takes diligent work, and to say the least it is expensive. Especially when you consider the rise of real estate and interest rates. Here are six issues that I am sure you have heard will get in your way. However, I have good news for [...]
If you’re thinking about purchasing a new home or refinancing your existing mortgage, you should know that your credit score is hugely important. Banks and mortgage lenders use your credit score(s) to evaluate your creditworthiness, which translates to a higher or lower mortgage interest rate, and even determines eligibility. Which Credit Score Do Mortgage Lenders Use? [...]
You pay all your bills on time and you work hard to earn more — so you can save more. Your credit score reflects your savvy money management skills, and you can proudly boast that you’re a member of the 730-and-up club. Your partner? Not so much. Whether due to past actions or financial mistakes [...]
Walking away with a profit on your home sale is an exciting proposition. But there’s one thing that can suck the excitement right out of such a positive financial move:the threat of taxes on your investment gain — otherwise known as the dreaded capital gains tax. Luckily, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 helps many [...]
Traditionally, your mortgage payment is a monthly cost. You submit your payment once a month to the mortgage company, and your money is applied to principal, interest, and escrow. But many mortgage lenders also offer biweekly mortgage payment plans that allow you to pay in installments every two weeks instead of every month. Biweekly payment [...]
One of THE MOST important stages in the home-buying process is finding a reputable lender or mortgage broker to handle your transaction. A good lender will respect that you work hard for your money — and you want to spend it wisely. After running a credit check, your lender will present you with options for [...]
Whether you’re hoping to buy or planning to sell, a mortgage calculator can give you some valuable insights. Here are five questions a monthly mortgage calculator can help answer to make you more savvy about home buying. Should you rent or buy? There’s more to being a homeowner than just swapping a rent payment for [...]
A new bill in Congress could significantly impact your ability to secure a mortgage by changing the way lenders look at credit scores. Known as the Credit Score Competition Act, the bill is in its first stage of the legislative process. Although it’s a long way from becoming a law, future homebuyers have good reason [...]
Depending on who you ask, combining finances with your significant other is either a positive step towards establishing a life together OR the worst idea ever. If you're considering it, here are some pros and cons to weigh. Pros Teamwork If you’re on the same page and your financial priorities are fully aligned, you're likely looking [...]
Mortgage rates are still at historic lows, and there's no denying that now is a great time to purchase a home. Here are four reasons why it makes a lot of financial sense. 1) Homeownership Builds Wealth Over Time Most of us were taught growing up that owning a home is financially savvy. Although that confidence [...]
