Understanding Your Cash to Close When Buying a Home
You have saved and saved for a downpayment on a new home and are finally ready to sign all of the paperwork and get the keys. Your lender sends over the final numbers and the cash to close is more…
Using the VA Streamline Loan
Veterans buying a home often use a special loan, backed by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs to purchase a personal residence with no (or low) downpayment. But many may not know that once you use that loan, you can refinance…
What Price Unlisted Means in Real Estate
One of the first questions that potential homebuyers have about a property for sale is the purchase price. If you have done your research and are ready to buy a home, you likely have a budget in mind. Considering homes…
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
No matter where you are in the homebuying process, you can reach out to a professional housing counselor through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Housing Counseling service. Counseling agencies are available in all states. They can…
Ins and Outs of Homeowners Insurance
If you have looked at your monthly mortgage statement, you have probably seen a line for insurance. You may have even received an insurance bill annually. Here is what you need to know about homeowners insurance. Homeowner’s insurance is often…
What Is the Difference between Working with a Realtor and a Real Estate Agent?
If you are buying or selling a home, you have probably considered working with a real estate professional to represent you during the process. Maybe you have even found someone already. When looking for someone to represent your interest, it…
Renting v. Buying: By the Numbers
Have you ever wondered if you should rent or buy a home for yourself and your family? Here is a simple case study of a for rent or sale property to show what factors may impact your decision. An updated…
What Are Points in Real Estate?
If you are purchasing or refinancing a home, chances are you have learned a lot of new terms. One of those may be “points.” But what exactly are points in a real estate deal? Points are referred to as mortgage…
How to Pay Down Your Mortgage during Tax Season
If you are a homeowner in the United States, you likely have a mortgage, a loan taken out to pay for your home. The terms of these loans vary but most follow a 30-year payoff plan, with interest being paid…
How Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Impacts Your Home Buying Power
For the majority of home buyers, both first-time and experienced, a new home purchase is done by financing a large portion of the cost. This loan, called a mortgage, is offered through a financial institution specifically for the purchase of…
