Resources
Tips for Showing Your Home to Buyers
Good news. Your real estate agent just called with a buyer who would like to see your house. Trouble is, there’s only so much your real estate agent can do and it’s up to you to make your home as presentable and attractive as possible, with the goal of engaging the buyer emotionally. Here are […]
The Worst Home Fixes for the Money
With spring just around the corner, you find yourself watching home improvement shows in the evening, dreaming of the different ways to spend your home equity line of credit. After all, you’ll recoup what you’ve spent when you sell your house. Right? Don’t kid yourself. While prices and returns on home improvements vary regionally, there […]
Buying a Home with No Money Down – VA
Years ago, it was very easy to purchase a home with no money down, or 100% financing. Then this little thing hit called the “mortgage meltdown” hit in 2007 and everything changed where almost every program requires a borrower put some type of down payment on a purchase. However, there are still certain types of […]
Buying a Home with No Money Down – USDA
Years ago, it was very easy to purchase a home with no money down, or 100% financing. Then this little thing hit called the “mortgage meltdown” hit in 2007 and everything changed where almost every program requires a borrower put some type of down payment on a purchase. However, there are still certain types of […]
Difference Between Homeowners & Mortgage Insurance
While often confused, Mortgage Insurance(MI) and Homeowners Insurance are greatly different types of insurance that cover greatly different things. Here’s the cleanest summary: Homeowners Insurance covers you, and your home, you will always need this type of insurance. MI covers the bank, get rid of this as soon as you can.
What’s the Minimum Down Payment I Need to Buy a Home?
For anyone trying to save enough money to buy a home, especially their first home, the question always comes up about home much does a person need to put down on a home. This amount varies based on loan type. Here is a summary along with the pro’s and cons of each.
What to Avoid When Shopping for a Mortgage
Everyone wants the best rate possible, we all do, we want the best for us and for our family to free up as much money for the important things in life. Yet, when you are shopping for a mortgage, before application, make sure to keep these things in mind that are some of the mistake […]
Is Now a Good Time to Refinance my Home Loan?
Homeowners often ask if it is a good time to refinance their home loan. The answer is certainly yes. In fact, interest rates are at their lowest levels since 1958 when Dwight D. Eisenhower was president. Since interest rates are extremely low, this gives tremendous opportunity to credit worthy consumers to take advantage of a refinance home loan.
What Mortgage Lenders Wish Borrowers Knew About Home Appraisals
An important part of any home buying transaction is the appraisal. Home appraisals help establish your home’s market value, the sales price it would likely bring in an open and competitive real estate market. If you plan to use your home or other real estate as security for a loan, mortgage lenders will require an […]
Securing a Home Loan with Bad Credit – Part II
In “Securing a Home Loan with Bad Credit – Part I” we explored mitigating factors borrowers should consider highlighting when it comes to securing a home loan even when you have bad credit. In addition to highlighting the financial assets you do have, your job security and proving your self-discipline as a saver rather than […]