A pre-purchase home inspection is a recommended part of the home buying process. An investment of about $300 to $500 can help you avoid an unexpected defect that could cost thousands of dollars, even tens of thousands, after you sign on the... (Read More)
Ready to buy your first home? Your first step is to visit a mortgage lender to see how much house you can afford. But be prepared for the paperwork that comes with it. Here are the documents you'll be asked to provide as part of the loan application... (Read More)
Buying your first home? Here are three real estate professionals you'll come in contact with during the weeks ahead as you make the leap from renting to owning your own home:
Mortgage loan officer. Before you look at a single home, you should get... (Read More)
Whether you're trying to buy, sell or refinance a home, an appraisal has a big impact on you. An appraisal is designed to provide you - and the lender - with an unbiased professional opinion of a home's value.
Appraisals are almost always used in... (Read More)
If you're a homeowner thinking about refinancing, you have two options for covering your closing costs if you're not paying for them with cash. They are:
Taking a higher mortgage rate. In this scenario, often called a no-cost refinance, you avoid... (Read More)
Every wonder which things can affect your credit score the most when you're applying for a mortgage loan? Here are some of the top factors that can dramatically lower anyone's score:
You're 30 days late (or more) paying a bill. You could see a... (Read More)
Think you need a huge down payment in order to buy a home ? Then you're in for some good news.
The "need" for big down payments is a myth in today's lending environment. Truth is, programs offered by three federal agencies are helping borrowers... (Read More)
It doesn't matter which housing report you look at. Whether it's home sales, home building activity or the inventory of properties for sale, the housing recovery has finally arrived. Here are the opportunities that people are cashing in on right... (Read More)
You're getting ready to buy a home and hoping your credit score qualifies you for a great mortgage rate. What's the biggest factor in determining your individual credit score? Your payment history. Unfortunately, issues such as missed or late... (Read More)
Refinancing is a great way to get a lower mortgage rate. But there are other benefits to swapping out your home loan for a new, lower-rate one. Here are a few to think about:
Trade out an ARM. If you plan to be in your home for a while... (Read More)