You're interested in buying a home. Congratulations! This is a big step in life, so it's one that you should research thoroughly. The good news is we have some helpful information as you begin the process of getting and using a mortgage. #1... (Read More)

When you buy a home, there is a specific amount of money you will need to pay to secure the house. The rest of the cost of the house can be divided into monthly payments using a home loan. The following is how you can figure out how much cash you'll... (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)

Ever hear the terms REO, bank-owned, short sale or HUD home? And have you even wondered what the heck all those terms mean? Here are some definitions used to describe common types of distressed properties: Foreclosure: This refers to the process... (Read More)

Do you know the difference between discount points and origination points? These are two important terms any home buyer should understand. Each type of point is equal to 1 percent of your total loan amount. For example, on a $200,000 loan, one... (Read More)

The appraisal is an important part of the home buying process. But what happens if the appraisal comes up short of the agreed-upon selling price? Here's an example: A home is listed for sale for $350,000. It's a multiple bidding situation, so you... (Read More)

Mortgage rates are on the move. When is the best time to "lock" your mortgage rate? And for how long should your lock be effective? If you're buying or building a home, you'll have to answer both of these questions. Unfortunately, there's not a... (Read More)

When it comes to buying a home, there are two very important people who can help guide you through the process. The first is your lender. Your loan officer can help you determine how much home you can afford and help you review your loan... (Read More)

Which renovation projects provide the biggest return on your investment when it comes time to sell your home? You can get a pretty good idea of which upgrades offer a better ROI than others by taking a look at Remodeling Magazine's Cost Vs. Value... (Read More)