Congratulations! You are using your VA loan benefit to buy a home. Once you are under contract on a home, the lender will tell you that the home needs to be appraised. People usually have many questions about appraisals. The following are some of... (Read More)

If you are selling your home, it's important to keep safety in mind. Although problems are unlikely, it's always a good idea to do whatever you can to protect your family and personal belongings. Here are several ways to make your selling... (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)

When purchasing a home, your mortgage pre-approval is based on your current financial situation. That's why once you are pre-approved, you should avoid making big changes to your finances. Here are several things you'll want to avoid doing while... (Read More)

Whether you're buying or refinancing, you have a number of choices. One of those is your loan term. While the overwhelming majority of home buyers and home owners elect to go with the 30-year mortgage, you may be wondering if a 15-year home loan... (Read More)

Do you have a fire extinguisher? If you don't, it's time to add it to your shopping list. Every homeowner should have one on each floor or area of their home and know how to use it. Fire extinguishers are life savers. Make sure to purchase one... (Read More)

No one likes to read mounds of paperwork when buying a home. But there's one form you definitely don't want to gloss over. The closing disclosure form is one of the most important documents you'll review when buying a home. It explains the terms and... (Read More)

When buying a home, you have the option of selecting a fixed-rate home loan or one with an adjustable rate. ARMs are attractive to some home buyers today because the introductory rates — and monthly payments — often are lower than with... (Read More)

When it comes to real estate, the summer home-buying season is the busiest, with many families wanting to be settled in their new homes before school starts. This year, however, home buying and selling activity is expected to remain strong through... (Read More)

You’re ready to move on. Maybe your house is too small, you’re moving because of a job, or you want to be closer to family and friends. According to the National Association of Realtors, those are the three top reasons for selling a... (Read More)