Home equity is on the rise nationwide. Is it time to unlock yours?
Home equity is basically the difference between your home’s market value and the total amount you owe on your mortgage. There are two basic ways to tap your home equity—... (Read More)
Don't think you'll be able to afford to buy your first home anytime soon? The good news is that when it comes to finances, little efforts can lead to big results. These four strategies are designed to help you and your family spend less, save more... (Read More)
The VA home loan program is one of the most flexible and attractive ways to finance a home today. There's no set downpayment requirement, no private mortgage insurance and rates are lower compared with some other types of loan programs. It's also... (Read More)
The property disclosure report is an important document in any real estate transaction. In it, sellers must reveal any issues relating to a property that could negatively affect its value.
That's why it's so important for home sellers to set... (Read More)
Your credit score is a very important three-digit number. It has a big impact on whether you qualify for a home loan and your mortgage rate. While a number of different factors can influence your credit score, one of the most important is how well... (Read More)
Your down payment is in the bank and you're pre-approved for a mortgage. You're all ready to start looking at homes. Here are some tips for home buying the smart way:
Don't go it alone. Some tech-savvy buyers like to use the Internet and mobile... (Read More)
You found a home that's in the right neighborhood and an easy commute to work. The only problem: It's listed for sale in 'as-is' condition. What does that mean? A home that's being offered for sale in 'as-is' condition means that the owner is... (Read More)
Did you know that numerous studies over many years show a link between owning a home and happiness and overall well-being? For example, a report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau shows that homeowners generally have higher financial... (Read More)
If you are buying a home, you are also entering the world of title insurance. That’s because buyers of a home are, in a sense, actually buyers of that home’s title — the paperwork that proves that the existing owners do in fact own the... (Read More)