Purchasing a home is not an impulse buy. The upfront cash required can take years to save when you consider appraisals and inspections and closing costs and down payment. However, homeowners can sign the papers and own a home with significantly less cash out the door, thanks to low-down-payment loans on the market. You have …
Is a 20% down payment required to purchase a new home? Read More »
Trying to be prepared for every contingency is part of being a responsible homeowner. Dealing with the associated legal and medical problems out-of-pocket is nightmarish, so you’ll have peace of mind in paying for extra hazard insurance. Studies have proven the home is the number one place where accidents occur, and both homeowners insurance and …
After a few years and perhaps discovering more financial flexibility, many homeowners begin to wonder if they should make extra mortgage payments. The thinking is that extra payments can save in interest and bring you closer to actually owning your home. While this is a good idea, there are also reasons why you might not …
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Private mortgage insurance protects your mortgage lender in the event you default on your loan. Many lenders will require high risk buyers to carry private mortgage insurance to protect what is their investment too. Generally, it’s required if you have a conventional loan and make a down payment of less …
Debt is a significant issue for many American households, including credit card debt as well as mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and medical expenses. It might seem as though there’s no relief from high-interest balances, but you can take steps to lower your burden. For homeowners an option is to consolidate debt and lower monthly …
Mortgage applications to purchase a home rose recently and were 7% higher than a year ago. Purchase applications reached their highest level since April 2010. While total mortgage application volume decreased 3.5% during the same time, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index, overall volume was 14% higher than a year ago. Purchase …
Which mortgage is the right one for me? When you want to know what your options are for each type of loan discussed, the mortgage lender should tell you the pros and the cons in light of your particular situation. In this article, we’ll look at what to ask your lender before you commit. Questions …
Do you dream of one day owning your own home? You need to be prepared. If you buy before you’re able, you can find you owe more on your property than what it’s worth. But when is the best time to buy a house? It is important to buy a home for the right reasons, …
You may have decided the master suite was exactly what you wanted, but do the windows leak? When you choose to purchase a home in California, you’re also potentially buying any problems lurking in the walls, the foundation, the crawl space, or the attic. The home inspection is the best way to negotiate repairs or …
Unfortunately, the honest answer is that it depends on a number of things. The most important is how long it takes you to find a property you want to call home. It could take months or possibly years if you include the search as part of the process. You want to be thorough, when it …
