Home Mortgage
Wise Uses for a Home Equity Loan
The equity in your home is just sitting there. It can be tempting to put the money to good use. As with many things in life, there are both good and poor options for home equity loans. Use the money wisely and you can potentially enhance your financial position or save yourself from disaster. Choose…
Read MoreSaving on Home Buyer Closing Costs
One set of costs that will quickly become significant to you when you’re purchasing a home is buyer closing costs. Closing costs are the variety of fees charged to you by those involved in the sales transaction. Typically, these costs run from 2 to 4 percent of the sales price, but vary with geographical location…
Read More6 Crucial Strategies for Selling Your Home Without a Realtor
Real estate agents can be expensive. If you’re committed and willing to work diligently, you can sell your home for the same price without the use of a real estate agent. Your lack of experience and ready-made marketing tools can be overcome with research and commitment. Sell your home without a realtor and put more…
Read MoreWant a Lower Down Payment on Your Home? Learn About PMI
Banks are all about risk and collateral when it comes to making loans. While it’s possible to get a conventional mortgage with less than a 20% down payment, lenders usually require these borrowers to carry private mortgage insurance (PMI). This protects the bank should you defaulton the loan. PMI can be expensive. Learn the facts…
Read MoreSneaky Expenses First Time Homebuyers Often Overlook
First time homebuyers are often seen as frivolous buyers that base their home buying decisions solely on emotions. While this may be true for some, this cliché need not apply to you. By doing your research and talking with the pros, you’ll be able to prevent overlooking sneaky expenses. And, you’ll be well on your…
Read More8 Strategies to Help You Purchase a Home With Poor Credit
While life is generally easier with good credit, it’s possible to purchase a home even if you’re credit is less than stellar. You might have to get a little creative and consider a few unconventional options, but there are options. Poor credit doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of renting. Try these strategies, even if…
Read MoreHow to Choose a Credit Counselor
Most Americans are only a few paychecks away from a serious financial challenge. We all have rent or mortgage payments. Add in cell phone, credit card, and utility bills that just keep coming every month, and many of us are living paycheck-to-paycheck, or nearly so. If you find yourself falling further and further behind financially,…
Read MoreA Guide to the USDA’s No-Money-Down Programs
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) mission is to foster rural development and build stronger communities in these areas. To this end, the USDA offers a couple of no-money-down mortgage programs designed to help low-income and middle-income families purchase a property in a rural area. Taking advantage of one of the programs offered by…
Read MoreTop Tips for Saving for a Down Payment on a House
Are you trying to save for a down payment on your dream house? A bigger down payment can make it easier to obtain a loan and reduce your monthly mortgage payments. If you’re trying to save for a down payment, consider these strategies: Set a down payment goal. It’s easier to save if you have…
Read MoreShould You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
If you’re paying a mortgage, at one time or another you’ve probably thought about what it would be like to pay it off. You’ve likely dreamed about living the life you desire, unfettered by the ball and chain of having to pay your loan payment every month. Before you make a decision, however, take a…
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