Most home loans have fees. You can sometimes borrow the money need to cover these fees, but that will obviously increase the overall amount of debt you undertake. Some fees are paid up front, and others are not due until closing. Typically, you will be charged for these kinds of fees at ... » Learn More about What are Closing Costs?
Buying
Credit Tip #1
Monitor your credit report and help guard against ID theft Do you know how you, with the help of credit reports and credit bureaus, can help spot or stop the theft of your identity? First, here's why you should care about fighting ID theft. It is, by far, the most common fraud complaint that ... » Learn More about Credit Tip #1
3 Rules to Remember When Shopping for a Mortgage
Since you're in the market for a new home, you're probably in the market for a new mortgage. Here are 3 critical shopping tips for anyone looking for a new loan. Know the Terms All the terms of a loan matter. Unfortunately, shopping for a mortgage is not as simple as finding out how much a lender ... » Learn More about 3 Rules to Remember When Shopping for a Mortgage
Why an Investment Property Should Be Your First Real Estate Purchase
Not ready to buy a home for yourself but want to take advantage of great market conditions? Consider buying an investment property! It's a trend that's taking over real estate, as savvy investors look to put their money in an appreciating asset. Here are five reasons to consider it. 1. Rates are ... » Learn More about Why an Investment Property Should Be Your First Real Estate Purchase
Can’t Afford to Buy a Home? Have You Considered Down Payment Assistance?
What's the number one hurdle for renters making the leap to homeownership? That pesky down payment. Even with an FHA loan that only requires a minimum of 3.5% down, the thought of setting aside several thousand dollars is daunting (and for some, darn near impossible). A survey from Apartment ... » Learn More about Can’t Afford to Buy a Home? Have You Considered Down Payment Assistance?
8 Steps to Buying a House
1. Decide to buy. Although there are many good reasons for you to buy a home, wealth building ranks among the top of the list. We call home ownership the best “accidental investment” most people ever make. But, we believe when it is done right, home ownership becomes an “intentional investment” ... » Learn More about 8 Steps to Buying a House
Relocating to the Big City
Moving from a small town or suburb to a large city can be an intimidating proposition. Here are a few tips to help make your move as painless as possible. Research before you move. It’s important to understand the culture you’re joining. Do research online and find out about school systems, ... » Learn More about Relocating to the Big City
5 Tips for Buying a Home
Looking to buy a home? Here are five essential tips for making the process as smooth as possible. Get your finances in order. Start by getting a full picture of your credit. Obtain copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you find. Next, find a ... » Learn More about 5 Tips for Buying a Home
Dealing with Financing
As the events of the last few years in the real estate industry show, people forget about the tremendous financial responsibility of purchasing a home at their peril. Here are a few tips for dealing with the dollar signs so that you can take down that “for sale” sign on your new home. Get ... » Learn More about Dealing with Financing
Eight steps to buying your home
1. Decide to buy. Although there are many good reasons for you to buy a home, wealth building ranks among the top of the list. We call home ownership the best “accidental investment” most people ever make. But, we believe when it is done right, home ownership becomes an “intentional investment” ... » Learn More about Eight steps to buying your home
