When it comes to buying a home, it’s not just about the preapproval amount—it’s about what fits comfortably into your budget for the next 5–10 years. Learn how to calculate a home budget that works for your lifestyle and financial goals with these simple steps!
Read MoreLove home decor but not the high price tags? Discover simple, affordable ways to achieve the latest home trends without breaking the bank. From DIY projects to thrift finds, we’ve got budget-friendly ideas for a stylish home refresh.
Read MoreIncome is one of the most critical factors lenders evaluate when approving a mortgage. For many, it's a steady paycheck, but if your income comes from commissions or bonuses, the qualification process can be more complex. Lenders assess your income history, consistency, and documentation to determine eligibility. If your income varies, you can still secure a loan with the right preparation. Learn how to navigate this process and improve your chances of approval in our latest post!
Read MoreAre rising homeowner’s insurance costs straining your budget? Explore our top tips for lowering your homeowner’s insurance costs, including shopping around for competitive quotes, increasing deductibles, checking for discounts, improving your credit, and bundling policies. Learn how to get the best value for your money while ensuring your home stays protected.
Read MoreIn the labyrinth of homeownership, some numerous terms and acronyms can confuse even the most financially savvy individuals. Among these, the distinction between the interest rate and APR (Annual Percentage Rate) stands out as a particularly elusive concept for many. Yet, understanding this discrepancy is crucial for anyone navigating the realm of home loans. So, let's unravel this mystery and shed light on the dissimilarities between these two critical components.
Read MoreAre you contemplating selling your house but find yourself hesitant due to concerns about affordability? You're not alone. The real estate market can be unpredictable, and factors like housing prices and economic conditions can make the decision to sell a challenging one. However, before you let apprehension hold you back, consider the significant role that home equity can play in simplifying this decision-making process.
Read MoreNavigating the world of home buying can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding different mortgage options. Among the various choices, FHA loans stand out as a popular and accessible option for many first-time homebuyers.
Read MoreAs home prices continue to rise, consumers are getting a break from the Federal Housing Administration which regulates the loan limits for conforming and government-guaranteed loan programs.
Read MoreHome insurance is critical for homeowners. It protects you from unexpected damage due to fire, wind, flood, and more. Unfortunately, the cost of these policies can be very expensive and over the past few years, some premiums have doubled or even tripled as more natural disasters hit the country.
Read MoreWhen listing your home for sale, the most important consideration is how to get the most attention from potential buyers. It’s simple, the more buyers interested in your home the better. You have already considered how to build curb appeal and stage the home for marketing and home visits, but have you prepared your home for buyers who may wish to use FHA financing?
Read MoreA divorce is an emotional upheaval regardless of how amicable the parties try to be. One important factor is housing as at least one party will be moving out of the home, and maybe both people will be looking for new, more affordable living arrangements. During the divorce, it’s common for one person to owe the other some form of alimony (spousal support) and/or child support. So, in the search for a new home, how does alimony and child support affect the ability to qualify for a new mortgage? Can a spouse with no income other than alimony and child support buy a home?
Read MoreYour home mortgage is an important investment in your future, and a mortgage refinance can be a smart move to help you manage your investments when used under the right circumstances. Here are some things to consider about refinancing your mortgage.
Read MoreEveryone is looking for ways to save money these days. With rampant inflation and soaring energy costs, everything is costing more than it was a year ago. The good news is that in most areas, home values rose along with everything else, and many homeowners have…
Read MoreHomebuyers have had a rough time lately. First, the frenzied housing market stymied so many offers and caused frustration due to a lack of inventory. Now that the pace and prices are dropping, interest rates have ticked to alarming levels. While some buyers are postponing their purchase, those still in the market are starting to consider more creative financing, including an ARM (Adjustable-Rate Mortgage).
Read MoreDoes it seem like you do everything possible to lower your electric bill and still see no measurable difference in your bill? The simple reason is you may have energy vampires in your home. The good news is these creepy creatures do not require a visit from your local ghostbusters team, these energy suckers are hiding in plain sight and easy to remove.
Read MoreSince the beginning of the year, the US economy has been cooling off. After several years of strong growth, rising inflation and energy costs are affecting US households in ways not seen since the 1970s. For those who are actively involved in the buying or selling of real estate, there is confusion and fear about how the economic slowdown will affect their options.
Read MoreWith soaring home values and rising interest rates, many potential first time home buyers find saving for a down payment increasingly difficult. For many people, the main source of savings is in the form of a 401k and tapping into this resource for a home purchase is one way to find the down payment necessary to finance a new home; but should you use your 401k to buy a home? Experts are conflicted.
Read More
