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)
No one likes to read mounds of paperwork when buying a home. But there's one form you definitely don't want to gloss over. The closing disclosure form is one of the most important documents you'll review when buying a home. It explains the terms and... (Read More)
"New car smell" is divine, but nothing quite like the smell — and look — of a newly-built home. Pristine carpets, unblemished walls, the smell of freshly-cut lumber lingering in the air — it's hard to beat the excitement of taking ownership of... (Read More)
What are the features you want to see in your next home?
The National Association of Realtors recently surveyed home buyers nationwide on the home features that are most important to them. They found that the typical home buyer currently is... (Read More)
Applying for a home loan? As a mortgage borrower, you will have two rates — your mortgage rate and your Annual Percentage Rate, or APR.
What is the difference between the two? Your mortgage rate is the base rate you'll be charged to borrow the... (Read More)
Buying your first home? Here are three real estate professionals who will play a big role in your leap from renting to owning your own home:
Mortgage loan officer. Before you look at a single home, you should get pre-approved for financing from a... (Read More)
Your credit score is an important number that can affect the interest rate you can get for a mortgage and even whether you can qualify for certain types of home loans. It's not the same as your credit report. Think of your credit score as a... (Read More)
Many U.S. home owners have seen their home equity rise over the last several years. Home equity is basically the difference between your home’s appraised value and the total amount you owe on your mortgage.
There are two basic ways to tap your... (Read More)
You've probably heard that mortgage rates have increased. By the end of the year, economists expect U.S. mortgage rates to rise to as much as 5 percent or more. What does that mean to you? While no one who is thinking about buying a home wants to... (Read More)
While most people think of spring as the best time for a massive home cleaning spree, really any time of the year is a great time for cleaning, organizing and making sure your home is a safe place for you and your family.
How safe is your house... (Read More)