Buying a home is a major life decision for anyone. Learn more about the home buying process through our guides and tips to make sure you find the right home for you, choose the best mortgage and financing, and avoid surprises throughout the process.
Every homebuyer has different needs, including for financing. That’s why there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all mortgage. In fact, there are several types of home loans, each with different features, requirements, and pros and cons. So asking the question, “what type of mortgage is best for me?” is an important part of the home-buying […]
Sooner or later, most homeowners debate whether to buy a new home or renovate their existing one. It’s a challenging question with financial, practical, and emotional implications. Complicating matters are the extraordinary dynamics affecting the U.S. real estate market and home improvement industry in 2022 and beyond (like rising interest rates, higher home prices, increased […]
Are you considering buying a foreclosed home? With the potential to find a great deal on a property that is significantly discounted, the appeal is understandable. Deciding to buy a foreclosure could reap major financial rewards, but keep in mind that there are big risks to consider as well. Read on for specifics, including pros, […]
You’ve found your perfect home, but soon learn that it’s “for sale by owner” (FSBO). While you shouldn’t shy away from these types of properties, you should understand the nuances of FSBO transactions, as they differ a bit from the typical home buying process. Conversely, if you’d like to sell your home by yourself, check […]
Just as a new year prompts some people to get into shape, house hunting can inspire others to pump up their credit score. But working to improve your credit is always beneficial regardless of the time of year, because a better credit score can lead to lower mortgage rates and better loan offers. So what […]
There are few things more exciting than exploring the world of homeownership. Perhaps after months of binge watching HGTV and swiping through listings on Zillow, you’re ready to make the leap. But the ins and outs of buying a home can be overwhelming, so it’s important to fully understand the home buying process, especially if […]
If you’re thinking about buying a home but concerned that you can’t meet the minimum down payment requirements, there is good news. Yes, there are lower down payment options than the standard 20 percent. While a 20 percent down payment has traditionally been the standard for new homebuyers, times have changed. These days, mortgage lenders […]
You’ve searched and finally found a home to buy. But now, your lender throws you a curveball and requires that you pay for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). So, what is PMI exactly? Private mortgage insurance (PMI) protects the lender financially if you stop making payments and default on your home loan. The insurance may be […]
Identity theft. Cybercrimes. Hacking. Phishing. We’ve all heard horror stories of how scammers use these tactics to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. But they don’t stop there. Real estate transactions are one of the most common areas that criminals target. Why? Because there are large sums of money involved, usually hundreds of thousands of dollars. […]