Blog

Feb 15, 2017

  There is more to homebuying than the mortgage. There are property taxes that the government requires on homes. There is also the interest on the loan. Some homebuyers need to pay HOA (homeowners’ association) fees to their neighborhood. All of these add a small amount to the total monthly payment that the homeowner makes […]

Feb 14, 2017

If you’re a homeowner (or planning on becoming one), you can incorporate fantastic technology into your home at budget prices to create a “smart home.” Whether you want to adjust your lighting using your voice or control your home thermostat using your phone (while not at home), there are options galore. Here are some affordable […]

Feb 13, 2017

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is for more than choice meats. The USDA also offers a unique type of home loan that allows specific borrowers to purchase a home with no money down. It is one of the only loans, other than the VA loan, where an individual can qualify for a loan […]

Feb 9, 2017

Valentine’s Day is big. In fact, Americans spent around $20 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2016 alone (or $146 for each person who celebrated). But you can have a fantastic and romantic Valentine’s without spending lots, which is important if you’re saving to become a homeowner (or saving for other goals such as retirement). Here […]

Feb 8, 2017

If you’re planning on buying a home in early 2017, you can expect a substantially different housing market from the beginning of 2016. How could this impact you as a potential homebuyer? While there is still uncertainty in the economy and housing market (and predictions are often wrong), here are some things to consider: Homes […]

Feb 7, 2017
There is nothing quite like homeownership. You have a chance to buy a place you love, decorate it as you please, and also make an investment into your financial future. But if you’ve ever looked into buying a home, you have probably heard experts saying that you need at least 20% of the value of […]
Feb 6, 2017

Since the November presidential election, mortgage interest rates have moved higher. And while mortgage interest rates have decreased from post-election highs, many housing analysts expect higher rates throughout 2017. Though there’s no guarantee mortgage rates will continue to rise, it’s important to know how to secure the lowest rate for your mortgage. If you’re planning […]

Feb 2, 2017

There is more to purchasing a home than the cost of the home itself. There is the interest rate, which you and your lender have likely already factored into your monthly payment. There are also the fees of the real estate agent, if any. These types of costs are frequently discussed throughout the lending process. […]

Feb 1, 2017

As we move into February, it’s been a busy period for mortgage-related news. Here are some recent highlights: Mortgage rates down for third week straight, Freddie Mac says Mortgage rates fell for the third straight week, following their rapid rise after the November presidential election. Key takeaway: many investors still predict higher mortgage rates in […]

Jan 31, 2017

Throughout the real estate process, you’ll find yourself coming across critically important terms you may not yet be familiar with. Two terms that can be especially confusing are “inspection” and “appraisal.” Both of these are similar, in that an expert walks through a property in order to spot trouble areas, but they both play very […]

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