Blog

Aug 13, 2019

A home inspection is critical to the home-buying process, and most lenders require one before loan origination. Even if your lender doesn’t require an inspection or you are purchasing a new build, an inspection is a small investment that can save you time, money and peace of mind in the long run. In fact, homebuyers […]

Aug 5, 2019

As you determine the budget for your home purchase,  you may have factored in your monthly mortgage payments, PMI, and homeowners insurance, but there is another important element to keep in mind: property taxes.  How your tax bill is determined A tax assessor may use several factors to determine a property’s taxable value, including comparable […]

Jul 2, 2019

If you’re one of the 45 million Americans with outstanding student loan debt, buying a home may seem like a pipe dream. However, your mortgage aspirations don’t necessarily end at your student loan balance.  A careful review of your repayment options, the right lending partner and some smart financial planning can put home ownership back […]

Jun 27, 2019

When you’re searching for your first home, there’s a lot to consider and plan for, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. The good news is that there’s a way to eliminate some of the stress before you even start looking at prospective homes: prepare your financial paperwork. If, like many people, you haven’t saved all […]

Jun 25, 2019

For many, applying for a mortgage is a confusing and stressful process. But it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or are a current homeowner considering a reverse mortgage product, being well-prepared can make all the difference in your mortgage application process.  Not only should you research which home loan might be […]

Jun 20, 2019

Millennials—those born between 1980 and 1998—are reshaping American consumer trends, workplaces, and industries. In fact, millennials are now the largest generation of home buyers, making up 37 percent of the market, according to the National Association of Realtors 2019 report on generational trends. So, what do millennials want when it comes to buying a home? […]

Jun 11, 2019

Savvy home buyers know that timing is the name of the game when it comes to closing on a home. The month of June has one of the highest home-for-sale inventories, and this generally continues through the summer months. More homes on the market during peak homebuying season means more competition on price and more […]

May 28, 2019

Don’t believe it if someone tells you that an entrepreneur or small business owner can’t get approved for a mortgage—there are plenty of self-employed borrowers enjoying their own homes. But like any life change, it’s important to approach the mortgage process with your eyes wide open, and you should plan to come prepared to mitigate […]

May 23, 2019
vacation home

For most people, a lot of brainpower goes into buying a home—especially if it’s your first. So it’s tempting to go in search of an easy, clear-cut “rule of thumb” that tells you what you can afford, like a price-to-income guideline. This may have worked in the past (when many assumed you could afford a […]

May 2, 2019

Given the stakes, selling your home and buying a new one is traditionally a cautious and deliberative process. Preparing your home for sale and choosing the right realtor takes time. Finding the neighborhood and schools that fit your needs is too important to rush.   But what happens when time becomes a luxury you can’t […]

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