One strategy for lowering your mortgage interest rate and the overall cost of your loan is to pay mortgage points up front. What are mortgage points, how can paying them save you money, and when...
One strategy for lowering your mortgage interest rate and the overall cost of your loan is to pay mortgage points up front. What are mortgage points, how can paying them save you money, and when...
Barns are no longer just spaces for livestock and farm equipment. Today, living in converted barns or brand-new, barn-like homes has become popular. Here’s what you need to know about the growing trend of barndominium...
When thinking of buying a house, a first question is often How much do I need for a down payment? Ideally, a down payment is 10 percent to 20 percent of the purchase price, which...
The trend in home buying has moved away from large down payments. In fact, today’s average down payment is just 6 percent, with zero-out-of-pocket deals more common than you might think. Accumulating savings while working...
Congress and the president passed the most sweeping tax law overhaul in a generation at the end of 2017. Let’s take a look at how the tax benefits of homeownership have changed and how the...
When shopping for a mortgage, one number, in particular, plays a major role — a good credit score. A higher number means you’ll be offered a lower interest rate, which means a more affordable mortgage....
The housing crash of 2008 led to a tightening of mortgage lending standards. Now rules are loosening again. What can you expect when applying for a loan to buy a house? Is the Water Just...
The housing market continues to improve nationally through the current crisis. Industry forecasters expect pent up demand and low supply to push home prices higher in the months to come, even at historically low mortgage...
Buying a first home is a rite of passage. After crunching the numbers, receiving preapproval for a mortgage and finding a trustworthy agent, you’re ready to go house hunting. To make the adventure less daunting,...
Are you in the market to refinance your home? Before signing any paperwork, it’s best to do your homework. Work the numbers. The top reason for refinancing is to obtain a lower interest rate. Depending...
