Can I Afford a Mortgage?
If you’re getting ready to start house shopping, you’ve probably taken a good look at your budget and wondered how much house you can afford. Maybe you’re asking yourself if you can afford a mortgage at all! There are a…
How Does a Mortgage Work Anyway?
If you plan to purchase a home, you have probably started to research the best mortgage options to make the most of your money. When looking at your home purchase, you have to consider both the actual cost of the…
What Is Required for a Conventional Mortgage?
When buying a home, most people use a conventional mortgage. This requires the home buyer to put down some amount of money, called a down payment, on the purchase. This is represented as a percentage of the overall purchase amount.…
How Walkable is Your Neighborhood?
Homeowners with an eye to sell their home may be hearing words like walkability. But was does it mean and how does it apply to your situation? While it isn’t a big factor with all buyers or all situations, it…
Building Your Credit
If you are getting ready to buy a house in the next few years, taking time to build your credit is a great way to get the best rates and keep your costs down. Here are a few steps that…
Questions for Your Real Estate Agent
Getting ready to buy or sell a home? You are probably working with a real estate agent or considering reaching out to one for their expertise and guidance. Here are a few questions to help you find the right fit.…
4 Great Moving Tips for a New Homeowner
Getting ready to move? This is a fun and exciting time, especially if you are moving into your first home. It can also be stressful and a lot of work. Here are some tips to make the process go smoothly.…
Getting Pre-Approved for a Home Loan
If you are starting your home search as a serious buyer, you want to consider getting pre-approved for a home loan. It requires a bit of work upfront but can streamline the process and make purchasing your home that much…
How Does Escrow Work?
When you set up your mortgage payment, you will likely see different items included. Typically, a monthly mortgage payment is made up of principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. All these items combine to create one payment that goes directly to…
How to Boost Your Credit Score to Prepare for Buying a House
If you are getting ready for home ownership, you have probably taken a good long look at your personal finances. Having a great credit score can be helpful when qualifying for a mortgage. If yours is less than stellar, here…