Buying Your First Home
-
![What to expect when you hear the term loan servicing]()
What to expect when you hear the term loan servicing
So, you’re diving into the world of homebuying, and you keep hearing the term “loan servicing.” What’s the deal… Read more
-
![How to get a fair deal on a mortgage—what lenders try to hide in a Loan Estimate]()
How to get a fair deal on a mortgage—what lenders try to hide in a Loan Estimate
Right now, about 9 in 10 home buyers in America pay too much for their mortgage. Without knowing it,… Read more
-
![Who is a grantor in the mortgage process?]()
Who is a grantor in the mortgage process?
When diving into the home buying process, one term you’ll likely encounter is “grantor.” So, what exactly is a… Read more
-
![Seller concessions: a quick guide for homebuyers]()
Seller concessions: a quick guide for homebuyers
If you’re exploring the homebuying process, you’ve probably heard the term “seller concessions.” But what does it mean, and… Read more
-
![How is the interest rate on a home loan calculated?]()
How is the interest rate on a home loan calculated?
Navigating the world of home loans can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded (yikes,) especially when… Read more
-
![What do contingent and contingencies mean when it comes to buying a house?]()
What do contingent and contingencies mean when it comes to buying a house?
“Contingent” and “contingency” have related but distinct meanings in real estate: In short, “contingent” describes the state of a… Read more
-
![Co-borrowing 101: when sharing a loan makes sense (and when it doesn’t)]()
Co-borrowing 101: when sharing a loan makes sense (and when it doesn’t)
A co-borrower is basically your mortgage sidekick—someone who applies for a loan with you and shares the responsibility of… Read more
-
![What does rent-to-own mean? A blueprint of key things to know]()
What does rent-to-own mean? A blueprint of key things to know
Let’s be real, rent-to-own is kind of a unicorn in the U.S. housing market. Roughly around 5% of home… Read more
-
![Real estate liens explained: what they are and how they affect you]()
Real estate liens explained: what they are and how they affect you
If you’re buying a home, you might be wondering if there will always be a lien on your property.… Read more
-
![What’s a townhouse, anyway?]()
What’s a townhouse, anyway?
First off, let’s get one thing straight: a townhouse is not just some glorified apartment. It’s a multi-story home… Read more
-
![What is a foreclosure? A first-time homebuyer’s handbook]()
What is a foreclosure? A first-time homebuyer’s handbook
So, you’re stepping into the homebuying arena for the first time. Exciting, right? But there’s a term lurking in… Read more
-
![0% down mortgages: do they exist, or are they just a dream?]()
0% down mortgages: do they exist, or are they just a dream?
Hey there, future homeowners! So, you’ve probably heard whispers about the elusive 0% down mortgage—the magical unicorn of home… Read more
-
![What is hazard insurance?]()
What is hazard insurance?
Wondering what hazard insurance is? It’s the part of your homeowners insurance that protects your home from disasters like… Read more
-
![Are property taxes included in a mortgage payment? (short answer: yes)]()
Are property taxes included in a mortgage payment? (short answer: yes)
When you get a mortgage, there’s more to your monthly payment than just the loan itself. A chunk of… Read more
-
![What’s a purchase agreement when it comes to buying a home?]()
What’s a purchase agreement when it comes to buying a home?
A purchase agreement (also called a sales contract) is the legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of… Read more
-
![Why do you have to pay for a home appraisal upfront?]()
Why do you have to pay for a home appraisal upfront?
Here’s the deal: when you’re buying a home, your lender isn’t just handing you a loan without making sure… Read more
-
![Prepayment penalties: the mortgage “gotcha” you can avoid]()
Prepayment penalties: the mortgage “gotcha” you can avoid
Imagine this: you’re cruising towards financial freedom, paying off your mortgage early. But suddenly, a “prepayment penalty” pops up,… Read more
-
![The FHA flip rule: what you should know]()
The FHA flip rule: what you should know
So, you’re jumping into the world of FHA loans or thinking about flipping houses? One thing you need to… Read more
-
![What’s a mortgage title, and what’s it to you?]()
What’s a mortgage title, and what’s it to you?
The mortgage title is basically your proof that you own your house. It’s the legal document that says, “This… Read more
-
![What’s the typical down payment on a house?]()
What’s the typical down payment on a house?
So, you’re ready to take the leap into homeownership, and onto the wealth building ladder of real estate… but… Read more
