Buying Your First Home
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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What is a pre approval letter? Your must-have for home buying success
Strap in! Before you kick off your house hunt, there’s one essential document you absolutely need: the pre approval… Read more
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Why do mortgage lenders track all deposits?
Good question! Lenders are all about making sure you’re financially solid and that your money is legit. They want… Read more
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VA vs. conventional loans: which is better?
Choosing the type of loan that makes the most financial sense for you can be daunting for first time… Read more
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Why do you need a license to talk about interest rates?
Ever wonder why someone needs a license to talk about interest rates? Yeah, it sounds like just another layer… Read more
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Is there a first-time homebuyer loan?
In short, no. There is not one uniform first-time homebuyer loan. But there are several options designed to benefit… Read more
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Conventional loans 101: an insider’s guide to standard home financing
A conventional loan is like the old reliable of mortgages—provided by private lenders (not the government), it’s straightforward, flexible,… Read more
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Better to buy now or wait for rates to drop? We’ve got the answers.
Let’s be real—interest rates matter. Even a small percentage change can make a huge difference over time. For instance,… Read more