Buying Your First Home
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HOAs: the good the bad the ugly
If you’re eyeing a neighborhood with well-manicured lawns and pristine amenities, chances are it’s run by an HOA —… Read more
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What exactly is a remote closer in mortgage?
A remote closer (sometimes known as a mobile notary) handles the final steps of closing a mortgage deal, but… Read more
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Will the housing market crash? Here’s what you need to know
Let’s be real—there’s a lot of fear-mongering in the media about a housing crash. You’ve probably seen headlines like… Read more
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The savings guide: how much to save for your first home
Saving for your first home can feel like a daunting task. With rising prices and the many costs associated… Read more
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What is a second mortgage?
A second mortgage is basically another loan against your home after you’ve already taken out your first mortgage. It… Read more
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Moving day: mastering the chaos
How do I handle the actual move like a pro? Confirm your movers’ ETA, and make sure everything’s boxed… Read more
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What should I tackle before moving into my new home?
Here’s your pre-move game plan Pre-move Pre-closing Post-move If you’re ready to start your journey to homeownership, get pre… Read more
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What is a home appraisal and how much does it really cost?
So you’re about to buy a house and you’ve heard about this thing called an appraisal. What’s it all… Read more
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Do I need to worry about a home inspection?
A home inspection is like getting a checkup for the house you’re about to buy. A licensed inspector goes… Read more
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Is an FHA loan a good idea?
For some people, an FHA loan can be a golden ticket to home ownership. It’s backed by the Federal… Read more
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How do interest rates work? Understanding how mortgage companies make money
You’re paying to borrow. When you take out a mortgage, you’re borrowing a large sum from the bank or… Read more
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Does finding the lowest APR guarantee the best loan?
Lenders are going to show you multiple numbers when they give you a quote—the interest rate, the APR, the… Read more
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Do I need a realtor to buy a house? Pros and cons of DIY home buying
Long story short, no, you do not need a realtor to buy a home. However, when looking at the… Read more
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Are closing costs a good way to pick a lender?
Maybe. Be careful about what you’re comparing. While it’s easy to focus on the total cash needed to close,… Read more
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Everything you need to know about mortgage insurance premiums (MIP)
MIP, or mortgage insurance premium, is an essential part of certain home loans—specifically those backed by the Federal Housing… Read more
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What Is a Promissory Note in Real Estate? (And How It Differs From a Mortgage)
A promissory note is your legal promise to repay the loan — it’s separate from the mortgage, which secures… Read more
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What is a restrictive covenant in real estate jargon?
A restrictive covenant is like a set of rules that dictate what you can and can’t do with your… Read more
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Is it good to buy in a HOA?
A HOA, or Homeowners Association, is essentially the neighborhood’s gatekeeper—and it can be a mixed bag. Roughly ⅓ of… Read more
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What’s better—a fixed rate or adjustable-rate mortgage (also known as an ARM)?
A fixed rate mortgage locks in your interest rate for the entire loan term, so your interest rate stays … Read more
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What are seller credits?
Seller credits are essentially a way for the seller to help you with some of the closing costs or… Read more