Buying Your First Home
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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
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Jumbo loans unpacked: the need to know before borrowing big
A jumbo loan is your go-to mortgage if you’re aiming for a property that goes beyond the standard limits.… Read more
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Closing disclosure? What’s that?
The Closing Disclosure is a document that spells out every last cent and every commitment you’re about to make… Read more
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What is a physician mortgage loan?
A physician mortgage loan is a type of mortgage intended for doctors and similar high-income medical professionals. It is… Read more
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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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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