Money Saving Tips
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Wait… I can use my 401(k) to buy a house?
Yes, you can tap into your 401(k) to buy a house, but it’s not something to jump into lightly.… Read more
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Why the Fed doesn’t actually change your mortgage rates
Reading this title, you might be thinking, “What? The Fed doesn’t change my rates? Yeah, right!” And that’s totally… Read more
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Will mortgage interest rates go down?
Here’s the scoop: Interest rates are always on the move, which can make it tricky to figure out the… 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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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
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What’s a par rate—and does it really matter?
Mortgage lenders have different “point-values” associated with their interest rates, where there’s different costs associated. If you pay the… Read more
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How to buy a home with less cash—the hidden world of lender credits
Lots of folks obsess about finding the lowest possible interest rate. And, we don’t disagree that finding the lowest… Read more
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When is the best time of year to buy a home?
When it comes to buying a home, timing can make a huge difference. But each season comes with advantages… Read more
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What’s the deal with hard vs. soft credit checks?
A soft-credit check is basically a little peek behind the curtain. You’ve probably done soft credit checks on yourself… Read more
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15-year or 30-year mortgage?
When trying to figure out how much house you can afford, or work out the best price for a… Read more
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Is buying a foreclosed home a smart move?
Thinking of diving into the world of foreclosures? It could be a savvy investment, but it comes with its… Read more
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Does a credit check lower my credit score?
Alright, so you’re getting serious about buying a house and wondering if a credit check is going to mess… Read more
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What are the tax benefits of owning a home?
So, what’s the deal with tax benefits for homeowners? Owning a home can score you some pretty sweet tax… Read more
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What is a origination fee?
If you are in the process of shopping around for a lender, or just curious about the home buying… Read more