Buying Your First Home
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Ripoff Rates: Cost of picking an overpriced lender grows 3.5x since 2018
A lot of people assume that all mortgage lenders offer the same rates. After all, interest rates are set… Read more
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What are mortgage interest rate points?
The term points gets frequently thrown around, but what do points actually mean and should you get them? So what… Read more
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5 expert-backed tips to save on your first (or next) home
Homeownership isn’t just about having a place to live—it’s one of the best ways to build financial security. As… Read more
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How the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) can save homebuyers thousands
You’re shopping for a mortgage and want the best rate possible—but what if there’s a little-known way to save… Read more
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Buying a house that’s for sale by owner (FSBO): gold mine or headache?
Buying a house that’s For Sale By Owner (FSBO) can either be a gold mine or a headache, depending… Read more
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What are the steps to getting a mortgage?
Whether you’re looking at different types of properties or just trying to figure out where to start, here’s the… Read more
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Demystifying mortgage: who are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?
Maybe you’ve heard the names Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac tossed around in conversations about homebuying and wondered what… Read more
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How to finance a mobile or manufactured home?
Alright, so you’re considering a mobile or manufactured home—good on you for looking into an affordable path to homeownership.… Read more
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FICO vs. credit score: One and the same?
When it comes to buying a home, your credit score is a crucial factor that influences your mortgage options… Read more
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Tenants in common explained: ownership, co-borrowing, and how it works for rental properties
If you’re looking to co-own property but want flexibility in ownership and inheritance, tenants in common might be the… Read more
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What is mortgage protection?
Mortgage protection is essentially a safety net for homeowners. It’s one type of insurance that steps in if life… Read more
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Mortgage modification vs. refinancing: what’s the difference?
If you’re thinking about changing up your mortgage—great, you’re in the right place! But before you dive in, let’s… Read more
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What is a hard money loan?
A hard money loan is a type of short-term financing secured by real estate. Typically issued by private investors… Read more
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What is the best place to get a home loan?
Choosing the right lender can make all the difference in your home-buying experience. With numerous options available, understanding what… Read more
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What’s considered a good interest rate for a mortgage?
When it comes to figuring out what a “good” interest rate is, it really depends on the market at… Read more
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What are real estate taxes, and why do I have to pay them?
Real estate taxes (also called property taxes) are what help keep local services—like schools, roads, and public safety—up and… Read more
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What is a “lock” in the mortgage world?
Locking in a mortgage rate is a strategic move that can secure a set interest rate for a specific… Read more
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Can you switch lenders while buying a house? Absolutely—and it might save you big
Buying a home is already complicated, so you might think, “Once I’ve chosen a lender, the hard part is… Read more
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Understanding guaranteed loans: benefits, types, and requirements
So, what exactly is a guaranteed loan? At its core, a guaranteed loan is a mortgage backed by a… Read more
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How to calculate your monthly mortgage payment like a pro
So, you’re ready to dive into the world of homeownership—congrats! Before you start picturing that dream kitchen, though, it’s… Read more