Saving up money for a down payment and closing costs has created a barrier for many would-be homeowners. To make it a worthwhile debt to incur, incentive programs were designed, like the mortgage interest tax deduction, which has made it even more attractive for renters to take the leap and …
Read More »How To Get Rid of PMI, or Private Mortgage Insurance
Private mortgage insurance removal is on the minds of many homeowners because it makes up a significant portion of their monthly payment. When you put a low- or medium-sized down payment on a home, PMI is the insurance you are required to buy to help the lender not have quite …
Read More »Key Steps in the Mortgage Underwriting Process
You did it. After shopping for weeks or even months, you found the one. The house that checks all your boxes and then some. Now that the fun part is over, it’s time to handle the not-so-enjoyable part, the process to get approved for a mortgage loan. Without a mortgage, …
Read More »5 Ways To Negotiate a Better Mortgage Rate
When you’re buying a home or refinancing your current mortgage, your interest rate is one of the most important factors to pay attention to. And if you negotiate a lower interest rate, you can save thousands of dollars over the course of your loan. If you’ve shopped for loans before, …
Read More »What Is a Mortgage Rate Lock?
Are you in the process of buying a home? If so, or if you plan to venture into home buying in the near future, you should brush up on how the mortgage rate lock process works. This process gives you control of how much your mortgage loan interest rate will …
Read More »The 30-Year Mortgage: Pros and Cons
The 30-year mortgage has long been the go-to loan for most homebuyers. Its combination of long-term stability with reasonable rates and a low monthly payment has made it possible for many Americans to achieve their dream of homeownership, and it will likely do the same for many more people. Still, …
Read More »Here’s What To Do If Your Mortgage Won’t Let You Make Extra Payments
Freedom from debt is a common and powerful financial goal. Owning your home free and clear with no other debts gives you a strong financial base for whatever plans you may have in life. In most situations, you will save money if you make extra payments on an existing mortgage. …
Read More »What Is an Investment Property Mortgage?
If you’re looking for another source of income or want to start a side hustle as a home flipper, you may be considering the purchase of an investment property. Getting a mortgage loan for an investment property can be trickier than getting one for your primary residence, and obtaining a …
Read More »The 15-Year Mortgage: Pros and Cons
If you’re thinking about buying a home with a mortgage loan, you may automatically gravitate toward a 30 year mortgage. These types of mortgage loans are, after all, the most common options for home buyers due to the low-interest rates, lower payments, longer term and other perks. There are several …
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