Real Estate & Mortgages
Are You Ready to Buy a Home?
Home ownership is a traditional goal for many Americans. Having a place to call your own provides a sense of stability and community. You can establish roots and get to know your neighbors. Add a room or knock down a wall; the choice is yours. People like owning things and this includes homes.
2009 First-Time Homebuyer Credit Extended and Expanded
Homebuyers who purchased a home in 2008 or 2009 may be able to claim a generous tax credit. Initially, this tax credit was to expire on November 30, 2009, but it has since been extended and expanded by Congress. The tax credit extends the deadline to purchase and close on a new home to June 30, 2010. In addition, a provision has been added that offers a tax credit to some homebuyers who may be up…
How to Make Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
Chances are that if you have a mortgage currently you’re making monthly payments. The typical mortgage is structured so that you make a single payment each month for a total of twelve payments per year. The good thing about this is that it means you pay the same amount at the same time each month so there are no surprises and it’s easy to budget for.
Determining Whether or Not You Should Refinance Your Mortgage
If you have a fixed-rate mortgage and mortgage rates are falling, it only makes sense to consider trying to refinance at a lower rate. But as with most things in finance, it isn’t always a simple answer.
Saving Money on Home Expenses
When you add up the cost of expenses associated with your home, you might be surprised at the end result. While you know that buying a home amounts to the biggest purchase you are likely to make in your life, it is easy to forget about all the other expenses that add up.
Saving For a Down Payment on a House
In order to receive the best possible interest rates and to avoid private mortgage insurance you generally need a large down payment, but how can you save tens of thousands of dollars for this purchase?
Be Prepared for Closing Costs
Closing costs are funds, in addition to a loan down payment, paid at settlement. Costs vary among states, but cash transactions have fewer costs than financed purchases. Although many of the costs are associated with financing, others are independent of the mortgage loan.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Home
For many people, owning a home brings a sense of pride and freedom that cannot be matched by renting. Even so, there are many important things to consider before buying a home.
Private Mortgage Insurance - How to Eliminate PMI
Private mortgage insurance, often referred to as PMI, is insurance that lenders require borrowers to pay for when they get a mortgage and don’t have enough equity in the home.
Risky Mortgage Rundown
In the wake of the U.S. housing bubble and resulting global financial crisis, mortgage risk was lowered substantially in that it became much harder for aspiring homeowners to get a risky mortgage.
How Much Home Can You Afford?
When the time is right to purchase a home the first question you need to be able to answer is how much you can afford.
The Fees Involved in Buying a Home
There is more to buying a home than simply getting a loan. Find out what kind fees you can expect before purchasing your new home.
How Reverse Mortgages Work
Learn how a reverse mortgage can help retirees tap into home equity to provide retirement income.
About Home Buying and Selling
A detailed About.com resource regarding buying or selling a home.
Rent vs. Buy Calculator
Determining whether it is better to rent or buy is easy with this great tool.
Home Improvements – Getting the Most Bang For Your Buck
If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve either thought about or already made some home improvements. For some, this was part of the plan all along. They bought a house that was in need of some improvements so they were able to purchase at a bit of a discount and then put money into the upgrades they wanted. For others, the idea of home improvements came up as a way to increase the value of the…