Articles Index

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 their home upon resale.

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 upgrading to a new home even if they previously owned 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.

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. Refinancing can certainly make sense, but it also costs money to refinance a mortgage. Depending on your specific situation, a refinance may actually end up costing you more money instead of saving money.