Category: Financing & insuring
Affording a home is all in the numbers! Get mortgage information, plus discover everything you need to think about to get your new home insured the right way.
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VA Loan FAQ for Military Homebuyers (& Military Spouses!)
Read more: VA Loan FAQ for Military Homebuyers (& Military Spouses!)Did you know that active-duty and veteran military buyers may be eligible for home loans with little (or no) money down, low (or no) closing costs, and competitive interest rates—all while paying no monthly mortgage insurance? Read our VA loan FAQ to learn more!
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Why & How to Pay off Your Mortgage Faster
Read more: Why & How to Pay off Your Mortgage FasterFor many homeowners, their mortgage is the single largest debt they’ll ever carry—and the one that sticks around the longest. While a 30-year mortgage is a common choice due to its lower monthly payments, more and more people are exploring ways to accelerate the payoff timeline and save some money in the process. Read on…
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The Benefits of Home Loan Prequalification
Read more: The Benefits of Home Loan PrequalificationWhile home loan prequalification isn’t mandatory, it offers numerous benefits that can make your homebuying process smoother, faster, and less stressful. Prequalifying helps to ensure that you’re better prepared and that you’re making informed decisions about your home search—helping you avoid costly mistakes and disappointment along the way. Read on to learn more.
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Eight Tips for How to Afford a House
Read more: Eight Tips for How to Afford a HouseWhile the journey toward homeownership can see the occasional obstacle pop up, there are numerous strategies that can help you learn how to afford a house. Whether you’re just starting your home search or seeking long-term affordability tips, the suggestions outlined in this article can help reduce both upfront costs and ongoing financial commitments. Read…
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Eight Financial Wellness Tips to Help You Land Your Dream Home in 2025
Read more: Eight Financial Wellness Tips to Help You Land Your Dream Home in 2025The dawn of a new year is an opportunity for new beginnings, new adventures and new goals. If one of your goals for 2025 is to find and move into the home of your dreams, committing to financial wellness is an important first step to take. January is Financial Wellness Month in the United States,…
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Know the Difference: Home Warranty vs. Home Insurance
Read more: Know the Difference: Home Warranty vs. Home InsuranceA home warranty is a great perk when you buy a new-construction home (and sometimes even a resale!) but do you know how it differs from home insurance coverage? Knowing who to call about a home issue can put you on the fast track to getting it addressed ASAP!
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Credit-smart Shopping Tips for Black Friday
Read more: Credit-smart Shopping Tips for Black FridayAre you a savvy shopper who looks forward to snagging deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday? If so, you might be surprised to learn that these shopping days can also provide valuable lessons in managing your finances—especially if you’re considering buying a new home. In fact, adopting a credit-smart approach during this bustling shopping…
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How Much are Closing Costs (and Who Pays Them)?
Read more: How Much are Closing Costs (and Who Pays Them)?Closing costs: a generic term tossed around by mortgage originators, real estate agents and even your neighbor. But what are these fees all about? How much do they normally cost, why do they matter and who pays them? Read on to learn the basics of closing costs for new-construction and resale homes and how they…
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Factors that Affect the Cost of Homeowners Insurance
Read more: Factors that Affect the Cost of Homeowners InsuranceWhile it might not be the most fun part of buying a new home, securing a proper insurance policy for your investment will go a long way toward providing peace of mind and helping you to enjoy the parts of homeownership that are fun. Let’s explore some of the factors that may impact the cost…
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How to Choose Financing Options: A Mortgage Infographic
Read more: How to Choose Financing Options: A Mortgage InfographicBuying a home soon? Be sure to weigh your mortgage options! There are multiple loan types to choose from and it’s important to select one that fits your needs and situation. While your loan officer will be your best resource for this decision, this infographic and article can act as a simplified explanation of the…
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How to Shop for a Mortgage Without Hurting Your Credit (Much)
Read more: How to Shop for a Mortgage Without Hurting Your Credit (Much)Wondering how to shop for a mortgage without hurting your credit? It’s a valid concern, but don’t worry. From narrowing down your lending options to paying down your credit cards, we’ve rounded up some tips to help you protect your credit score while scoring the home of your dreams! Read more.
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Creative Ways to Save Money for a Down Payment
Read more: Creative Ways to Save Money for a Down PaymentHoping to buy your dream home in the near future? Once you’ve determined how much mortgage you can afford, it’s time to save for your down payment! How much you need for a down payment depends on multiple factors, including the total price of the home and what kind of loan you’re considering, but it’s…
