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.

  • How to Shop for Homeowners Insurance

    Purchasing home insurance makes good sense, and not just because it’s often a condition for home loan approval. It’s also a good idea for peace of mind. You definitely don’t want to find yourself wishing you’d purchased the right insurance after something unexpected happens. So, if you’re in the market for a new home, check out the following tips about how to shop for homeowners insurance that can help cover what your home may need.

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  • New Home vs. Resale Home: Homeowners Insurance Edition

    When you’re ready to buy a home, one of the most important decisions to make is whether you want to buy a new home vs. resale. While buying a resale home may seem appealing, it is important to consider the possibility that you may end up paying a higher homeowners insurance premium based on the home’s history, construction and more. Read on to discover some of the potential hidden costs associated with older, foreclosed or distressed homes.

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  • Benefits of bundling home and auto insurance policies

    Whether you’re buying a box of donuts or a set of jerseys for your softball team, you’d expect a discount for buying in bulk, wouldn’t you? Well, the same principle applies to insurance policies. Read on to learn about how bundling home and auto insurance can save you money.

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  • 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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  • Questions To Ask When Choosing An Insurance Agent

    You’ve contracted on a new home and now it’s time to choose an insurance agent. After all, you’ll want to protect your investment in the event of theft or a natural disaster (e.g., flood, fire). Plus, most lenders require homeowners to maintain insurance as a condition of the loan. Following are some important questions to ask at an insurance agent interview to be sure you find an agent that’s right for you and your home. Read more.

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  • What is Homeowners Insurance?

    Homeowners insurance (also known as hazard insurance or abbreviated as HOI) provides coverage for catastrophic events that may occur to your home. It covers the house, contents, personal liability and medical payments exposures. Most mortgage lenders require homeowners to maintain homeowners insurance as a loan condition. Read more.

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  • Have 2022 Loan Limits Expanded Your Options?

    If you shopped your mortgage options last year, you might want to check in with your loan officer. New loan limits took effect in January, so it’s possible you have more borrowing power at your disposal than what you estimated in 2021! Find out how much limits changed in your county.

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  • How to Manage Your Credit Score During the Holiday Season

    The holidays are a tempting time to splurge, but if you’re planning on purchasing a home in the near future, keep a close eye on your bills. ‘Tis the season for holiday spending, but the five tips below will help keep your credit score in great shape. We’ve outlined eight valuable tips for managing your […]

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  • 3 Ways to Make Today’s Mortgage Interest Rates Work for You

    Wondering if now is the right time to make a move? Today’s mortgage interest rates are very attractive, and we’ve detailed three ways in which you can leverage them to buy the home of your dreams. Read more.

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  • 5 Ways to Figure Out How Much Mortgage You Can Afford

    The prospect of purchasing your dream home is a thrilling one, but before you commit to a price, ask yourself this crucial question: “How much mortgage can I afford?” It can be tempting to take the biggest loan you can get, but leaving out budget considerations can lead the way to steep monthly payments that keep you up at night. Here’s six ways to evaluate your financial situation and purchasing power, setting the stage for a smooth, successful homebuying process.

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  • Household Items That May Need Special Insurance Coverage

    Homeowners insurance is a key part of owning a home. Be sure your policy covers any special items you may not have considered. Read on for examples, including jewelry, fine arts, furs and more. We’ve also included tips for care and storage of valuable items.

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  • 5 Resources for Navigating Mortgage Options

    With so many available mortgage options, it can be confusing to know which path is right for you. The following online resources can help you understand the differences between loan types and answer other questions that may arise when financing your dream home. Fannie Mae® This site has information on everything from estimating mortgage payments […]

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