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 save for a down payment: 4 tips
Read more: How to save for a down payment: 4 tipsSaving for a down payment is one of the most important financial milestones on the journey to homeownership, and approaching it thoughtfully can make the process more manageable and rewarding. After determining a monthly payment you can comfortably afford, the next step is to establish a clear target for the loan amount you’ll need and…
-
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…
-
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 avoiding paying monthly mortgage insurance? The VA loan benefit was designed to help individuals in the U.S. armed forces and their families buy, refinance,…
-
Why Did My Credit Score Drop: Possible Reasons & Solutions
Read more: Why Did My Credit Score Drop: Possible Reasons & SolutionsPicture this: you’re looking to purchase a house in the near future, so you’ve been checking your credit score regularly to make sure you’re on track. One day, you go to check it when suddenly…your credit score has dropped, maybe by 10, 20, 50 points, or even more. When a new home is on your…
-
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.
-
Earnest Money vs Down Payment: What’s the Difference?
Read more: Earnest Money vs Down Payment: What’s the Difference?Buying a home is likely one of the most important and exciting purchases of your lifetime. However, it can also be one of the most complex financial decisions you’ll ever make. From real estate terminology to the numerous loan types, there can be several points of confusion throughout the homebuying process. One common point that…
-
The Power of the Rate: Afford More with Special Financing!
Read more: The Power of the Rate: Afford More with Special Financing!If you’re in the market for a new home, chances are you have a budget in mind. After all, a house is likely one of the largest purchases you’ll make in your lifetime. You want to make sure you only buy what you can afford… but what if you can actually afford more than you…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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,…
-
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!
-
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…
