Tag: home financing

  • Down Payment Savings Strategies

    Whether you’re a renter ready to become a homeowner, or a would-be move-up buyer, saving for a down payment on a house can be a challenge. Depending on your timeframe, how much you need to save and how aggressive you’re willing to be, there are several things you can do to shorten the path to […]

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  • Finding the Right Mortgage for You

    If you haven’t been paying attention to mortgage news in the past year, you should know there have been some changes. Homebuyers looking to apply for a home loan in 2014 will face different options and challenges than buyers had in previous years. Do you still qualify for an FHA loan? Benefits such as lower […]

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  • Still Time to Enjoy 2013 FHA Limits

    Did you know that many FHA loan limits are lowering in 2014? The reduced limits will exclude a growing number of borrowers from FHA financing, depending on the county and the price point of the home. FHA Benefits You May Miss Out On If You Don’t Act Soon… Lower FHA down payment • Lower credit […]

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  • A Mortgage Loan Checklist: Paperwork to Prepare

    “Oh, that darn paperwork! Wouldn’t it be easier if it all just blew away?”– Mike Wazowski, Monsters, Inc. Don’t let a fear of paperwork keep you from the home of your dreams. Take advantage of our straightforward mortgage loan checklist to put together the right documentation for your loan officer—helping to simplify your application process […]

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  • Moving Made Easy – Relocation Tips and Tricks

    Moving to a new home is an exciting process, but it can also be confusing and chaotic. To save you time and stress, we’ve compiled a number of moving tips and online resources to help you stay on track for a successful moving day. The home search. The first step in the moving process is […]

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  • Quick Facts on PMI

    What is PMI? PMI stands for private mortgage insurance. It’s an insurance policy that protects a mortgage lender against loss if a borrower defaults on a loan. Who is asked to pay PMI? It varies, but lenders typically require PMI on conventional loans with a less than 20% down payment. How much does PMI cost? […]

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  • 3 Ways to Take Advantage of the Current Housing Market

    Have you read the positive housing market news lately? From many accounts, the economy seems to be on the road to recovery. But the question remains: Is now a good time to buy a new home? There are positive aspects to every market. Here’s how to take advantage of what’s happening now: 1. Secure a […]

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  • How Much House Can I Afford?

    Attractive interest rates, news of rising home values and tight rental markets have many Americans daydreaming about a new home. If you’re one of them, you may be surprised by how much home you can afford—and how easy it can be to find out. Step 1: Review your budget. If you don’t already have a […]

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  • From the FAQ File: Credit Health

    Some of the questions we receive aren’t about Richmond American Homes, but about homebuying in general. For example… Q: Do I have to have spotless credit to buy a home? A: No, but a good credit history may help you get a better interest rate on your mortgage. If you’re not sure whether you’re ready […]

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  • Resolution Time! 3 Ways to Save More Money

    New Year’s resolutions: Every year we make them, and every year most of us are lucky to keep them till February. Why? Because breaking bad habits is hard, and it only gets harder as time goes by and our motivation fades. But, there’s good news! If your New Year’s resolution is to save money, there […]

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  • Buying a House After Bankruptcy, Foreclosure or Short Sale

    If you’ve been through a short sale, foreclosure or bankruptcy, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans have been in your shoes, and many have moved on to become homeowners again. You can, too. Buying a home may be a little more challenging this time, but it can still be a part of your family’s future. […]

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  • First-time Homebuyer Tips and Advice

    Buying your first home is an exciting milestone. For some, it’s a dream come true and a proud personal achievement; for others, it’s a promise for their family’s future. Like any life-altering event, though, it can be overwhelming. Where do you start? How should you finance? What can you afford? The real estate jargon alone […]

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