Tag: homebuying basics

  • Tips on How to Buy a New Home

    You’ve got all your ducks in a row; your finances are healthy, circumstances are right and at last you’re ready to buy a new home and leave the rental market for good. Even though it may have taken years of careful saving and patient planning to get to this point, there are still a number […]

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  • How Much Can I Afford on a Home Loan in 2014?

    Each year can bring anything from minor tweaks to major overhauls in mortgage lending, possibly affecting how much house you can afford to buy. To help simplify how to financially prepare for homeownership this year, we’ve compiled some of the more important gamechangers for you to be aware of in 2014. New Qualified Mortage Rules […]

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  • From the FAQ File: Title Insurance

    When you’re buying a home, one of the things you’ll be expected to have at the closing table is title insurance. Q: What is title insurance? A: Title insurance protects against unexpected problems associated with the title to your new home, such as liens for unpaid taxes or unpaid work on the property, mistakes or […]

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  • Millennials: First-time Homebuyer Tips and Tricks

    What Millennials can do now to prepare for homeownership Research shows that over ⅓ of the Millennial generation, ages 18 to 31, either still live with or have moved back in with their parents. That indicates a sizable portion of the homebuying market is currently sitting it out on the sidelines. But that doesn’t mean […]

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  • Finding a Home That Works for the Multi-generational Family

    Need a floor plan that can comfortably house multiple generations? Maybe you have a college-age son living at home, or a post-college daughter with a spouse and children. Or it could be you have an elderly parent or live-in nanny, and space is tight. You’re not alone. Multi-generational housing has been on a steady, even […]

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  • 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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  • Top Resources for Starting Your Home Search Online

    You’re a modern homebuyer: savvy, informed and determined to do as much shopping as possible online. So before you come to the aspects of your home search that the internet may never offer a complete substitute for—a home walkthrough, inspecting your new lot, handpicking custom options and upgrades with a design specialist—here are some top resources […]

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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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  • 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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  • Choosing the Best Home Builder

    When choosing the best home builder for your new home, it pays to remember the old adage, “trust, but verify.” Most builders are skilled at staging a beautiful model home, which is why it’s important to equip yourself with the right know-how to identify which builder you can depend on, differentiating yourself from average window […]

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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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