Tag: homebuying basics
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5 Mortgage Myths Debunked
Read more: 5 Mortgage Myths DebunkedYou’ve probably heard your share of mortgage legends over the years. It can be hard to know what’s fact and what’s fiction. When you’re in the market for a new home, there’s no better time to learn the truth. We’ve uncovered five myths that have made their way into mainstream homebuying. Myth #1: You must…
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How Much Can I Afford on a Home Loan in 2014?
Read more: 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
Read more: From the FAQ File: Title InsuranceWhen 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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Finding a Home That Works for the Multi-generational Family
Read more: Finding a Home That Works for the Multi-generational FamilyNeed 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
Read more: Down Payment Savings StrategiesWhether 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
Read more: Top Resources for Starting Your Home Search OnlineYou’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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A Mortgage Loan Checklist: Paperwork to Prepare
Read more: 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
Read more: Moving Made Easy – Relocation Tips and TricksMoving 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
Read more: Choosing the Best Home BuilderWhen 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
Read more: Quick Facts on PMIWhat 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
Read more: 3 Ways to Take Advantage of the Current Housing MarketHave 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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5 Steps to Get Out of the Rental Market (and Into Your Dream Home!)
Read more: 5 Steps to Get Out of the Rental Market (and Into Your Dream Home!)With rent skyrocketing in many areas, renters are asking themselves “Would it be cheaper to buy a home?” In many cases the answer is yes! Research the rental market in your city and weigh your options. If you’re ready to stop renting and start building equity, here are some quick tips to get you into…