Home is where the heart is… and it can also be a valuable source of low-cost funds you can use for just about anything. If you’re a homeowner who’s built up equity in your home, you may have the opportunity to access affordable financing through a Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). Here are some things to consider before tapping into your equity.
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Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is an often-overlooked cost that homeowners may need to pay when buying a home with a conventional mortgage or refinancing that loan. Understanding PMI can help you to avoid paying it or saving money in the long term. Here’s what you need to know:
Soaring home prices over the past few years have caused an interesting side effect – homeowners are finding themselves with a lot more home equity.
Home equity is the difference between your home’s value and how much you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your home is worth $300,000, and you owe $50,000 on your mortgage, you have $250,000 in equity.
Anyone who owns property has some level of equity. Whether the property was purchased entirely with cash or a mortgage (paid off or still paying), you have equity in your home. For many who purchase a home with a mortgage, your down payment is the first equity you build in your home. This is why homeownership is considered an investment or wealth-building asset.
You already have lots of reasons to love your home. Here’s one more: Your home is also one of your most powerful financial tools — because of your home equity.
Your equity is the portion of your home that you own (as opposed to your mortgage lender). If you’ve been making mortgage payments for some time, you’ve probably built significant equity. And thanks to home equity financing options, you can take advantage of your investment without selling your place.
A hot real estate market can pose a real challenge for hopeful buyers – especially for those looking to buy their first home. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a place you love and get your offer accepted. It just takes a combination of patience and fortitude, plus a little homebuying know-how.
Not sure where to start? Read on for some smart steps to follow.
Your home is likely your biggest investment – and it’s where you and your family should feel safe, comfortable, and connected. So, whether it’s your forever home or you’re planning to make a move in the near future, you might want to consider some home improvement projects that can deliver value, efficiency, and style.
Wondering where to start? Here are seven cost-effective home renovations to consider:
Getting approved for a mortgage when you have college debt can be complicated – but having student loans does not mean an automatic denial. Nearly 46 million Americans have student loan debt as of 2022, and many of those holding loans are looking to be homeowners soon.
If you owe a student loan debt or are planning to buy a home in the future with someone who owes, don't fret! Owning a home is not out of the question. Knowing how mortgage approvals are determined and what to expect will help you on your way to homeownership.
If you have limited savings or less-than-perfect credit, the dream of owning your own home may feel out of reach. You’re not alone, but don’t think you’re out of luck either. FHA loans are designed to help people with these challenges achieve the goal of homeownership by providing a mortgage that may work with their financial situation.
Your home is your castle – and castle upkeep can be expensive. But with a little know-how and effort, you can enjoy your home without emptying your wallet.
Using less energy, decorating on a budget, taking care of small problems before they become big ones, and doing basic home renovations and repairs yourself can help you keep your home costs down. Sound good? Then this guide is for you.
Read on to learn valuable ways you can save money on your home’s day-to-day and long-term costs, as well as ways you can better manage larger homeownership expenses when they arise.
As a homeowner, you know that taking care of your house is the best way to maintain its value. But even a house that’s in good working order can look drab or uninviting from the outside. If you’re planning to sell in the near future, that could affect your home’s selling price. That’s why many real estate agents put a big emphasis on curb appeal.
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