Buying a home is a big step, both emotionally and financially. Naturally, you want the most accurate information to guide you through this process. However, a surprising amount of misinformation is out there, sometimes unintentionally passed along. Let’s clear up some common misconceptions to help you navigate the complexities of buying a home.
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Without the right support and preparation, buying a home can feel a lot like putting together a puzzle with only half of the pieces: time-consuming and frustrating. From house-hunting to closing, the homebuying process takes 4 to 6 months on average and involves multiple moving parts, so it’s no surprise that many homebuyers find it overwhelming. If you want to simplify and streamline your experience, you can take steps to better prepare and set yourself up for a smooth road to homeownership.
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If you’ve checked out rental listings lately, you know that rents are going up, up, up. Demand for apartments has surged, making many markets super competitive. Finding a place to call home at a reasonable price can be challenging. The burning question is: how much of your income should go toward a rent budget? In this article, we'll explore some practical guidelines and steps to help you figure out how much rent you can afford without busting your budget.
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You just purchased your new home—now what? Before you make the big move, there are important safety, maintenance, and convenience steps to take leading up to and right after making yourself at home. Let’s learn how to make the most of your first 24 hours in your new place.
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Life is unpredictable. An emergency, unexpected illness, or a bout of forgetfulness can all end in a missed loan payment. While missing a single payment may come with unwanted consequences like fees or penalties, it will not result in financial ruin. Stay calm and keep reading to learn what happens if you miss a loan payment.
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Buying a home is an exciting step that requires making many decisions, like picking the right mortgage to fit your financial goals and current situation. One option to think about is an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). ARMs have their advantages and disadvantages, so think carefully before deciding on a home loan.
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You may have seen in the news that there is a “new” tax for mortgage borrowers with higher credit scores. Bold headlines are claiming that those with a higher credit score will be paying more to subsidize those with lower credit scores, sometimes going as far as to wrongly suggest that you should deliberately lower your credit score to pay less. This has been misconstrued.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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