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Posts about Mortgage (2)

Preapproval: An Important Step in the Loan Process

By: John Lutz 10.24.24 4 minute read

There are several steps before you purchase a home or buy your next vehicle. One of the first steps in these processes is to be preapproved for a loan. While a preapproval may seem unnecessary at first, the truth is that it’s a critical step in the loan process which can help make your end goal of buying a home or finding your next car easier.

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10 Common Mortgage Myths Debunked

By: American Heritage 06.06.24 4 minute read

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.

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7 Ways to Make Homebuying Easier

By: American Heritage 02.01.24 3 minute read

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.

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How Much Should You Spend on Rent?

By: American Heritage 09.14.23 3 minute read

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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Our Top Tips for New Homeowners in the First 24 Hours

By: Holly Love 08.24.23 3 minute read

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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What Happens If I Miss a Loan Payment?

By: Holly Love 07.20.23 3 minute read

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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What Do the New Loan-Level Pricing Adjustments (LLPAs) Mean for Mortgage Rates?

By: Holly Love 05.04.23 3 minute read

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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What is PMI?

By: American Heritage 03.25.23 3 minute read

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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