08
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

5 Ways That a Mortgage Can Be a Huge Benefit to Your Financial Future

For many people, investing in a house is one of the most important purchases they will make in their lifetime. However, alongside having the comfort of your own home, there are many financial benefits associated with buying in. If you're currently perusing the market for opportunities, here are some reasons to consider investing a little sooner. Get Away From Inflation If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage, your interest rates will certainly fluctuate from time to time, but owning a home actually allows you to guard against the reality of inflation, which can be a significant burden as a renter. While…
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07
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

3 Simple Tips for Boosting Your FICO Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage

There are a variety of factors that are involved in getting your mortgage approved, but few things will have more of an impact than your FICO score and the credit history that goes along with it. Instead of leaving your score up to chance when submitting your application, here are a few ways that you can boost your financial wellbeing and leave your credit score better off than it was before. Put More On Your Card It's important to put purchases on your credit card that you can afford to pay off consistently, but many people are not aware that…
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02
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips,

Should You Pay Your Mortgage Bi-weekly or Monthly? Let’s Take a Look

Most homeowners look at their monthly mortgage payment as their largest cost per month, and something they must do to maintain a good credit history. However, you may have heard of bi-weekly mortgage payments and their ability to lower your debt load and help you pay off your mortgage more quickly. If you're wondering if bi-weekly payments are too good to be true, here's some information worth consideration. What Difference Does Bi-Weekly Make? Making a bi-weekly mortgage payment may seem to mean that your interest will be automatically reduced, but because the lender is not necessarily receiving that payment until…
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30
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Let’s Talk Basements: How to Finish Your Basement so It Adds Value to Your Home

Are you on the hunt for home renovations that will boost usability and value? Look no further than that unfinished basement. In this article, we'll show you how to turn that dusty cave into an amazing new living space. Note: finishing a basement isn't the easiest job. For most basements, it's a lot more than a weekend do-it-yourself project. If you're not comfortable with construction be sure to enlist the help of a professional. Step 1: Plan Everything Out The first step is to plan out how you're going to use the space. Are you going to make an office?…
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28
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Did You Know?: 4 Factors That Can Delay Your Mortgage Approval (and How to Avoid Them!)

If you're currently buying a home and are stressing about the kind of home to choose and which lender to go with, it can help to clear up some of the confusion surrounding the mortgage process. While mortgage applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, here are some factors you'll want to avoid so the timeline of your approval isn't negatively impacted. Your Employment Status It goes without saying that the amount you bring in each month is a huge factor towards how much house you can afford, so having a part-time job, being self employed or even being unemployed…
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25
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Refinancing Your Mortgage? Know These Key Terms Before You Sign Your Paperwork

When it comes to your mortgage, there are a lot of key terms that are important for every homebuyer to know, and this is no less true than when it comes to refinancing your most important investment. Instead of leaving what's unknown up to chance, it's important to be aware of exactly what you're looking at so you can get the best mortgage product available. If you're currently considering refinancing and don't want to get snared by unknown terminology, here are some terms you'll need to watch out for. Cash-Out Refinance This type of refinance is a transaction where the…
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