17
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Mortgage Fraud: 3 Common Scams to Avoid

There are many ins and outs involved in securing a mortgage lender, and as a result there are many offers and options out there which are only around to take advantage of prospective homebuyers. If you're on the lookout for a home and are trying to wade through all the details successfully, here are some things you may want to be aware of. The Perfect Rental Deal If you've ever rented an apartment in the past, it's entirely possible that you've run into deals on Craigslist where a sizeable, stunning property is advertised at a very modest price. While scams…
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15
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Second Home to Rent

With the ever-fluctuating cost of housing, buying real estate can be one of the best investments a person can make. However, a lot of important factors can be left out of the final decision when it comes to purchasing a home as rental property. If you are taking the initial steps to invest in a second home, here are some important things to consider before you make the financial commitment. The Distance To A Destination Many people who purchase second homes to rent out choose to buy in places that are sought after, whether it's a trendy area or beachfront…
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14
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips,

Boomerang Home Buyers: 4 Things to Consider Before Stepping Back into Homeownership

Whether you've gone back to renting for the sake of money saving or recently downsized to a more compact space, the idea of owning a home can be a big responsibility that may require more than you're willing to give. If you're considering jumping back into the fold of home ownership, here are a few things to contemplate before re-entering the market. Is It Affordable? Many people avoid home ownership for a long time because of the high cost of a down payments and the associated property taxes and maintenance fees, but it can be easy to forget these extras…
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10
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

The Pros and Cons of Mortgage Rate Locks

If you're just jumping into the game of home purchasing, you are likely considering all of your loan options and may even have heard the term mortgage rate lock. For those who don't like to gamble, a mortgage rate lock can offer a bit of reassurance, but there are also some downsides to this type of protection. Before signing off on this, here are the details on rate locks so you can make an informed decision. What Is A Rate Lock? For many people who are buying a home in such a tumultuous market, the idea of interest rates can…
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08
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Refinancing to Pay for Renovations? Consider the VA’s Energy Efficient Mortgage Program

Making renovations that are energy efficient is not just a great way to reduce energy output, but it's also an effective way of decreasing monthly utility costs. It serves as a one-time investment that will save money in the long run. However, renovations are costly and not everybody has the extra finances required to make energy efficient changes. This is where the VA's energy efficient mortgage (or EEM) program comes into play. The program is designed to allow veterans to apply for a new mortgage or refinance an existing one with extra funds to renovate the home to be up…
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07
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

How Technology Is Creating an Easier Mortgage Approval Process

From saving up for a down payment to sussing out the ideal lender, there are so many things involved in purchasing a home that can make it seem like a rather complicated undertaking. However, like a lot of things in our lives, technology has streamlined the process in recent years. If you're currently searching for a home on the market, here are some new technological advancements that may make buying a little easier for you. The Smart Phone Advantage The paperwork and requirements associated with a mortgage may not have changed much in recent years, but smart phones have provided…
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