18
Jan
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage,

How Do You Actually Write The Check To Buy A House?

After you have found the right house to meet your needs, you need to make the down payment to complete the transaction. Can you show up at the closing table with a suitcase full of cash? Of course, that would be a bit suspect, so that is not actually how it happens. What do you need to do to actually hand over the funds to buy the house?  The Down Payment Is Verified Beforehand First, understand that the down payment is usually verified before you agree to the deal. Your real estate agent will work with you and the seller’s…
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13
Jan
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

In a Hurry to Buy a Home? Speed Your Mortgage Approval up by Following This Checklist

Have you finally found your dream home after months of searching, only to discover that the seller has received other offers? Few circumstances can raise your stress level as much as finding yourself in a bidding war against another buyer. However, being unprepared by not having your finances in order can make the situation even worse. Let's take a quick look at a few ways that you can speed up your mortgage approval if you are in a hurry to buy your next home. Pull Your Credit Report ASAP The first step you will want to do is check your…
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12
Jan
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

House Poor: What It Means And How To Avoid It

There is a good chance you have heard someone described as being house poor. What exactly does it mean? It is important to understand what it means to be house poor and how you can stay away from it. House Poor Means Spending A Significant Chunk Of Your Income On Housing Being house-poor means different things for different people. In general, it means spending a significant amount of your monthly income on recurring expenses related to your house. A few examples include your mortgage, the interest on your mortgage, your property taxes, and HOA expenses. Owning a house can be…
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10
Jan
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

The Most Commonly Forgotten Item On The Home Budget List

If you are in the process of purchasing a home, it is critical for you to make sure that you budget appropriately. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who commonly overlook closing expenses. Even though it is important for you to have enough money for your down payment, you need to make sure you cover closing costs as well. What is included in closing costs, and how much money do you need to budget? The Recommended Amount Even though it is tempting to focus on the cost of your house, it is also critical to think about closing expenses.…
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06
Jan
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage,

Pet Safety Checklist

Many people view their furry friends as members of the family. If you have pets at home, you need to make sure they are well taken care of. That means taking a closer look at an important pet safety checklist. What are a few of the most important items you need to include on this checklist if you want to make sure your dogs and cats are safe? Regular Checkups Are Critical First, you need to make sure that you take your pets to the veterinarian at least once per year. Just as you go to the doctor once per…
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05
Jan
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

Owning vs Renting: Why High Rents Are Worse Than a Mortgage over the Long Term

If you're at the stage in life where home ownership is nearly within your reach, you're probably wondering whether you should start looking for a home or whether you should just keep renting. Renting is easier, people say, and it gives you more mobility. But over the long term, all that rent money can really add up - and it eventually reaches a point where buying a home is a better deal. So why is paying a high rent a worse option than buying a house and getting a mortgage? Here's what you need to know. Renting Doesn't Generate Equity…
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