How Large Of A Down Payment Do You Truly Need?

If you are interested in purchasing a home, how much money should you put down? This is a difficult question that all potential homeowners need to answer, as it will dictate the size and location of the house you can afford. There are a number of factors to consider, so what do you need to know? Generally, Putting More Down Is Better There is a solid chance that a home loan is going to be the largest loan you will ever take out in your life. Therefore, there is some risk involved, and you must make sure you can pay…
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Escrow And Your Mortgage: The Most Important Points To Know

There are many complicated terms thrown around regarding your mortgage, and one of them is an escrow account. You will probably hear that your lender will collect some additional money every month for escrow payments. If you take a look at your mortgage statement, you will see your interest, your principal, and your escrow. What does this mean, and why do you have to pay additional money that isn't going toward the balance of your loan? The Definition Of An Escrow Account An escrow account is an extra account that your lender opens on your behalf to make sure certain…
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3 Ways That a Reverse Mortgage Can Transform Your Retirement

Are you a retired individual looking for ways to increase your financial security? If so, you may have heard of a home equity conversion mortgage, more commonly known as a reverse mortgage. Used correctly, this is one of the most effective financial products for retirees who own their home. Let's explore three ways that a reverse mortgage can help to transform a dull retirement into one filled with excitement. It's All About Flexibility The primary benefit that one receives with a reverse mortgage is financial flexibility. It is an excellent way to tap into the equity that has built up…
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The Right (And Wrong) Reasons To Buy A House

There are many people who dream of owning a home, but you need to purchase your home for the right reasons. Simply purchasing a house because other people are doing so is not a strong reason to make such an expensive purchase. What are some of the reasons why you should purchase a house? What are some examples of bad reasons to buy a home? The Right Reasons To Buy A Home There are several strong reasons why you should consider purchasing property. If you have children, you may want them to attend a specific school. Therefore, you might be…
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Mortgage 101: How Interest-Only Mortgages Work and Why They’re A Good Solution for Some Buyers

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or an experienced real estate investor, if you are planning to borrow funds to buy a home you will want to choose the right mortgage product. In today's blog post we'll explore how interest-only mortgages work and why they're the perfect choice for some homebuyers. How Interest-Only Mortgages Differ From Conventional Ones As the name suggests, interest-only mortgages are loans where you are only required to pay off the interest portion of the loan each month for some specific term. The length of these loans can be up to ten years, although five or seven…
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Considering a New Home Next Year? Start Now and Get a Jump on Improving Your Credit Score

With the new year right around the corner, that leaves you with precious little time to get your finances in order. Let's explore a few tips that will help you get a jump on improving your credit score before the end of the year. Grab A Fresh Copy The first step is to order a fresh copy of your credit report from one of the major agencies. The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows you to access a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months. So, if you have not ordered a copy recently, it is time to…
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