Owning a tiny home can leave you debt-free, but it can still have some big costs.Buying a tiny home can be a way to get out from under the burden of a home loan"or at least lead to a smaller mortgage"but there are other costs buyers should know about before they find...
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What Private Mortgage Insurance Is and How to Avoid It
Paying less than 20 percent on a down payment on a house will likely require buying private mortgage insurance by the lender.The insurance, called PMI for short, is used to reimburse the bank if you default on the loan.It isnt too expensive"usually between 0.5 and 1...
Is Optional Insurance Worthwhile When Renting a Moving Truck?
If youre going to rent a truck when moving, one of the first questions the clerk will ask you is: Do you want to buy the optional insurance we offer?While your auto, homeowners or renters insurance may cover damage to a rental truck or your contents inside the truck...
7 Costly Mistakes You’re Making in Your Home
Homes cost a lot of money to maintain. But are you spending extra money unnecessarily on upkeep? Here are seven of the most expensive mistakes you could be making in your home:1. Using Traditional Light Bulbs.If you still have incandescent light bulbs in your home,...
4 Reasons You Should Compost
If you’re environmentally aware, you’re likely already doing several things at home to help the planet. Recycling, using less water and fuel and making smart purchasing choices can all help reduce your carbon footprint. Composting is a fantastic way to help out mama...
Make More From Small Spaces
Living in a small space?Try these tips to make more room in your tiny home or studio.– Take advantage of vertical real estate by using wall space to install shelving for books, off-season clothes, and more.– Hanging storage is king in small spaces, and again, can...
How to Find Money for a Down Payment
One of the most important steps in buying a house is saving enough money for a down payment. Depending on the type of mortgage you obtain, you could have to put down as much as 20 percent, or significantly less. Even if your lender only requires you to put a small...
Understanding Private Mortgage Insurance
Hopeful homeowners applying for a loan who aren’t able to put 20% down upfront may be hearing their lender talk about Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. A PMI comes into play when a buyer, unable to come up with a 20% down payment, is seen as a risky investment....
Pros and Cons of Buying a House in a Subdivision
If youre searching for a new home, you might want to consider looking in a subdivision. You could find a house with amenities that homes in other neighborhoods lack, but there are some downsides to consider.What Are Houses Like in a Subdivision?Houses in a subdivision...
Should You Repair or Replace a Broken Home Appliance?
There are many advantages of homeownership, but the burden of maintaining, repairing and replacing home appliances goes right along with it. The decision to repair or replace a broken or failing appliance is often made under pressure and without adequate knowledge...
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Big Issues to Consider Before Buying a Tiny Home
Owning a tiny home can leave you debt-free, but it can still have some big costs.Buying a tiny home can be a way to get out from under the burden of a home loan"or at least lead to a smaller mortgage"but there are other costs buyers should know about before they find...
What Private Mortgage Insurance Is and How to Avoid It
Paying less than 20 percent on a down payment on a house will likely require buying private mortgage insurance by the lender.The insurance, called PMI for short, is used to reimburse the bank if you default on the loan.It isnt too expensive"usually between 0.5 and 1...
Is Optional Insurance Worthwhile When Renting a Moving Truck?
If youre going to rent a truck when moving, one of the first questions the clerk will ask you is: Do you want to buy the optional insurance we offer?While your auto, homeowners or renters insurance may cover damage to a rental truck or your contents inside the truck...
7 Costly Mistakes You’re Making in Your Home
Homes cost a lot of money to maintain. But are you spending extra money unnecessarily on upkeep? Here are seven of the most expensive mistakes you could be making in your home:1. Using Traditional Light Bulbs.If you still have incandescent light bulbs in your home,...
4 Reasons You Should Compost
If you’re environmentally aware, you’re likely already doing several things at home to help the planet. Recycling, using less water and fuel and making smart purchasing choices can all help reduce your carbon footprint. Composting is a fantastic way to help out mama...
Make More From Small Spaces
Living in a small space?Try these tips to make more room in your tiny home or studio.– Take advantage of vertical real estate by using wall space to install shelving for books, off-season clothes, and more.– Hanging storage is king in small spaces, and again, can...
How to Find Money for a Down Payment
One of the most important steps in buying a house is saving enough money for a down payment. Depending on the type of mortgage you obtain, you could have to put down as much as 20 percent, or significantly less. Even if your lender only requires you to put a small...
Understanding Private Mortgage Insurance
Hopeful homeowners applying for a loan who aren’t able to put 20% down upfront may be hearing their lender talk about Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. A PMI comes into play when a buyer, unable to come up with a 20% down payment, is seen as a risky investment....
Pros and Cons of Buying a House in a Subdivision
If youre searching for a new home, you might want to consider looking in a subdivision. You could find a house with amenities that homes in other neighborhoods lack, but there are some downsides to consider.What Are Houses Like in a Subdivision?Houses in a subdivision...
Should You Repair or Replace a Broken Home Appliance?
There are many advantages of homeownership, but the burden of maintaining, repairing and replacing home appliances goes right along with it. The decision to repair or replace a broken or failing appliance is often made under pressure and without adequate knowledge...