Owing more money on your mortgage loan than your home is worth"commonly referred to as being underwater on a home mortgage"can seem hopeless.There were 6.7 million underwater homes in the U.S. at the end of the first quarter of 2016, representing 12 percent of all...
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3 Ways to Save for a Down Payment
Saving for a down payment can be a challenge. But its not impossible.While a 20 percent down payment isnt necessarily the norm anymore, most loans require some money down from buyers.Coming up with these funds can be a sticking point on the path to homeownership,...
What to Do If Your Closing Is Delayed
Once a buyer and seller have agreed on the price for a house, they sign a purchase contract that outlines the terms of the deal and includes a closing date. Setting a specific date is intended to motivate all parties involved in the transaction to work expeditiously...
Which Mortgage Type Is Right for You?
Most people who want to purchase a house cant afford to pay cash and therefore need to take out a mortgage. The type of loan you choose will depend on your financial circumstances and plans and can have a significant impact on your monthly costs, so its essential to...
What Is Escrow?
After a buyer has agreed to purchase a home from a seller, the escrow process begins. This is designed to make sure that all the necessary conditions and obligations are met so the transaction can proceed smoothly.Purpose of EscrowEscrow is designed to protect all the...
How an ‘Attractive Nuisance’ Can Affect Your Homeowners Insurance Rates
Homeowners insurance rates are based on many factors. One of the most important is the likelihood of someone getting injured or killed on a policyholders property. Having an attractive nuisance in your yard could make your insurance rates significantly higher than...
How to Avoid Having to Buy Private Mortgage Insurance
Some mortgage lenders allow homebuyers to put down less than 20 percent of a houses purchase price, but those loans are riskier from a lenders perspective. A lender generally requires a buyer who puts down less than 20 percent to purchase private mortgage insurance...
The Best Smart Home Technology for Pet Owners
Smart home technology is improving life for everyone, even your furry little friends. These days, there are tons of products available for pets who live in the lap of luxury, from smart feeders that automatically dispense food to treadmills designed for felines.For...
The Difference Between a Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit
If you need money for an important project, you might be able to finance it by accessing the equity you’ve built up by paying your mortgage. A home equity loan and a home equity line of credit (HELOC) are two options. Before you decide to use either, make sure you...
How to Upgrade Your Home Office
If you’re like many people, you tend to do at least a little work from home.Dont let an outdated office hold you back.Give your home office an upgrade by splurging on something inspirational. Something that excites you.Next, focus on lighting. The best bet is to set...
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Options If Your Mortgage Is Underwater
Owing more money on your mortgage loan than your home is worth"commonly referred to as being underwater on a home mortgage"can seem hopeless.There were 6.7 million underwater homes in the U.S. at the end of the first quarter of 2016, representing 12 percent of all...
3 Ways to Save for a Down Payment
Saving for a down payment can be a challenge. But its not impossible.While a 20 percent down payment isnt necessarily the norm anymore, most loans require some money down from buyers.Coming up with these funds can be a sticking point on the path to homeownership,...
What to Do If Your Closing Is Delayed
Once a buyer and seller have agreed on the price for a house, they sign a purchase contract that outlines the terms of the deal and includes a closing date. Setting a specific date is intended to motivate all parties involved in the transaction to work expeditiously...
Which Mortgage Type Is Right for You?
Most people who want to purchase a house cant afford to pay cash and therefore need to take out a mortgage. The type of loan you choose will depend on your financial circumstances and plans and can have a significant impact on your monthly costs, so its essential to...
What Is Escrow?
After a buyer has agreed to purchase a home from a seller, the escrow process begins. This is designed to make sure that all the necessary conditions and obligations are met so the transaction can proceed smoothly.Purpose of EscrowEscrow is designed to protect all the...
How an ‘Attractive Nuisance’ Can Affect Your Homeowners Insurance Rates
Homeowners insurance rates are based on many factors. One of the most important is the likelihood of someone getting injured or killed on a policyholders property. Having an attractive nuisance in your yard could make your insurance rates significantly higher than...
How to Avoid Having to Buy Private Mortgage Insurance
Some mortgage lenders allow homebuyers to put down less than 20 percent of a houses purchase price, but those loans are riskier from a lenders perspective. A lender generally requires a buyer who puts down less than 20 percent to purchase private mortgage insurance...
The Best Smart Home Technology for Pet Owners
Smart home technology is improving life for everyone, even your furry little friends. These days, there are tons of products available for pets who live in the lap of luxury, from smart feeders that automatically dispense food to treadmills designed for felines.For...
The Difference Between a Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit
If you need money for an important project, you might be able to finance it by accessing the equity you’ve built up by paying your mortgage. A home equity loan and a home equity line of credit (HELOC) are two options. Before you decide to use either, make sure you...
How to Upgrade Your Home Office
If you’re like many people, you tend to do at least a little work from home.Dont let an outdated office hold you back.Give your home office an upgrade by splurging on something inspirational. Something that excites you.Next, focus on lighting. The best bet is to set...