About MortgagesJuly 29, 2018What should you do if your mortgage is sold?What Should You Do If Your Mortgage Is Sold? To avoid being scammed, take these precautions when your home loan is sold to another servicer, investor or lender.
About MortgagesJuly 29, 2018Home Closing: What Happens On the Day of Funding?Your home closing may also be called the day of funding. That's when the lender reviews your file, determines that all requirements for underwriting and auditing have been met, and wires the funds to the title company.
Homeownership TopicsJuly 28, 2018First-time landlord surprises! Repairs, residents, rent…A first-time landlord tends to focus in the good stuff (money!) and gloss over the inconvenient truths (midnight complaints, late rent, vacancies). Here's how to tell if you've go the right stuff to be a first-time landlord.
RefinanceJuly 27, 2018How should I apply for a mortgage refinance: in person, by phone or online?You can apply for a mortgage refinance in person, over the phone or online. Just make sure that the company is legitimate before providing personal information online or over the phone.
Real Estate NewsJuly 27, 2018Attention, landlords: These college towns offer the biggest ROIConsidering becoming a landlord? Then you might want to head to Texas. According to a new analysis, the Lone Star State is home to six of the nation’s 20 highest-yielding college towns.
Real Estate NewsJuly 26, 2018Where homebuying is hardest: The nation’s most competitive housing marketsHoping to buy a home on the West Coast? Then you might have a hard go of it. According to a new analysis, the region is home to all but one of the nation’s 10 most competitive housing markets.
Real Estate NewsJuly 25, 2018Homebuying competition drops; now’s the time to buy a houseIf you’re considering a home purchase, now might be the time to act. According to new data, homebuying competition is declining, with just 14 percent of Americans planning to buy in the next 12 months.
Real Estate NewsJuly 24, 2018The lowdown on down payment grantsDown payment grants bridge the gap between their savings and the required down payment for a mortgage. And, the money often doesn’t have to be repaid.
RefinanceJuly 24, 2018I refinanced, and my previous lender owes me an escrow refundWhat's an escrow refund? When you refinance, sell your home or have an annual adjustment, your mortgage lender might owe you some money. Here's how to get it back.
Real Estate NewsJuly 24, 2018Big city buying: The best metros to buy a house in – and the worstWant the big city life without all the pollution, traffic and high costs that come with it? According to a new study, Seattle’s your answer.
Buying a homeJuly 23, 2018Appraisal Repair Requirements for FHA, VA and USDA Home LoansFHA appraisal requirements and those of other government-backed loans may require the completion of home repairs prior to closing. Or you may have to do an escrow holdback. Here's what you need to know.
Mortgage StrategyJuly 22, 2018Home inspections: A must for every home buyerWhen you buy a home, it's more than just your right to commission a home inspection -- it's your best way to stave off buyer's remorse. Protect yourself.
About MortgagesJuly 22, 2018What does “underwriting” mean? How to deal with loan conditionsWhat does underwriting mean when you apply for a mortgage? Underwriters are lending employees trained to examine your financial and other documents, and either decline or approve your mortgage application.
Buying a homeJuly 21, 2018Buying a home to rent on AirbnbCan you get a mortgage on an Airbnb rental home? Yes, you can under certain home loan programs.
Real EstateJuly 20, 2018Rentals: Financing and managing more than 4 propertiesBuying, financing and managing rentals can be challenging when you have more than four. Here's how to do it with maximum efficiency.
Real Estate NewsJuly 19, 2018New app makes FSBOs easier; cuts out realtor commissionsLooking to save on those realtor commissions? Want to sell your home without an agent? A new app may be able to help.
Buying a homeJuly 19, 2018Why every home buyer needs a pre-approval before home shoppingSellers and agents won;t take you seriously as a buyer without mortgage pre-approval. And making an offer without it can cause major embarrassment.
Real Estate NewsJuly 18, 2018Buying a house? Here’s where you’ll see the most appreciationBuying a house and want to see serious returns when you sell? Then head west. According to a new forecast, homes in Washington and Nevada will appreciate the most in the next year.
Buying a homeJuly 18, 2018How do you maintain a second home if it’s far away?How can you keep your second home repaired and maintained and repaired from a distance?
RentersJuly 17, 2018Renting vs buying: Which costs more today?Check a rent vs buy calculator when considering renting vs buying. See how the numbers work out upfront and over the long term.