Articles by Craig Berry - Page 6

A 15-year refinance lets you pay off your mortgage early and save thousands in interest. But you'll have a higher monthly payment. See if it's worth it.

If you have the cash, it might seem like you should pay off your mortgage early. But there may be better things to do with your money.

Yes, you can get a mortgage on maternity leave. But you might need extra documentation proving you'll return to work after. Here's what you need to know.

Most homeowners don't realize they can tap into their home equity to buy another home -- before they sell. Success story of someone who did it.

Selling your home? Make sure you stage it for sale. Staged homes sell 73% faster than non-staged homes; and sell at higher prices, too. Here's how to do it.

How soon can you buy a home after a short sale? That depends on the circumstances of the sale and the mortgage program you choose.

Second home / vacation property buyers can now occasionally rent the home, and qualify for lower second home mortgage rates. Read about this new rule.

Using a cash-out refinance for student loans may save you money if the interest rate is lower, and more so if your interest is tax-deductible. Another advantage is the chance to stretch out your repayment over more time, reducing your monthly payment.

Today's jumbo mortgage rates are similar to those of standard conforming loans. But, they come with a different set of rules. Will you qualify?

Your guide to buying a home and being ready for your closing, including "What to Bring" and why you should never bring a personal check to a settlement.

When 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.

What 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.

Sellers and agents won;t take you seriously as a buyer without mortgage pre-approval. And making an offer without it can cause major embarrassment.

What happens at a mortgage closing? You sign documents making you responsible for a home loan. You pay closing costs. And yu get the keys to the kingdom.

You can reduce or even eliminate your out-of-pocket closing costs if you can convince the seller to pay them.

Negative or derogatory information can take years to drop off of your credit history. But good payment history can improve credit score numbers quickly.

You want the best mortgage company when you buy a home or refinance. But how can you tell a good mortgage company from a bad one? Find out here.

The FHA appraisal is a little more elaborate than the standard appraisal. That's because FHA loans are government-backed, and the government wants to make sure that the house you buy is safe and livable.

Don't just compare rates and fees when shopping for a mortgage loan. For instance, some types of mortgage companies can get you approved when another can't.

There is more than one type of PMI; in fact, there are four. Choosing the right one puts you in a better home buying position.