No down payment? These are the best cities for saving up

May 23, 2018 in Uncategorized

Would-be homeowners often cite down payments as their biggest hurdle to buying a house. But according to new data, the city they live in could play a role in their savings habits. Could moving help them save that down payment faster?

Mortgage rate shopping especially effective in these U.S. cities

May 15, 2018 in Mortgage News Uncategorized

Rate shopping can save home buyers immensely on their mortgage loans, but apparently it doesn’t stop there. According to a new analysis from LendingTree, rate shopping in certain markets can save even more.

Who are today’s homebuyers? New survey breaks it down

April 5, 2018 in Uncategorized

Single, female homebuyers are on the rise, according to a new survey, accounting for 18 percent of all home sales in 2017. Just 7 percent of home buyers last year were single males, while 65 percent were married couples – marking the third year in a row this segment has dipped.

negotiate better lease and pay less rent

Tenant tips: How to negotiate lower rent

March 31, 2018 in Uncategorized

Trying to afford your first apartment or house? Follow these tips to negotiate lower rent.

Out-of-state moves rise for the first time in decades

March 29, 2018 in Uncategorized

The number of U.S. residents moving out of state has declined since the mid-80s. But according to new data, that trend might finally be ending thanks, in large part, to Millennials and Baby Boomers.

Moved back home? Here’s how to make it work

March 9, 2018 in About Mortgages Buying a home Essential Mortgage Miscellany First-Time Home Buyers Homeownership Topics Real Estate Renters Uncategorized

If you’ve moved back home to save money, here’s how to get back on your own fast.

Rental house or apartment: how to choose

March 8, 2018 in Uncategorized

What’s better: a rental house or apartment? In most real estate markets today, you can get either a rental house or apartment, but is there a reason why one might be better than another? Figures from the National Multifamily Housing Council show that among renters, 43 percent live in single-family homes, 17 percent in small […]

Apartment checklist: 10 issues to get right

March 7, 2018 in Uncategorized

Looking for a rental? A checklist makes it easier When it’s time to get a new rental it’s smart to have an apartment checklist. Whether you’re looking for a first apartment or moving up to something better everyone should have a list to protect their interests. Here are the 10 issues every apartment seeker needs […]

Craigslist rental scams – and how to avoid them

March 6, 2018 in Uncategorized

Avoid rental scams on Craigslist and other sites when looking for a house to rent. Here are the top rental scams and how to spot them.

Can you pay your mortgage with a credit card?

March 5, 2018 in About Mortgages Essential Mortgage Miscellany Uncategorized

Will your mortgage servicer allow you to pay your mortgage with a credit card? Probably not, but there are ways around this.

How to shop for a mortgage: Don’t be intimidated into paying too much

February 21, 2018 in Uncategorized

Don’t just take a mortgage because it’s fast or easy. Take a little time to shop for a mortgage and save thousands. Here’s how.

How much do you need to know about mortgages to get one?

February 20, 2018 in About Mortgages Buying a home Homeownership Topics Mortgage Products Mortgage Rates Mortgage Strategy Uncategorized

You don’t need to be an expert to negotiate a great mortgage. It only takes a few minutes if you follow these simple tips.

Rising mortgage rates: Is now the time for ARM loans?

February 19, 2018 in Uncategorized

ARM loans can be a better deal when rates are rising ARM loans are an invisible part of the mortgage marketplace, but maybe that’s about to change. Since 2009 annual mortgage rates have been below 5 percent, and demand for adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) has been in the single digits. Ellie Mae reports that in December […]

Affordable homes: the country’s 10 hottest neighborhoods

February 17, 2018 in Uncategorized

Affordable homes: They’re out there Finding a neighborhood that’s within your budget and desirable to live in isn’t easy. Home prices continue to climb across the country, and many of the best cities with in-demand amenities are too expensive for first-time buyers. That does not mean affordable homes and areas don’t exist. Worthy areas – […]

New report predicts higher home prices but lower taxes and deals in some areas

February 16, 2018 in Uncategorized

Home prices are higher overall. But that does not necessarily mean housing has become less affordable.

What mortgage rate history can tell us about the future

February 15, 2018 in About Mortgages Economic News Essential Mortgage Miscellany Federal Reserve First-Time Home Buyers Forecasts Homeownership Topics Mortgage Rates Mortgage Strategy Real Estate Refinance Uncategorized

How useful is mortgage rate history? Mortgage rate history may sound a pretty boring topic. Indeed, you may subscribe to the Henry Ford school, which believes that all history is bunk. However, knowing how mortgage rates behaved in the past can help you understand what might happen to them in the future. That knowledge could […]

How to buy a short sale home

February 14, 2018 in Uncategorized

Buying a short sale home can get you a great deal. In fact, it should, because short sale transactions are not exactly fast or easy much of the time.

Tips for landlords: why landlords should consider a blanket mortgage

February 12, 2018 in About Mortgages Essential Mortgage Miscellany Mortgage Products Mortgage Strategy Real Estate Uncategorized

A mortgage for residential landlords Are you unfamiliar with the term “blanket mortgage?” Don’t worry. Plenty of professionals in the financial sector have never been near one. And they know little more about them than you do. But if you invest in real estate — perhaps as a residential landlord — you may find a blanket mortgage […]

Tips for landlords: Beware of tenants who are identity thieves

February 9, 2018 in Real Estate Real Estate News Renters Uncategorized

Tips for landlords: how to avoid tenants who are identity thieves

Need money? A 2018 HELOC could be your solution

February 4, 2018 in Cash Out Refinance Home Equity Uncategorized

Could a 2018 HELOC be the solution to your financial problems, or help you achieve a long-held dream? Homeowners are sitting on a treasure of home equity in many parts of the country.

Buy first or sell first? New real estate platform solves classic dilemma

VA refinance in 2018: How to avoid the scammers

Is 2018 the year you should become a homeowner?

How to make the most of your closing disclosure

City that wins Amazon’s new HQ could see massive surge in home prices

Seeking safety: The nation’s safest places to buy a home

Everyone’s optimistic about today’s housing market

USS Ford launches first flight using magnetic tech

Mortgage lenders loosening credit standards, taking more risks

Generation Z is ready to own a home

Pending home sales fall even further in August

Buying a home? Act fast: Freddie Mac says rates will rise