Everything happens online now, whether it’s business conferencing, entertainment, social networking, finances, or shopping. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, about 95 percent of home buyers look for their next property online. There are numerous sites that take you to a multiple listing service (MLS), where you will find data, descriptions, and very often […]
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Picking a mortgage lender is a big decision. After all, they’ll be handling what’s likely the biggest transaction of your life (not to mention managing your loan for decades to come). Want to make sure you choose right? Here’s how: Ask for referrals from friends, neighbors and your agent. Read reviews on each lender you […]
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Buying a home, but not sure what price range to look in? First, determine what monthly payment you could comfortably manage. In general, you don’t want to spend more than 30% of your monthly income on housing. You should also make sure to leave enough cash flow to cover other bills, debts and expenses you […]
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Homeowners associations, or HOAs, are governing bodies that set and enforce the rules of a neighborhood or condominium development. They maintain common areas and oversee the amenities, covenants and restrictions of the neighborhood. There are many ways a HOA can be beneficial to you, but there are also aspects that you might find restrictive. If […]
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The old adage “cash is king” can certainly hold true when it comes to home buying. However, your investment might be safer and more productive if you take out a mortgage instead. You need to decide which way will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Paying Cash for Your Home Paying with cash […]
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When you are considering a specific house, one of the most important questions you will ask is if it’s in a safe neighborhood. This is especially crucial if you are moving from out-of-town or into an unfamiliar area of your city. Do the research to learn if the location is safe for kids to play […]
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As the owner of a new home, you should be pleased that you have successfully negotiated all the financial requirements to close the deal and take possession of your new place. However, the down payment and mortgage are just the beginning of new financial demands. Owning a home has plenty of expenses that need careful […]
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Many retirees decide to purchase a vacation home as their ideal place to rest and relax. A second home can be a gathering place for friends and family, and a supplement to your retirement income via future renting potential. Plus, any mortgage interest you pay is tax deductible as long as it’s a personal residence, […]
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You’ve saved and planned and you are finally ready to buy your first home or move up to a larger one. It’s fairly easy to figure out how large a mortgage you can fit into your budget. Your real estate agent has tables and formulas that can determine the percentage of your income that’s reasonable […]
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