Are You Ready to Buy a House? Weigh Your Options With This Quiz
Do you have house on the brain? Can you not stop binging shows about realtors and home renovations? If you answered yes, then you could be thinking about buying a house. But are you ready? Take this quiz to see if you are (ready, that is) — or read the article first and gain a […]
How Much Does It Really Cost to Be a Homeowner?
Can of beans: $1. Gallon of milk: $3.50. Box of spaghetti: $1.30. When you’re shopping at the supermarket, it’s fairly easy to see how much you’re spending since the prices are visibly labeled. But when it comes to buying a home, it’s more difficult since many of the expenses don’t come with price tags. Costs […]
Home Inspection: What Is It and How Does It Work?
You may have heard the expression that a home has “good bones,” meaning quality, well-made construction. But from an outsider or novice point of view, it can be hard to tell if the house you’re looking to buy meets that standard. That’s where a home inspection comes in. This official assessment can tell you everything […]
Rates Are Low — But Is Now Really a Good Time to Buy a Home?
As mortgage interest rates sit at record lows, home buyers are flooding the housing market. But is now really the best time to buy, especially for first-time homebuyers? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Yes, low rates are attractive and can make a big impact on the total cost of a mortgage, but […]
Home Shopping Online? 5 Digital Tools That Do Much of the Work for You
Buying your own digs is likely the largest purchase you’ll make in your lifetime, but that doesn’t mean you should have house-sized stress when home shopping online. Whether you’re a first-time purchaser or repeat buyer, the following digital tools and resources can help folks of all real estate skill levels smartly navigate the homebuying experience […]
Which Mortgage Is Right for You? Take the Quiz
Whether it’s a fixer-upper, a remodeled ranch, or a downtown townhouse, finding your perfect home can feel like a dream come true. But before you can turn your wish into reality, you have another essential choice to make: what type of mortgage to get. For first-time homebuyers and repeat shoppers alike, picking your ideal mortgage […]
Jumbo Loan Requirements: How You Qualify for a Mortgage
Jumbo loan qualifications aren’t the same as traditional mortgages when it comes to things like credit scores and down payments. So, if you’re in the market to buy a home, here’s what you need to know about jumbo loan requirements before you start the application process. Jumbo Loan Requirement: Who qualifies? In a nutshell, a […]
5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Vacation Home
Forget cruises, road trips, or multi-destination vacations — there’s only one getaway spot your heart yearns for: a second home. Whether you’ve been visiting the same special place for years and years or you can’t get last summer’s vacay off your mind, buying a vacation home could be an investment worth considering. Owning a vacation […]
Home Shopping? Don’t Let These 10 Common Myths Bust Your Search
Whether you’re in the market to buy your first home or you’ve been around the block a time or two, chances are you might still feel a little unsure about how to really nail the process. Nobody teaches you how to navigate what is likely one of the biggest purchases of your life, and this […]
Jumbo Loan Limits 2020 – 2021: What You Need to Know
Mortgages aren’t one-size-fits-all. For instance, a jumbo loan could fit you like a glove if you’re buying a more expensive home and need to borrow more than the conforming loan limits allow. So, if you’re looking at an upscale property or simply one in an area of the country where the cost of living is […]