How much evidence is needed to make a decision to get out of the rent race and become a homeowner?
Compare your rent with a mortgage payment on a similar size property. If you want a larger home than your current one, use the rent that …
Buying Process
Jan. 20, 2013
Time to Buy a Home?
Is this the right time to buy a home? If not now, then when? When you get older? Maybe you need to tell tell this to yourself before you get scared away from paying the monthly mortgage. Why would I rent if I can own my home?!
Renting means that …
Jan. 15, 2013
Don’t Buy that House: Potential Red Flags to Homebuyers
Looking to buy a home? Not too fast!
"Just because interest rates are still near record lows and home prices remain attractive, that doesn’t mean every home on the market is a good buy.
The housing market remains to be in a buyer’s favor, but consumers still need to do …
Jan. 14, 2013
Sooner is Better than Later
Buyers who have delayed purchasing a home due to concerns about what might happen to the tax laws affecting home ownership should feel comfortable about getting back in the market. The recent legislation passed by Congress and signed by the President continues to value homes as a favored investment.
Posted in
Buying Process,
Real Estate Investing
Jan. 10, 2013
New mortgage rule aims to protect borrowers
A new federal rule on home loan lending will give consumers more protection against risky mortgages, the government says, but it isn't immediately expected to make mortgages easier to get.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau today adopted the rule, which it says spells out what lenders must do to ensure …
Jan. 7, 2013
Get Your Offer Accepted
As the market shifts from a buyer's market, it's good to know how to improve your chances to have the seller accept your offer.
Once you decide on a home, don't waste time; write an offer and submit it as soon as possible. Competing with another buyer happens …
Dec. 17, 2012
Avoiding Unexpected Expenses
It's common for sellers to consider offering and buyers might find it an incentive, but a growing number of homeowners are purchasing the home warranties themselves to limit the unexpected expenses of repairs and replacements.
A home protection plan is a renewable service contract that covers …
Dec. 7, 2012
Why Buying at the End of 2012 May Be Your Best Investment Yet
With just a month left in 2012, the number of days to benefit from year-end home buying tax benefits is dwindling quickly. We consulted real estate experts from across the country to share what you need to know when preparing to close before December 31, 2012.
1.) End of …
Posted in
Buying Process,
Real Estate Investing
Nov. 14, 2012
Choosing the Mortgage That's Right for You Starts with Understanding the Options
When it comes to choosing a mortgage, it’s more important than ever for prospective buyers—or current owners looking to refinance—to understand the wide range of mortgage loans available. Whether you’re in the market for a home mortgage, looking to refinance or jump on the green bandwagon with energy efficient upgrades, …
Nov. 7, 2012
Q: What should I take into account when buying a new home?
A: You can find out more about an existing property and neighborhood before you buy than you can a new home in a newly developed community.
When the home is on the outskirts of town, ask the developer about future access to public transit, entertainment venues, shopping centers, churches, …