One of the most significant financial events in peoples’ lives is the purchase or sale of a home or investment property. Because of the complexity and importance of this transaction, people typically seek the help of real estate agent when buying or selling properties, while others try to sell or buy on their own in the hopes of saving some money along the way. However, working with an experienced real estate agent while making such an important purchase could be one of the most sound investments you can make throughout this process. read more…
Underwriting Requirements Relaxed
What’s new: A more relaxed view on foreclosure and bankruptcy rules; meaning your HARP loan could be approved, regardless of how recently a borrower filed bankruptcy or experienced a foreclosure.
What that means for you: As previously stated, you won’t be counted out for a mortgage late when that could normally eliminate your ability to get refinanced at the lowest rates available. Also, normally, if you filed for bankruptcy or experienced a foreclosure you would have to wait years before you could successfully refinance. Not anymore with HARP 2.0. read more…
Originally announced in March 2009, HARP is a federal government program designed to help millions of underwater or near-underwater homeowners refinance into a fixed loan with a lower monthly payment. read more…
Many mortgage terms are confusing to buyers, especially first-time home buyers who are unfamiliar with the buying and loan application process. Here is a quick glossary to help you in your home buying process. read more…
Do you need to liven up a room in your house, but don’t want to spend a ton of money redecorating? Here are some cheap tricks you can try that will add energy to a room that needs it. read more…
Use the height of your grass to determine how often it needs to be mowed. For most lawns, the optimal height is between two and three inches. To keep you lawn looking its best, cut only one-third of the leaf blade each time you mow. read more…
Homeownership is still a vital part of the American Dream, and a goal that most Americans strive to obtain as adults. Even during a time when it is difficult for some Americans to qualify for a mortgage, the United States will not become a nation of renters, according to the National Association of Realtors®, (NAR). Today, more than 65% of Americans are homeowners, a rate that has remained unchanged since the 1960s. read more…
Some house-hunters are lucky enough to have found their dream home in the perfect fashion—falling in love with the first home they see, getting an offer accepted and moving in without a hitch. However, many home buyers, especially in this current market, have stories on the other end of the spectrum—filled with year-long house hunts and offer after offer with no luck finding that perfect home. read more…
A growing number of homeowners are choosing to pay down their mortgages at a faster rate –even if it means a substantial jump in their monthly mortgage payments. In the first six months of 2011, 26% of homeowners who refinanced chose a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, according to data from CoreLogic, a provider of financial, property and consumer information. During all of 2009, 18.5% of borrowers who refinanced opted for a 15-year term and a little over 9% of homeowners did so back in 2007. read more…
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Residents should have emergency supplies at home in the event of a power outage.
This can include at least a three day’s supply of non-perishable foods, one gallon of water per person per day, warm clothing, blankets, a first-aid kit, battery-powered weather radio, a cell phone charger, flashlight and pet food. read more…
