Closing Costs Explained
When you obtain a VA loan, you may not have to worry about paying a mandatory down payment, but you should still anticipate having some disposable cash in your account to close the deal on your new home. No matter what kind of loan you get, you’re going to run into some closing costs or added fees that will be due at the time of your closing meeting. These additional fees are meant to pay your lender for their work on your loan.
Home Loan Pre-Approval – The Who, The How, and The Why
Getting a pre-approval is the smartest move you can make when you decide it’s time to purchase a home. Among the benefits you can expect with a pre-approval are: It makes you a more competitive buyer, agents and sellers want to work with you, and speeds up the closing process.
Tips For Moving With Pets
Moving is both an exciting and exhausting time that brings with it a lot of meticulous planning and a lot of trying to remember if you forgot that one thing. But if you’re a pet parent, we’re sure your beloved pet is a top priority. Still, it’s easy to slip up on...
Benefits of Homestead Tax Exemptions
When you obtain a homestead tax exemption, you exclude a percentage of your property value from your property taxes. While most states offer tax exemptions to homeowners, eligibility tends to differ a bit depending on where you live. In some states, a homestead tax...
Pros and Cons of Purchasing a Property With a Pool
Suppose you've never owned a property with a pool. In that case, you may be unfamiliar with the level of hard work that goes on behind the scenes to maintain the refreshing accessory we all associate with relaxation. You also probably haven't experienced simply having...
Refinancing: When and How
In essence, refinancing your home merely means that you replace your existing home loan terms with new ones. A brand new loan could mean lowering your current interest rate and ultimately saving money on your monthly payment. Let’s explore how to pinpoint when to...
How Long Does It Take To Close On A New House? (VA, FHA, & other)
You finally found your dream home. The papers are signed, and you’re getting the boxes packed and ready to go. But how long does it take before you can settle into your new home? Between the signing and move-in day, there is a waiting period to close on a house. Here’s what you can expect.
BUYING A HISTORIC HOME – THINGS TO CONSIDER
There’s nothing like the charm of a historic home. From hand-carved wood detailing to the original glass windows, historic homes continue to withstand the test of time. While searching for a home, you may come across a historic home that you know is the perfect place for you and your family
New Construction vs. Previously Owned Homes – The Pros and Cons
Figuring out whether buying a previously owned home or building your own dream home from the ground up is the right choice for you is a weighty decision. Here are some key factors you should consider.
Housing Market Outlook for 2022
Experts have weighed in on their predictions for the housing market this coming year, and we’re here to offer some insight into what challenges or opportunities you may encounter if you’re poised to purchase or rent a home in 2022. However, let’s remember that forecasts are merely potentialities for the near future, and these prognoses can still change.
How Debt to Income (DTI) is Calculated and How it Affects You
If you’re looking to get approved for a mortgage, your debt-to-income ratio can be just as important as your credit score. This numerical value lets you and lenders know whether you’re in a comfortable enough spot with your debt to apply for more responsibly. In short, lenders will utilize it to decide whether to take a risk on you.
Your DTI takes your income and compares it to the amount of money you owe every month, but calculating it yourself can also help you determine if buying a home is the right decision for you right now.
Buying A Home After Bankruptcy
Deciding to purchase a home comes with an array of obstacles on its own, but throwing bankruptcy into the mix can feel like straying from the path entirely. But fear not, it is still possible to buy a house!
Your financial profile, including your credit score, may be a point of concern as it can lower your chances of getting pre-approved for a loan. Still, fortunately, the rules for a VA loan differ slightly from a conventional loan and can ultimately provide some good wiggle room during the approval process.
What Is A Short Sale And When Do They Happen?
Short sales will happen when a home-owner realizes they can no longer keep up with their mortgage payments. Instead of waiting for the bank to foreclose on the property, a borrower will reach out to their lender to put their house up in a short sale. A lender will typically approve a short sale based on two factors.
PROS AND CONS OF SELLING YOUR HOME ON YOUR OWN
. If you’re thinking about selling your home, check out some pros and cons to selling on your own before putting that sign up.
Tips for Moving with Kids
As a parent, making a big move with your family is one of the most exciting, yet stressful, experiences you can have together. And as a military parent, the concept of moving is probably all too familiar