The market has changed significantly in recent years. Get helpful advice on how to prepare for and what to expect from the mortgage application process. Key Takeaways • Today’s loan approval process is much more thorough than in years past • Be prepared to show all income and assets, any outstanding debts owed and specific …
Relocating to a new area can be both exciting and challenging. As a homebuyer, you want to make sure your home is in a neighborhood you’ll be happy with. There are a number of ways to get to know a new area remotely, but it’s also important to consider other factors that vary by area, …
Your loan rate plays a major factor in determining the monthly payments you’ll be responsible for on your new home. Since these rates change daily, certain market conditions can make it difficult to estimate your payment. A rate lock gives buyers a window of time where the rate is guaranteed to remain stable, so long …
Find out what closing costs are and why they are necessary in the home buying process. There are a number of costs, which can be included at closing. Knowing what they are and where they come from will help you be more prepared when you come to the closing table. Key Takeaways • Closing costs …
Home appraisals and home inspections are sometimes confused. While they are both an important part of the home buying process, they ultimately serve two different purposes. Key Takeaways • Appraisals estimate the value of the home, taking into consideration factors like comparable sales of homes in the area • A home inspection looks at the …
Timing is critical when buying a new home while selling your old one. Learning whether you can afford to carry both mortgages simultaneously will help determine how the process needs to play out. In most cases, buyers need to plan for living accommodations should the old home sell before finding and closing on the new …
Deciding between an existing home and a new construction home can be difficult. But knowing the risks and benefits of each can help make your decision easier. Every home has maintenance costs, but they can differ significantly depending on the age of the home and the quality of the construction. Key Takeaways • New construction …
Understanding the distinction between prepaid items and closing costs will help you better budget for these expenses and be prepared for when they come due. Put simply, prepaid items are upfront payments associated with ongoing costs of home ownership, while closing costs are one-time costs related to your home mortgage. Key Takeaways • Prepaid items …
Getting preapproved can offer significant advantages to a homebuyer. Not only does it help you understand what you can afford, it also lets sellers know you are a serious homebuyer who is prepared to make an offer when the opportunity is right. Key Takeaways • A preapproval gives you a better understanding of how much …
Earnest money can be a practical way to show a seller that you are a serious buyer, committed to buying their home. It is a deposit that you put down at the time of entering into the contract, and gives them confidence that you will go through with the purchase. Key Takeaways • Earnest money …
