08 Feb 2022
By Tawnya King

Analyzing The Closing Disclosure: What Everyone Must Know

Mortgage
It is exciting to hear that an offer has been accepted, and many homeowners are ready to move into their new houses as quickly as possible. At the same time, homeowners must take the time to review all documents associated with the purchase. Purchasing a house is a major financial decision, and homeowners need to understand what their obligations are. That is where the closing disclosure is critical. What type of information is included in the closing disclosure, and what do homeowners need to know now? The Closing Disclosure Includes Fees And Costs First, homeowners need to take a look…
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04 Feb 2022
By Tawnya King

How To Deal With An Appraisal Gap

Mortgage
The vast majority of people will need to go through a mortgage lender when purchasing a home. One of the last steps in the purchase process is the home appraisal. The lender wants to make sure they are not lending more money than the house is worth. If the appraisal value comes in above what the buyer is paying, then the buyer is happy because they might be getting a great deal. On the other hand, if the appraisal comes in below what the buyer is paying, this can be frustrating. What is the appraisal gap, and how does it…
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26 Jan 2022
By Tawnya King

Why Purchasing A House In 2022 Is Smart Despite Inflation

Mortgage
Anyone who has paid attention to the news has likely noticed that inflation is a constant headline. Inflation takes place when the average cost of goods and services begins to rise. There are a number of reasons why inflation has been rising at record rates during 2021 and 2022. The federal government has pumped money into the economy, and supply chain constraints have led to a shortage of goods. This means that everything from cars to groceries has gotten more expensive. Many individuals and families are looking for ways to save money, and this might mean putting off homeownership dreams.…
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25 Jan 2022
By Tawnya King

Buying A Second Home As A First Home: What To Know

Mortgage
Many first-time homebuyers are having a difficult time finding the right purchase. Therefore, a new trend is catching on. Some people are renting in the city, where property values are more expensive. Then, they buy a vacation home in the suburbs. Is it smart to buy a second home as a first home?  The Advantages Of Buying A Vacation Home First There are several advantages that come with buying a vacation home as a first home. First, buying a vacation home in the suburbs is usually less expensive than purchasing a house in the city. Furthermore, first-time homeowners can rent…
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14 Jan 2022
By Tawnya King

Maintain A Home’s Value With These Helpful Home Maintenance Tips

Mortgage
A home is an investment, so it is important to treat it as such. The best time to capitalize on a home's value is when it is sold. Therefore, it is important to take care of it with some simple home maintenance tips. There is a common misconception that if something is working well, it does not need to be fixed; however, it is always better to prevent problems from happening than to fix them after they have appeared. The average homeowner should spend between one and four percent of a home’s value per year to keep it in excellent…
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12 Jan 2022
By Tawnya King

Does Shopping Around for A Mortgage Pre-Approval Hurt Your Credit Rating?

Mortgage
Smart homebuyers know that mortgage rates and terms can vary widely among lenders. While your credit score and history will influence what rates and terms you’re offered, there’s a wide range of flexibility, which means shopping around for a pre-approval makes sense. At the same time, it’s important to minimize credit inquiries to protect your credit rating. What is Mortgage Pre-Approval? Mortgage pre-approval is often mistaken for mortgage pre-qualification. Pre-qualification is a process whereby the borrower personally submits their financial information to the lender. Pre-approval is the process whereby the lender does their own vetting regarding the income, debt and…
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06 Jan 2022
By Tawnya King

Understanding The Differences Between Conforming Loans And Jumbo Loans

Mortgage
Potential homeowners need to understand the different types of loans available. This is a major financial decision, and it is important to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of each option. The majority of home loans fall into two categories. The first is called a conforming loan and the second is called a jumbo loan. There are a few significant differences between them. How Is The Size Of A Home Loan Determined? First, it is important to understand how the size of a home loan is determined. Homebuyers usually need to put money down before they will be granted a home…
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