For most first time home buyers, and many repeat buyers, the process and documentation of a home purchase can be overwhelming. This need not be the case. A clear understanding of the process, the documents that will likely be needed …
Bi-Weekly Payments: Sounds good, but it is really to your advantage?
There has been a common practice that has gained acceptance over the past few years that pre-paying your mortgage is a good thing; and IT IS! Your goal for financial independence should be to own your home outright as an …
Where can I get a fair deal: the difference between Lenders and Brokers?
The world of home lending has changed dramatically. In the 1950’s if you wanted a home loan you went to a bank, sat down with a branch representative, showed them proof that you had 20% or more down payment and …
Seven Things Your Agent Should Know About Your Mortgage Approval
While many experienced real estate agents have a general understanding of the mortgage approval process, there are a few important details that frequently get overlooked which may cause a purchase to be delayed or denied. New regulation, updated disclosures, appraisal …
Do I Need To Sell My Home Before I Can Qualify For A New Mortgage On Another Property?
Although every situation is unique, it is not uncommon for homebuyers to qualify for a mortgage on a new home while still living in their primary residence. Perhaps you are outgrowing your current house, or have been forced to relocate …
What Do Appraisers Look For When Determining A Property’s Value?
Most people are surprised to learn what appraisers actually look at when determining the value of a real estate property. A common misconception homeowners generally have is that the value of their home is determined after the appraiser has completed …
Where Does My Earnest Money Go?
Hey, I gave my real estate agent a $5000 Earnest Money Deposit check… Where does that money go? A basic and very obvious question that most First-Time home Buyers ask once their purchase contract gets accepted. According to Wikipedia: Earnest …
Renting vs Buying A Home
Buying a home versus renting is a big decision that takes careful consideration. While there are several biased sources that can make arguments for or against owning a home, we’ve found that most home buyers base their ultimate decision on …
What Does Title Insurance Protect Me From?
By including title insurance when purchasing property, your title insurer takes on accountability for legal expenses to defend your property title, should it ever be challenged. Many different occurrences can come into play to warrant the need for title insurance. …