To buy or not to buy? Well, if paying rent is what you’re used to, taking that step toward purchasing your first place can be intimidating. For many people, the benefits of buying a home outweigh the advantages of renting. This is especially true when interest rates are low, making…

Buying your first home is an exciting time. And there are so many resources out there to help you prepare for it (I mean, have you seen the rest of our blog?). But as with most life-changing events, there are things people just don’t tell you. We’d like to help…

Learn how to increase home value for appraisal with these tips and renovation ideas. Thinking about selling your house in the future? If so, you’re probably thinking about how to increase home value for appraisal time so that you make a good return on investment (ROI). So what renovations yield…

What is a mortgage? A mortgage is another word for a home loan. Mortgages are designed to help people purchase real estate where there is an existing home or for building a new home. When you take out a mortgage, you’re borrowing money from a financial institution with the promise…

Can being your own boss hurt your chances at a mortgage? When it comes to getting a mortgage, credit and employment history play a huge part in a lender’s decision on whether to give you a loan. Many traditional lenders want to see stable employment with one employer and a…

Pay attention, Boomers! Here are seven mortgage facts you may not have been aware of. If you’re a Baby Boomer (born between 1946 and 1964), chances are you’ve gone through the home buying process at least once before. You’ve probably helped friends or family members purchase their own homes. You…