When taking out a mortgage loan, there are several different categories that the loan falls under, depending on what you intend to do with the home understanding the mortgage process will help you navigate the purchase of your second home or investment property easier. For a home that you intend to live in as your…
Posts Categorized: Buy a Home
If you are wanting to buy a home, and already own one, there are different rules, requirements, and restrictions that are in place for each kind of loan program. Read on to find out the ins and outs of owning multiple homes for conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA home loans. Conventional Home Loans If you…
Saving for a downpayment is often the most daunting part of the homebuying process. Having enough cash to put 20% down may seem out of reach, but don’t let that high number discourage you from becoming a homeowner. Despite what many people say, you don’t have to put 20% down to get the keys to…
There’s more to comparing the costs of renting and owning a home than the dollar cost of payments. Even with numbers like these, some still say renting is better: “Investing in a home is riskier than renting.” No risk, no reward. Besides, even studies conducted by the Federal Reserve show that owning can provide a net…
Many factors go into calculating value of a home. Most importantly, recently sold comparable properties must be considered. “Comps” should be similar in location, size, style, room count, condition, utility, etc. Appraisal is part art and part science, and the latter is hard to change. Sometimes, the hardest thing for owners is to be…
Understanding the HOW and WHY of Escrow Accounts Escrow accounts provide for the timely payment of taxes and insurance on your home. This prevents tax liens, loss of property and any lapse of insurance coverage. As part of your regular mortgage payment, 1/12th of the annual cost is collected. These funds are held and paid out as bills…