Mortgage
Keep up with mortgage trends and learn about mortgage tips and tricks in order to be an informed and competitive buyer in the real estate market.
When Should You Refinance Your Mortgage?
Why Refinance Your Mortgage? Refinancing your mortgage can be a strategic financial decision that helps you save money and achieve your financial goals. Here are some common reasons homeowners choose to refinance their mortgages. Eliminate Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) A common reason for refinancing is to remove private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI is typically required...
Home Buying FAQs
General Home Buying FAQs Why buy a home? Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you&...
Using a Home Equity Loan for Debt Consolidation
Using your home equity to pay off debt might sound like a big step, but with the right approach it can give yo...
What Is a Hard Money Loan? A Guide to Hard Money Lending
But what is a hard money lender? Hard money lenders offer loans based primarily on the value of the property b...
Bonus Depreciation for Real Estate: What It Is & How It Works
Understanding the concept of bonus depreciation and its practical application can help you capitalize on this opportunity and determine if investing in real estate now is a good time. So, what is bonus depreciation, and how does it affect you as an investor? Keep reading to learn more about bonus depreciation and how it works. ...
BRRRR Method: Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, & Repeat
Read on to learn more about BRRRR loans and explore how this approach can open doors to lucrative opportunitie...
How Does Mortgage Interest Work?
First-time and even seasoned home buyers typically ask their mortgage lender many questions during the home bu...
How to Use a Self-Directed IRA for Real Estate?
Offering you the best of both worlds, a self-directed IRA for real estate, or SDIRA, offers the preferential t...
What Is High-Net-Worth Lending?
That is exactly what high-net-worth lending is. It includes a more personalized level of service that is often customized to someone’s entire financial life. Not only do these types of loans usually come with lower interest rates when compared to traditional ones, but they also have longer repayment periods. This guide will cover high-net-worth lending...
5-8 Unit Commercial Multifamily Financing
In this article, we’ll discuss 5-8 unit commercial multifamily financing, exploring the unique opportunities...
What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
This insurance serves as a safety net, offering financial protection in the face of unforeseen events that cou...
ADU Loans: How to Finance an ADU
In this article, we’ll explore various methods and loans for financing ADUs to help you capitalize on this g...
Prepayment Penalty on a Mortgage: What to Know
One significant hurdle that borrowers may encounter is a prepayment penalty, which is a fee that’s triggered...
Contingent vs Pending: What Does It Mean in Real Estate?
Knowing the differences between contingent vs. pending is crucial, as it can help you understand how close a p...
Origination Fee: What Is a Mortgage Origination Fee?
So, what is an origination fee? In this article, we’ll discuss what a mortgage origination fee is, how it im...
Why Should I Buy a House?
Beyond the practical necessity of having a place to call home, purchasing real estate is often viewed as a sym...
Refinance an Investment Property: What to Know
In this article, we’ll discuss the key benefits and considerations associated with refinancing an invest...
What Is an Assumable Mortgage? Assumable Loans Explained
An assumable mortgage is when the buyer takes over, or “assumes”, the seller’s home loan. Some considera...
1031 Exchanges: Definition, Rules, & What to Know
So what is a 1031 exchange in real estate? While the concept of a 1031 exchange might sound appealing, its int...
Types of Real Estate Investments: Residential, Commercial, and More
For the new investor, the variety of real estate investment options can be overwhelming. Residential propertie...
15 Questions to Ask a Mortgage Lender
Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial decisions most people make in their lifetimes. With...
How Does a Home Equity Loan Work?
One of the most popular ways to access your home equity is to use a home equity loan (HELOAN). Home equity loa...
Tax Haven: 9 States With No Income Tax
Many corporations and individuals strive to maximize their money by avoiding paying local and federal taxes. A...
Short-Term Mortgages
The right mortgage program can help you save money while paying off your debt. While 30-year mortgages are the...
Is Refinancing for Home Improvements Worth It?
Your home isn’t just where you live—it’s an investment. As with any asset, the goal is to enhance its va...
Can You Refinance an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) Loan?
The adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is characterized by its variable interest rates that shift with market cond...
Average Home Appreciation Per Year
When considering homeownership, many people think beyond the immediate shelter and security of a home and lean...
When Is Your First Mortgage Payment Due?
Understanding your mortgage can be challenging, especially if you’re a first-time home buyer. Among the ...
Fair Market Value (FMV) Explained
When buying or selling a house, you’ll often hear the term “fair market value” or FMV. This ...
Dry Funding States: What States Allow Dry Funding in Real Estate?
How funds are handled in real estate transactions varies based on various factors, including location. Underst...
Understanding Notice of Default: How to Respond to a Default Notice
Homeownership is a significant investment. Like all major financial commitments, you’ll have several res...
Reverse Mortgage Pros and Cons
A reverse mortgage allows homeowners over the age of 62 to leverage their home’s equity without selling ...
How to Buy a House Without a Realtor
For many, the home-buying journey is accompanied by a realtor who acts as a guide, offering expertise on marke...
Understanding Mortgage Forbearance
When unexpected events happen, homeowners might face difficulties in making regular mortgage payments. One too...
The Four Types of Non-U.S. Citizen Mortgage Loans
Navigating the world of mortgages can be complex, especially if you’re a non-U.S. citizen looking to pur...
Qualifying for a Mortgage: What You Need to Know
Homeownership is a dream for many, symbolizing stability, investment, and the creation of lasting memories. Ho...
How to Buy and Sell Houses at the Same Time
Buying and selling a house at the same time is a delicate balancing act that requires impeccable timing, strat...
What Does a Mortgage Broker Do?
Finding the right lender and loan program can be a daunting experience for home buyers. A mortgage broker who ...
Freddie Mac vs. Fannie Mae: Key Differences Explained
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are government-sponsored entities (GSEs) that play pivotal roles in maintaining the...
Understanding Capital Gains Tax on Real Estate and Property Sales
When you sell your property, you’ll be subject to various tax implications. A capital gain is the rise in va...
How to Beat A Cash Offer on A House: 7 Strategies for Homebuyers
Cash offers are often seen as the gold standard in a competitive housing market, as they typically mean fewer ...
Are Home Warranties Worth It?
Every homeowner knows the peace of mind that comes with insuring their property. However, beyond the typical h...
Easement by Prescription: What Is It & How Does It Affect You?
When you apply for a home loan, lenders do a title search to uncover issues with the title, including liens an...
Mortgage Rate Lock Extension Fees Explained
A home is the largest investment many people make in their lifetimes. Unfortunately, the mortgage process can ...
Understanding APR vs. Interest Rate
For borrowers, understanding the distinctions between APR vs. interest rate can mean the difference between se...
House Titles: The Ultimate Guide
Being a property owner comes with many responsibilities and documents. One concept people misunderstand is the...
When to Notify a Mortgage Company of Death
When someone passes away, their family is typically responsible for tying up their loose ends, which may mean ...
House Hunting Tips and Shopping Guide
Finding a new home to purchase is a monumental step in anyone’s life. Anticipation, excitement, and a little...
Appraisal Gaps: What You Need to Know as a Home Buyer
Understanding various terminologies and processes that can affect your mortgage loan can significantly influen...
Foreclosure Definition & How to Avoid It: A Complete Guide
While homeownership has many benefits, homeowners must realize that investing in property always carries risks...
Underwater Mortgage: What It Is and How to Deal With It
Understanding the housing market can be challenging for anyone, including homeowners. An underwater mortgage i...
Blended Rate Calculator
Our blended interest rate calculator is designed to take the guesswork out of the equation. With this calculat...
401(k) Withdrawal for Home Purchase
Saving for a down payment and being able to prove your ability to repay a home loan can be challenging, especi...
How to Buy a House With Low Income
Are you wondering how to buy a house with low income? Buying a house with a low income can be a significant ch...
How to Increase Your Mortgage Pre-Approval Amount
Getting pre-approved is the first step to homeownership. A pre-approval letter demonstrates that you qualify f...
What Is the Adjusted Basis of a Rental Property?
Investing in rental property is all about making money. Unfortunately, earning on a rental property means payi...
Conventional Loan Requirements
Conventional loans are the most common type of mortgage product. Unfortunately, they can be more difficult to ...
How to Make a Cash Offer on a House
If you are looking to forgo a traditional mortgage, it is possible to become a cash home buyer if you have the...
How Long is a Pre-Approval Good For?
A mortgage pre-approval is one of the first steps you should take after making the decision to buy a home. Obt...
What Is Tappable Equity?
For many, a home is the most significant investment they’ll make. But what’s the point of investin...
What Are the 3 Types of Reverse Mortgages?
With a reverse mortgage, you can grow your income with a loan you don’t have to repay until you sell the...
A Guide to MCA Loans
A merchant cash advance (MCA) loan is a type of lending that is based on the average value of credit and debit...
No Doc Home Equity Loans: A Guide to No Doc HELOCs & HELOANs
A home equity loan can help you tap into your home’s equity to consolidate debt and free up your cash flow....
Can You Sell a House With a Mortgage?
If you already have equity in your home but you need to relocate or are interested in purchasing a new home, y...
How Much Are Closing Costs?
Buying a home is still a huge part of the American dream. Nevertheless, to achieve this goal, your actions mus...
How Long Does It Take to Refinance a House?
You can refinance your mortgage to fund home improvements, pay college tuition, or accomplish other financial ...
What Credit Score Is Needed to Buy a House?
Are you thinking about purchasing a house in the near future? If so, you have probably heard that there are a ...
Mortgage Pre-Approval: What You Need to Know
When shopping for a house, it helps to know how much you can afford to spend. A mortgage pre-approval helps yo...
Are Property Taxes Deductible?
When you purchase a home, you’ll be required to pay various fees, such as homeowner’s insurance and proper...
Debt Consolidation Calculator
If you’re looking for ways to get out of debt, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with paying ...
PMI vs MIP
A home is often one of the most significant purchases you’ll ever make. Unfortunately, not everyone real...
Tax Benefits of Real Estate Investing
Investing in real estate can help you build wealth over time while expanding your portfolio with new opportuni...
USDA Loan Pros and Cons
Homeownership can be expensive, but with the right mortgage, you can save thousands of dollars over the life o...
What Is APR on a Loan?
Taking out a loan costs money. When you take out a loan, you’ll see various terms on your paperwork that...
Does Forbearance Affect Getting a New Mortgage?
If you struggle to make on-time mortgage payments, you may qualify for forbearance. While you’re in forb...
Home Equity Line of Credit
Leveraging the equity you’ve built up in your home can help you pay for large expenses at a lower intere...
How to Calculate ROI on a Rental Property
Investing in rental property can help you grow your wealth, but it also comes with a different set of responsi...
Can You Buy a House With No Money Down?
Most people need mortgages to be able to afford to purchase a home, but you might know that with many home loa...
Real Estate Investing for Beginners
Investing in real estate has major benefits, like growing your wealth and passively generating income without ...
How to Get a Mortgage
Most home buyers need a mortgage to afford their dream homes. Unfortunately, getting a mortgage for the first ...
Second Mortgage vs Refinance
With a second mortgage or refinance, you can tap into your home’s equity to increase your cash flow, pay...
What Is a Cap Rate on a Rental Property? Everything You Need to Know
If you’re self-employed, such as a real estate investor, you need to make sure that you’re generating a so...
How to Sell Your House
Having a stress-free home selling process is crucial for anyone wondering how to sell their home. Most people ...
Inflation & Real Estate: What Happens to House Prices During Inflation?
Inflation is one of the many concerns on borrowers’ minds today. Unfortunately, when inflation rises, ho...
2/1 Buydown Calculator
A 2/1 buydown mortgage is a type of mortgage that allows the borrower to reduce the amount of interest paid du...
Documents Needed for Mortgage Pre-Approval
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage makes it easier for you to buy a home because the seller knows that they c...
What Do Underwriters Look for on Tax Returns?
If you have ever applied for a mortgage, you probably know that there is a tremendous amount of documentation ...
Can You Get a Home Loan Without a Job?
Being unemployed and not having a full-time job can hurt your chances of getting approved for a mortgage. That...
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Mortgage Underwriting Process
Applying for a mortgage can be confusing for first-time home buyers, but once you’ve gone through it onc...
Non-Conforming Loans: A Complete Guide
When you’re ready to buy a house and learn about the mortgage process, you’ll come across various terms th...
Is Your Interest Rate Percentage Holding Your Equity Hostage?
Investing in homeownership has many advantages. Over time, home values increase, allowing you to sell your hom...
How to Get a Loan Without a Job
Being unemployed can be stressful for the average person. Not having a job often means having little to no inc...
If You Have a High DTI, What Can Happen?
When you apply for a mortgage loan, you must meet the lender’s criteria for approval. Your income, job histo...
Letter of Explanation
If you are going through the process of applying for a mortgage, you understand that you might be asked for ce...
No Doc Loans
Traditional mortgages have stringent lending requirements. Lenders verify your income in several ways, includi...
Portfolio Loans: Understanding the Basics
Qualifying for a conventional mortgage can be challenging for many types of borrowers, including real estate i...
Jumbo vs. Conventional Loans: What Are The Differences?
When buying a home, you have many options to choose from. Most people don’t know how many mortgage progr...
First-Time Home Buyer Checklist: Everything You Need To Succeed
A home is a significant investment, but becoming a homeowner has many advantages. First, you’ll own your...
Property Tax: What It Is And How It’s Calculated
Property taxes are paid to the government to ensure projects such as community services, schools, and fixing t...
The Latest Home Price Appreciation Report: Why Real Estate is a Strong Investment in 2023
CoreLogic recently released its Home Price Appreciation Report, revealing that home prices in the US appreciat...
Latest Posts on the Blog
When Should You Refinance Your Mortgage?
Why Refinance Your Mortgage? Refinancing your mortgage can be a strategic financial decision that helps you sa...
Home Buying FAQs
General Home Buying FAQs Why buy a home? Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you&...
Using a Home Equity Loan for Debt Consolidation
Using your home equity to pay off debt might sound like a big step, but with the right approach it can give yo...