I’m a teacher. Are there any lenders who offer discounts for mortgage applicants who teach?

Planning to Refinance? Here’s What You Need To Know

If you’re looking to refinance your home, it’s important to know the eligibility requirements before initiating the process. Learning this information on the front end can save you a lot of hassle and time, allowing you to streamline your efforts into finding the best rate possible. It can also help you avoid common snags along […]

Why Should I use a mortgage brokers to find the best mortgage instead of approaching lenders directly?

A Mortgage Broker or a Bank? The Best Path to Finding the Ideal Mortgage

How do you find the best deal on a mortgage, knowing that even a small difference in interest rate or rules can mean a significant amount of money saved? Should you go to a mortgage broker or bank to find it? Let’s first look at what brokers do. A mortgage broker is a middleman who […]

I’m in the middle of the loan process for buying a new home and am considering opening a new credit card account. Is this a bad idea?

Four Unspoken Rules of Buying a Home

A combination of warmer weather and the promise of rising interest rates will be enough to convince many potential home buyers that this spring is the time to look. If you’re one of those potential buyers, here are four unspoken rules of home buying you should know before starting your search. 1. Get pre-approved. If […]

Applying For a Mortgage in 2014? Don’t Do It Until You Read These Tips (Part 2)

You have rights as a borrower—know them. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s new regulations were created to ensure that mortgage borrowers’ rights are protected. In fact, as a borrower, you have more rights this year than any previous year, thanks to the CFPB’s reform. Knowing your rights and exercising them in situations where you are […]

Should I just accept the mortgage loan terms a bank offers or can I negotiate those terms?

Applying For a Mortgage in 2014? Don’t Do It Until You Read These Tips (Part 1)

Thinking of getting a mortgage in 2014?  If so, there are a lot of changes happening.  Here are some tips on successfully navigating them and qualifying for the best mortgage available on the market: Refresh your financial record-keeping skills.  2014’s new rules require lenders to be especially thorough in requesting adequate documentation for borrowers’ income […]

Are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s troubles over?

Government Watchdog Finds Fault (Yet Again) in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s Practices

The Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Office of the Inspector General recently audited Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s use of a web portal designed to decrease error in collecting appraisal data.  Not surprisingly, the audit found that both government-sponsored entities are failing to use the portal properly.  For example, in some situations for which the database […]

With all the housing market changes, how can I be sure I’ll make money on a flipped property before I invest in it?